If you’re looking for a delicious and easy maple pecan plait recipe, you’re in for a treat! These golden, flaky pastries are filled with a rich maple and pecan filling, making them the perfect indulgence for a cozy morning or an afternoon coffee break. With a buttery puff pastry base and a nutty, caramelized maple pecan center, this recipe is simple to make but tastes like a bakery-quality delight.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make maple pecan plaits step by step. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, you’ll love how effortless this recipe is. Plus, with just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up these pastries in under an hour.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Pecan Plait Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Made with store-bought puff pastry for convenience.
- Rich & Buttery: The perfect balance of flaky pastry and gooey maple pecan filling.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!
- Better Than Store-Bought: Fresh, homemade flavor with simple ingredients.
Ingredients for Maple Pecan Plait Recipe Pastries
Plait Dough & Topping
- 1 lb (425 g) puff pastry dough, thawed
- 2 tbsp pecans, coarsely chopped
- 1 small whole egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Maple & Pecan Filling
- ¼ cup (80 g) maple syrup
- ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
- 3 tbsp (40 ml) heavy cream (minimum 35%)
- 1 small egg yolk
- 3 tbsp (40 g) unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup (120 g) pecans, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Maple Pecan Plaits
1: Prepare the Maple & Pecan Filling
- In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, brown sugar, heavy cream, and egg yolk.
- Heat over medium-low, stirring frequently until everything is well combined.
- Add the cubed butter, stirring until melted.
- Bring to a light boil and let it simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans.
- Let the filling cool at room temperature or refrigerate for 30 minutes to thicken.
2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Preheat the oven to 355°F (180°C) and place the rack in the middle position.
- Roll out the puff pastry into two 10” x 15” (25 cm x 35 cm) rectangles (if using pre-rolled sheets, skip this step).
- Cut each pastry into four 5” x 7.5” (10 cm x 16 cm) rectangles.
3: Fill & Shape the Plaits
- Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of cooled maple pecan filling in the center of each pastry, leaving ½ inch space on the top and bottom and 2 ½ inches on the sides.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut diagonal slits along the sides of the pastry.
- Fold the strips alternately over the filling, overlapping them to create a braided effect.
- Tuck in the top and bottom edges to seal the plait.
4: Bake the Pastries
- Transfer the pastries onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with extra chopped pecans.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden brown.
- Let them cool on a wire rack before serving.
Maple Pecan Plait Recipe
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Rolling pin (if needed)
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
Plait Dough & Topping
- 1 lb 425 g puff pastry dough, thawed
- 2 tbsp pecans coarsely chopped
- 1 small whole egg beaten (for egg wash)
Maple & Pecan Filling
- ¼ cup 80 g maple syrup
- ¼ cup 50 g brown sugar
- 3 tbsp 40 ml heavy cream (minimum 35%)
- 1 small egg yolk
- 3 tbsp 40 g unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup 120 g pecans, chopped
Instructions
1: Prepare the Maple & Pecan Filling
- In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, brown sugar, heavy cream, and egg yolk.
- Heat over medium-low, stirring frequently until everything is well combined.
- Add the cubed butter, stirring until melted.
- Bring to a light boil and let it simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans.
- Let the filling cool at room temperature or refrigerate for 30 minutes to thicken.
2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Preheat the oven to 355°F (180°C) and place the rack in the middle position.
- Roll out the puff pastry into two 10” x 15” (25 cm x 35 cm) rectangles (if using pre-rolled sheets, skip this step).
- Cut each pastry into four 5” x 7.5” (10 cm x 16 cm) rectangles.
3: Fill & Shape the Plaits
- Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of cooled maple pecan filling in the center of each pastry, leaving ½ inch space on the top and bottom and 2 ½ inches on the sides.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut diagonal slits along the sides of the pastry.
- Fold the strips alternately over the filling, overlapping them to create a braided effect.
- Tuck in the top and bottom edges to seal the plait.
4: Bake the Pastries
- Transfer the pastries onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with extra chopped pecans.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden brown.
- Let them cool on a wire rack before serving.
Video
Notes
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container.
- If the filling is too runny, add 1 tbsp cornstarch while simmering.
Nutrition (Per Serving):
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 18g
- Sugar: 15g
Pro Tips for the Best Maple Pecan Plait Recipe
- Use Cold Puff Pastry: Keeping the dough cold ensures a crisp, flaky texture.
- Chill the Filling: A thicker filling is easier to work with and prevents leaks.
- Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can spill out while baking. Stick to 2-3 tablespoons.
- Egg Wash for Shine: A light egg wash gives the pastry a golden, glossy finish.
- Let Them Cool: Allowing them to cool slightly helps the flavors develop.
How to Store & Reheat Maple Pecan Plaits
Storage:
- Best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- If refrigerating, place a paper towel inside the container to absorb moisture.
Reheating:
- Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.
- Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs – Maple Pecan Plait Recipe
1. Can I Use Store-Bought Puff Pastry?
Yes! Store-bought puff pastry saves time and works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it properly before using.
2. Can I Use a Different Nut Instead of Pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds are great substitutes.
3. Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the filling up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
4. Can I Freeze Maple Pecan Plaits?
Yes! Assemble the pastries, then freeze them unbaked for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.
Now that you know how to make maple pecan plaits, it’s time to bake your own batch! These pastries are buttery, crispy, and filled with a delicious maple pecan filling that makes them irresistible.
📌 Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments below! Share your experience and tag me on social media if you post a picture. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family!
Happy baking! 🍁🥐✨
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