If you’re searching for a delightful bake that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor, look no further than this Easy Maple Pecan Vegan Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe. It combines the warm notes of cinnamon and pure maple syrup with crunchy pecans, all wrapped in a moist, tender vegan bread. This recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a plant-based treat that feels both indulgent and wholesome, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a cozy dessert. Trust me, once you try this bread, it will quickly become one of your go-to favorites!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen for its role in creating the perfect balance of moistness, flavor, and texture. From the all-purpose flour forming the bread’s base to the toasted pecans adding delightful crunch, these simple pantry staples come together to create magic in your kitchen.
- All-purpose flour (270 g): The foundation for the bread’s tender crumb.
- Baking powder (1 tablespoon): Gives the bread a light, airy rise.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warm and fragrant spice.
- Sea salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Vegan buttermilk (1 batch): Provides moisture and subtle tang for a perfect bite.
- Light brown sugar (100 g): Adds sweetness with a hint of molasses depth.
- Pure maple syrup (120 ml plus extras): Delivers rich, natural sweetness and signature maple flavor.
- Vegan Greek-style yogurt (120 g): Contributes creaminess and moisture to keep the bread soft.
- Olive oil (80 ml): Ensures a tender texture and adds mild richness.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the overall flavor complexity.
- Pecans, chopped (100 g plus 50 g for topping): Toasted for a fantastic crunch and nutty flavor.
- Vegan butter (3 tablespoons total): Used both in the maple glaze and for toasting pecans, offering buttery richness without dairy.
- Powdered sugar (120 g): Brings sweetness and smooth texture to the glaze.
- Dairy-free milk (1 teaspoon): Helps create a silky glaze texture.
How to Make Easy Maple Pecan Vegan Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your baking setup
Before diving in, preheat your oven to 160°C fan-forced (or 180°C conventional). Lightly grease your 1-pound loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, making sure there’s an overhang on the sides. This little step makes it easy to lift out the bread once baked and keeps everything tidy!
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and sea salt. Whisking them ensures even distribution so every bite has just the right amount of spice and lift. Set this aside for a moment while you work on the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Whisk the wet ingredients
Grab your larger bowl and combine the vegan buttermilk, brown sugar, maple syrup, vegan Greek-style yogurt, olive oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk these until smooth and harmonious — this mixture will create the bread’s moist foundation and infuse it with that signature maple sweetness.
Step 4: Combine wet and dry mixtures
Add half of your dry ingredients into the wet bowl, gently folding with a spatula. Repeat with the remaining dry ingredients and then fold in the chopped pecans. Be gentle to avoid overmixing, which can make the bread tough. You want the batter just combined, with no streaks of flour.
Step 5: Assemble and prepare to bake
Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. For a professional touch, dip a butter knife in olive oil and run it down the center of the batter to help create a nice crack as it bakes, making the bread look irresistibly rustic.
Step 6: Bake to perfection
Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. At 55 minutes, test doneness by inserting a toothpick or knife; it should come out clean with just a few crumbs clinging. If not quite ready, continue baking at 5-minute intervals until perfectly cooked and golden brown on top.
Step 7: Cool and transfer
Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set, then gently lift it onto a cooling rack using the parchment paper sling. Complete cooling before glazing — this step is important to prevent the glaze from melting away.
Step 8: Prepare the maple glaze
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the vegan butter, stirring constantly until it turns a lovely golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. This browned butter flavor will take your maple glaze to the next level — but watch carefully, it burns quickly!
Step 9: Whisk glaze ingredients
Remove the butter from heat and whisk in the maple syrup, powdered sugar, and dairy-free milk until the glaze is smooth and luscious. Drizzle it generously over the cooled loaf, letting it cascade down the sides for full coverage.
Step 10: Toast the pecan topping
In a clean saucepan, melt some more vegan butter, add the maple syrup and pecans, tossing them together until toasty and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. Allow these to cool before sprinkling on top of the glazed bread. The crunchy pecan topping is the perfect finishing touch!
How to Serve Easy Maple Pecan Vegan Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or an extra handful of toasted pecans sprinkled on top can elevate the presentation and texture. Some fresh maple drizzle just before serving adds an inviting sheen and extra sweetness.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs eloquently with a warm cup of coffee or spiced chai. For brunch, serve alongside fresh seasonal fruit or a vegan cream cheese spread to complement the rich maple and nutty flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bread thick and serve with vegan butter melting on top for that classic comfort vibe. Or, toast it lightly and use it as a base for dairy-free ricotta and fresh figs, drizzled once more with maple syrup — a fancy twist that wows guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Easy Maple Pecan Vegan Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This way, it stays moist and flavorful, ready to enjoy anytime.
Freezing
You can freeze the bread for longer storage. Slice it first if you prefer, then wrap each slice or the whole loaf tightly in plastic and aluminum foil. Freeze up to two months. When ready, thaw at room temperature or toast from frozen for a quick treat.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave. Adding a dab of vegan butter or an extra drizzle of maple syrup creates a fresh-from-the-oven experience that’s simple and satisfying.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts make wonderful substitutions, each bringing its own unique crunch and flavor to the bread. Just toast them lightly to maximize their taste.
Is there a substitute for vegan buttermilk?
If you don’t have vegan buttermilk on hand, mixing 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of plant-based milk works perfectly as a stand-in, adding the necessary acidity and moisture.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, but you’ll need a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum or another binder. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different, but still delicious.
How sweet is this bread?
This Easy Maple Pecan Vegan Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe offers a balanced sweetness, thanks to the combination of maple syrup, brown sugar, and glaze. It’s sweet enough to satisfy, but not overpowering, making it perfect for any time of day.
Can I prepare the glaze in advance?
It’s best to prepare the glaze fresh to maintain its smooth texture and vibrant flavor. However, you can make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge, gently reheating and whisking before drizzling over the bread.
Final Thoughts
Baking this Easy Maple Pecan Vegan Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe is like giving yourself a warm, sweet hug in loaf form. Its tender crumb, rich maple notes, and crunchy pecan topping come together in a way that’s utterly irresistible. So go ahead, treat yourself and those you love to this mouthwatering bread that brings a touch of cozy magic to any day!
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Easy Maple Pecan Vegan Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delight in this Easy Maple Pecan Bread, a moist and flavorful vegan loaf infused with warm cinnamon, pure maple syrup, and crunchy pecans. Perfectly sweetened and topped with a luscious maple glaze and toasted pecan topping, this bread is an ideal treat for breakfasts or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 270 g all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 batch vegan buttermilk (see note 1)
- 100 g light brown sugar
- 120 ml pure maple syrup
- 120 g vegan Greek-style yogurt (see note 2)
- 80 ml olive oil (see note 3)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Mix-ins and Toppings
- 100 g pecans (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 120 g powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon dairy-free milk
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (for topping)
- 50 g pecans (chopped, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare: Preheat your oven to fan-forced 160°C (320°F) or conventional 180°C (356°F). Lightly grease a 1-pound loaf pan with oil and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to help with easy removal of the bread.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and sea salt. Whisk to ensure even distribution and set the mixture aside for later use.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegan buttermilk, light brown sugar, pure maple syrup, vegan Greek-style yogurt, olive oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine wet and dry: Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently fold with a spatula. Then fold in the remaining dry ingredients along with the chopped pecans. Mix until just combined, making sure there are no visible streaks of flour but avoiding overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Assemble: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Place the pan on a baking sheet or aluminum tray for stability. Optionally, lightly oil a butter knife and run it through the middle of the batter to encourage a clean crack during baking.
- Bake: Bake for 55-65 minutes. At around 55 minutes, insert a toothpick or knife into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean with only a few crumbs attached. If not done, continue baking in 5-minute increments until fully baked and the top is golden brown.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents sogginess and ensures the loaf sets well.
- Make the glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the vegan butter, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes, until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it.
- Add glaze ingredients: Stir in the pure maple syrup, powdered sugar, and non-dairy milk to the browned butter. Whisk the mixture until smooth and glossy. Drizzle this glaze evenly over the cooled loaf.
- Prepare pecan topping: In a small saucepan, melt the vegan butter, then add the maple syrup and chopped pecans. Toss and toast the pecans for 2-3 minutes to coat and slightly caramelize. Remove from heat and let cool for 10-15 minutes before sprinkling them over the glazed loaf to finish.
Notes
- Note 1: Vegan buttermilk can be made by adding 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to 240 ml of unsweetened plant-based milk; let it sit for 5-10 minutes until curdled.
- Note 2: Use a thick, creamy vegan Greek-style yogurt such as almond or coconut-based for best results.
- Note 3: Olive oil adds a fruity richness, but you can substitute with another neutral oil if preferred.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to ensure a tender crumb.
- The glazing butter must be browned carefully to avoid burning, as it cooks quickly.
- The loaf pan should be well lined and greased to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American