A Tastykake Pecan Swirl is a delicious, sweet pastry filled with a sticky, gooey, cinnamon-sugar pecan filling, and topped with a glaze. It’s a favorite treat for many, and you can make a close copy at home with this recipe. Here’s a simple, homemade version of the Tastykake Pecan Swirl:
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
For the Pecan Filling:
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for added sweetness)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir to dissolve and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the softened butter, eggs, and milk. Pour in the yeast mixture once it’s ready.
- Use a stand mixer with a dough hook or your hands to mix everything into a smooth dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
2. Prepare the Pecan Filling:
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by mixing the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), chopped pecans, softened butter, and honey (if using) in a small bowl. Stir until it becomes a spreadable paste. Set aside.
3. Assemble the Pecan Swirls:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
- Spread the pecan filling evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- Carefully roll the dough into a log, starting from one of the long edges, and pinch the seam to seal it.
- Slice the dough into 1-inch wide pieces and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Leave a little space between each swirl.
- Cover the pan with a towel and let the rolls rise for an additional 30-45 minutes, until puffed up.
4. Bake the Swirls:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let the rolls cool slightly in the pan.
5. Make the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls while they are still slightly warm.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy these copycat Tastykake Pecan Swirls as a sweet breakfast, brunch, or dessert!
Tips:
- Make ahead: You can prepare the dough and filling the night before, then assemble and bake the next morning for fresh, warm pecan swirls.
- Freezing: These swirls freeze well. You can freeze the unbaked rolls, and when ready to bake, let them rise and bake as usual.
This copycat Tastykake Pecan Swirl recipe will give you that classic bakery-style treat with soft, sweet dough, a gooey pecan filling, and a sugary glaze. Perfect for enjoying with coffee or as a special breakfast!
