Of course! Here is a comprehensive, “big” recipe for Pecan & Maple Swirl Bread with Cream Cheese Glaze, complete with all the elements you requested.
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- A Symphony of Autumn: Pecan & Maple Swirl Bread
Introduction
This Pecan& Maple Swirl Bread is more than a mere baked good; it is an edible embrace of autumn. Imagine a soft, tender, and subtly sweet yeast bread, swirled with a rich, gooey ribbon of toasted pecans, cinnamon, and pure maple syrup. Each slice reveals a beautiful marbled pattern, a testament to the art of baking. Crowned with a velvety cream cheese glaze and an extra sprinkle of pecans, this bread exists in the glorious space between a decadent breakfast treat and an elegant dessert. It’s a project of love, rewarding the baker with an aroma that fills the home with warmth and a final product that is sure to inspire awe.
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Ingredients
For the Sweet Dough:
· 3 ½ to 4 cups (435-500g) all-purpose flour, divided
· ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
· 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp / 7g) instant or active dry yeast
· 1 tsp salt
· ½ cup (120ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
· ¼ cup (60ml) water, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
· ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, softened
· 2 large eggs, at room temperature
· 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
For the Maple-Pecan Swirl Filling:
· 1 cup (100g) pecans, finely chopped and toasted
· ½ cup (120ml) pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup)
· ⅓ cup (65g) light brown sugar, packed
· ¼ cup (½ stick / 57g) unsalted butter, melted
· 1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
· Pinch of salt
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
· 4 oz (113g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
· ¾ cup (90g) powdered sugar, sifted
· 1-2 tbsp milk or cream
· ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
· Pinch of salt
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Instructions & Methods
Method 1: Creating the Dough
1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, whisk together 2 cups (250g) of the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the warm milk, warm water, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until the ingredients are just combined, then increase to medium speed for 2 minutes. The mixture will be wet and sticky.
3. Knead the Dough: Gradually add the remaining 1 ½ cups (185g) of flour, ½ cup at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and forms a soft, slightly tacky ball. You may not need all the flour. Knead on medium speed for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Method 2: Preparing the Filling & Assembly
1. Make the Filling: While the dough rises, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, stir together the toasted pecans, maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt until a thick, spreadable paste forms. Set aside.
2. Roll Out the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a 10×18-inch rectangle.
3. Spread and Swirl: Spread the maple-pecan filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a ½-inch border on one long edge.
4. Roll it Up: Starting with the long side opposite the clean border, tightly roll the dough into a log, pinching the seam to seal. Place the log seam-side down.
5. Shape the Loaf: Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully slice the log in half lengthwise, exposing the beautiful layers of filling. Turn the two halves so the cut sides are facing up. Gently twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides visible, and then form the twist into a spiral or “S” shape and tuck the ends under. Carefully transfer the shaped loaf to a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Method 3: Second Rise & Baking
1. Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan with a towel and let the dough rise again for 45-60 minutes, until puffy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake: Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is deep golden brown and the internal temperature registers between 190-200°F (88-93°C). If the top browns too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil.
3. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
Method 4: Making the Glaze & Finishing
1. Whip the Glaze: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a thick but pourable consistency.
2. Glaze the Bread: Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the top. Immediately sprinkle with a few extra chopped toasted pecans for garnish.
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History & Formation
History:
The concept of swirled sweet breads has deep roots in European baking traditions,with classics like Hungarian Dios Beigli (a walnut roll) and Jewish Babka. This recipe is a distinctively North American evolution. It marries the continent’s native treasures—pecans from the southern United States and maple syrup from the northeastern forests—with the enriched dough techniques brought by European settlers. The cream cheese glaze is a modern American touch, popularized by the love for cream cheese frostings on cinnamon rolls and carrot cakes.
Formation:
The unique”twist” formation of this bread is both aesthetic and functional. By slicing the filled log and twisting the two halves together, you maximize the surface area of the delicious filling, ensuring every single bite is packed with flavor. This method prevents the filling from being trapped solely in the center, creating a stunning marbled effect that makes the loaf as beautiful as it is delicious.
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Nutrition & Benefits
Nutritional Profile (Approximate per slice):
· Calories: ~380 kcal
· Carbohydrates: ~52g
· Protein: ~6g
· Fat: ~17g
· Saturated Fat: ~8g
· Fiber: ~2g
· Sugars: ~28g
Benefits:
While this is an indulgent treat,it does offer some nutritional highlights:
· Pecans: A good source of healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and important minerals like manganese, which is crucial for bone health and metabolism.
· Pure Maple Syrup: Contains antioxidants and minerals like zinc and manganese, and is a more natural sweetener than refined white sugar or corn syrup.
· Mindful Baking: The process of baking from scratch is a form of mindfulness and creativity, offering mental health benefits through the act of creating something beautiful and nourishing for yourself and others.
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For the Lovers
This bread is a versatile crowd-pleaser, but it holds a special place in the hearts of:
· The Cozy Home Baker: Anyone who finds joy in the ritual of kneading dough and the scent of baking bread.
· Autumn Enthusiasts: Those who live for crisp air, falling leaves, and the warm, spicy flavors of the season.
· Brunch Connoisseurs: It is the ultimate show-stopping centerpiece for a weekend brunch, pairing perfectly with coffee.
· Anyone with a Sweet Tooth: It satisfies cravings for cinnamon rolls, coffee cake, and sticky buns all in one magnificent loaf.
Conclusion
Pecan & Maple Swirl Bread with Cream Cheese Glaze is a celebration of flavor, texture, and the simple joy of baking. It requires patience and care, but the reward is immeasurable. From its soft, enriched dough and decadent, nutty swirl to its tangy, sweet glaze, this bread is an experience. It’s a testament to how classic techniques can be fused with local ingredients to create something truly extraordinary. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and prepare to create a masterpiece that will fill your home with the unforgettable, welcoming aroma of autumn.
