Name: Maple Pecan Bread with Brown Butter Maple Glaze and Candied Pecan Topping Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 270 g (2 ¼ cups) all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon sea salt; 1 batch (1 cup) vegan buttermilk (see note 1); 100 g (½ cup) light brown sugar; 120 ml (½ cup) pure maple syrup; 120 g (½ cup) vegan Greek-style yogurt (see note 2); 80 ml (⅓ cup) olive oil (see note 3); 2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 100 g (1 cup) pecans, chopped; 2 tablespoon vegan butter; 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 120 g (1 cup) powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon dairy-free milk; 1 tablespoon vegan butter; 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 50 g pecans, chopped

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 67 reviews

If you’re searching for a delightful treat that perfectly balances comforting flavors and a touch of indulgence, this Maple Pecan Bread with Brown Butter Maple Glaze and Candied Pecan Topping Recipe is a must-try. This easy-to-make, eggless, and dairy-free bread bursts with warm notes of maple, brown sugar, and cinnamon, topped with a luscious brown butter maple glaze and crunchy, sweet candied pecans. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell heavenly and pairs wonderfully with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. Trust me, once you try this Maple Pecan Bread with Brown Butter Maple Glaze and Candied Pecan Topping Recipe, it’ll quickly become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with light brown thick batter that has small lumps and a smooth, creamy texture. A light wooden spoon rests inside the bowl, partially covered by the batter. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a few scattered autumn leaves nearby and a small dish of pecans in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, contributing to the moist, tender texture and rich, warm flavors that make this bread so irresistible. You’ll find simple pantry staples combined with just the right touch of sweetness and spice.

All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups): Provides the structure and foundation for the bread, ensuring softness with a little chew.
Baking powder (1 tablespoon): Gives the bread a light, airy rise without any eggs.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds that classic warm spice note that complements the maple and pecans beautifully.
Sea salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Vegan buttermilk (1 cup): Keeps the bread moist and tender while adding a gentle tang.
Light brown sugar (½ cup): Imparts a deep caramel-like sweetness perfect for pecan bread.
Pure maple syrup (½ cup + extra): The star sweetener that brings natural richness and pairs excellently with pecans.
Vegan Greek-style yogurt (½ cup): Adds creaminess and moisture to the loaf without dairy.
Olive oil (⅓ cup): Keeps the bread tender and adds a subtle fruity note.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the overall flavor and makes the bread smell irresistible.
Chopped pecans (1 cup + extra for topping): Provide delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the maple glaze.
Vegan butter (for glaze and topping): For the rich, nutty brown butter maple glaze and the sweet candied pecan topping.
Powdered sugar (for glaze): Adds smooth sweetness and helps create a luscious, pourable glaze.
Dairy-free milk (1 teaspoon): Makes the glaze silky smooth and drizzle-worthy.

How to Make Maple Pecan Bread with Brown Butter Maple Glaze and Candied Pecan Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Environment

Start by preheating your oven to fan-forced 160°C (320°F) or conventional 180°C (356°F). Lightly grease a 1-pound loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to make removing the bread easier later. This simple prep step sets you up for success for a beautifully shaped loaf.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and sea salt. Whisk them to evenly distribute the baking powder and spices, ensuring the bread bakes evenly and has that perfect hint of cinnamon flavor throughout.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk the vegan buttermilk, light brown sugar, pure maple syrup, vegan Greek-style yogurt, olive oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. This vibrant wet mixture is where the magic begins, blending moisture and sweet notes that will keep your bread soft and flavorful.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Add half of the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and gently fold them together with a spatula — be careful not to overmix! Then fold in the remaining dry ingredients along with the chopped pecans. This careful folding technique keeps the bread tender and ensures those delightful pecan bits are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Bake Your Bread

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. For a signature crack down the middle, glide a buttered knife through the batter’s center. Place the pan on a baking sheet and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, checking at 55 minutes by inserting a toothpick or knife into the center — it should come out clean or with only a few crumbs attached. Cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Brown Butter Maple Glaze

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the vegan butter and keep stirring constantly until it turns a rich golden brown with a nutty aroma — this usually takes around 5 minutes. Quickly remove from heat to prevent burning. Whisk in the maple syrup, powdered sugar, and dairy-free milk until smooth. Drizzle this luscious glaze generously over your cooled loaf.

Step 7: Prepare the Candied Pecan Topping

Melt vegan butter again in a separate saucepan, add pure maple syrup and chopped pecans, and toast them for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and lightly caramelized. Let them cool for 10 to 15 minutes before sprinkling on top of the glazed bread for that irresistible crunch.

How to Serve Maple Pecan Bread with Brown Butter Maple Glaze and Candied Pecan Topping Recipe

The image shows a thick slice of nut bread on a white plate with a subtle rustic edge. The bread has a light brown color with visible chopped nuts inside and throughout the slice, giving it texture. The bottom edge of the bread is covered with a layer of creamy frosting, light beige in color, which is decorated with chopped pecans pressed into it. Behind the slice, the remaining loaf is visible on another white plate, showing the same nut-studded interior and a crumbly top sprinkled with chopped nuts. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface with soft natural lighting that highlights the warm tones and textures of the bread and nuts. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle some extra chopped pecans or a dash of cinnamon powder on top before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a pretty, snowy effect that makes every slice feel special. Fresh herbs like a sprig of rosemary can add an unexpected but delightful aromatic twist for holiday brunches.

Side Dishes

Maple Pecan Bread finds excellent company alongside creamy dairy-free yogurts or a smear of vegan cream cheese. For a heartier brunch, pair it with fresh fruit salad, roasted nuts, or a steaming cup of your favorite coffee or chai tea — the warmth and subtle sweetness of the bread harmonize beautifully with these sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve slices of this loaf stacked on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of additional maple syrup and vegan butter for spreading. You can also toast slices lightly for a warm breakfast treat or cut the bread into cubes to use in a dairy-free bread pudding enhanced with extra maple and pecan flavors. Presentation is all about warmth and comfort here.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Maple Pecan Bread tightly wrapped at room temperature or in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This protects the bread from drying out while preserving its moist, tender crumb and that delicious glaze.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight, and the flavors and texture will be as delightfully fresh as the day you baked it.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked feeling, gently warm slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 160°C (320°F) for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving to preserve the texture and keep the pecans from getting soggy. This way, every bite tastes as wonderful as the first one from the pan.

FAQs

Is this Maple Pecan Bread with Brown Butter Maple Glaze and Candied Pecan Topping Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is designed to be eggless and dairy-free, using vegan butter, vegan yogurt, and plant-based milks to keep it 100% vegan-friendly without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Can I use regular milk instead of vegan buttermilk?

You can, but to mimic vegan buttermilk, stir 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar into 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This gives you the acidity needed to react with the baking powder and keep the bread light and fluffy.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Use a toothpick or a knife to test by inserting it into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready. If it’s wet or sticky, bake for an additional 5 minutes and test again.

Can I substitute other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes! Walnuts or almonds make great alternatives, though they will change the flavor slightly. Toasting any substitute nuts before adding them will maximize their crunch and enhance the nutty richness in the bread.

What’s the best way to toast the candied pecan topping so it doesn’t burn?

Keep your heat on medium and stir the pecans constantly while they cook to ensure even browning. Remove the pan from the heat as soon as you smell the nutty aroma and see the syrup thickening to prevent burning, which happens quickly with maple syrup.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe that this Maple Pecan Bread with Brown Butter Maple Glaze and Candied Pecan Topping Recipe is a winner for any occasion, from cozy breakfasts to festive gatherings. Its effortless preparation, combined with decadent flavors and textures, makes it a joy to bake and a delight to share. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears—just be sure to save yourself a slice or two!