Homemade Panera Pecan Braid: A Sweet Bakery-Style Recipe

The Panera pecan braid whisks breakfast enthusiasts into a symphony of nutty decadence with its seductive, spiraling curves.

Golden layers intertwine, creating a mesmerizing dance of butter and pecans that beckons morning appetites.

Each delicate twist promises a sensory journey through rich, caramelized landscapes of flavor.

Homemade renditions unlock a world where traditional craftsmanship meets contemporary comfort, transforming simple ingredients into edible art.

Warm, toasty notes waft through the kitchen, signaling an imminent culinary celebration.

Surprisingly simple to create, this pastry masterpiece requires minimal technique but delivers maximum pleasure.

Get ready to elevate your morning routine with a treat that’s equal parts elegant and irresistible.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients in Panera Pecan Braid Copycat Recipe

• Puff Pastry: Select all-butter variety for rich, flaky texture that puffs beautifully.

• Pecans, Brown Sugar: Choose fresh, crisp pecans with deep golden color and sweet brown sugar without lumps.
• Maple Syrup: Opt for pure, dark maple syrup with robust woodland flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: Select high-quality, freshly ground cinnamon for vibrant warmth.
• Unsalted Butter: Use European-style butter with higher fat content for deeper richness.

• Powdered Sugar: Seek fine, silky powdered sugar without clumps.
• Vanilla Extract: Select pure vanilla extract for authentic, complex flavor.
• Whole Milk: Choose fresh, whole milk for smooth, creamy consistency.
• Large Egg: Pick fresh, room-temperature egg for perfect golden wash.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt to enhance overall sweetness and balance flavors.

Equipment Checklist for Panera’s Pecan Braid

• Mixing Bowl: Medium-sized bowl for combining filling ingredients.
• Rolling Pin: Helps smooth out pastry dough and create even surface.
• Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter: Essential for creating precise diagonal pastry strips.
• Baking Sheet: Provides flat surface for baking pastry.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents pastry from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Whisk: Perfect for mixing egg wash and preparing vanilla glaze.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.

Panera Copycat Pecan Braid – Instructions

Craft Delightful Pecan Pastry Braid

Preheat your oven and get ready for a mouthwatering adventure! Grab your puff pastry and let the magic begin.

• Prepare the Filling

Whip up a delectable mixture of chopped pecans, sweet maple syrup, rich brown sugar, melted butter, and a sprinkle of warm cinnamon. Mix everything until it’s beautifully combined and looks absolutely irresistible.

• Shape the Pastry

Gently unfold your thawed puff pastry and smooth it out with a rolling pin. Spread the pecan mixture down the center, leaving a bit of space at the edges. Using a sharp knife, create diagonal cuts along the sides of the pastry, creating strips that will form a gorgeous braid.

• Braid and Seal

Time to get artistic! Fold the pastry strips over the filling, alternating sides to create a stunning braided pattern. Tuck and pinch the edges to keep all that delicious filling securely inside. Brush the entire pastry with a golden egg wash that will make your creation shine.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide your masterpiece into the preheated oven. Watch as it transforms into a golden-brown wonder with bubbling, caramelized filling. After 25-30 minutes, your kitchen will be filled with an incredible aroma that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

• Finish with Flair

Once cooled, drizzle a silky vanilla glaze over the top. Mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and a splash of milk until you create a smooth, drizzling consistency. Slice, serve, and watch as everyone falls in love with your homemade pecan pastry braid.

How to Tweak the Panera Pecan Braid Recipe

Replace pecans with walnuts, almonds, or a mix of your favorite nuts for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for an extra layer of warmth and complexity.

Sprinkle dark chocolate chips into the pecan mixture before braiding for a decadent surprise.

Refrigerate the pastry for 15 minutes before rolling to ensure a flakier, more manageable texture.

Press the edges firmly to prevent the filling from leaking during baking, creating a picture-perfect pastry.

Assemble the pastry up to 24 hours before baking, then refrigerate until ready to bake for maximum convenience.

Wrap the unbaked pastry tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 weeks for a quick and delicious dessert anytime.

Serve Panera’s Pecan Braid Copycat with Elegance

• Serve Alongside Sweet Companions: Pair this pecan braid with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.
• Create Brunch Brilliance: Slice the pastry into smaller portions and serve as a delightful addition to a weekend brunch spread, complementing other breakfast favorites.
• Enhance with Beverage Pairings: Match the rich, nutty flavors with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a smooth caramel latte to elevate the tasting experience.
• Present with Decorative Flair: Dust the pastry with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or garnish with a few whole pecans for an elegant and Instagram-worthy presentation.

How to Store Pecan Braid Pastry Copycat

• Maximize Freshness: Keep the pecan braid wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. Refrigeration will help maintain its quality for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap the pastry securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm the pastry in a preheated oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes. This method helps restore the crispy texture and prevents sogginess.
• Perfect Portioning: Cut the pastry into individual slices before storing. This approach makes it easier to grab a quick snack and prevents repeated reheating of the entire pastry.

Homemade Panera Pecan Braid Recipe

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Panera’s pecan braid inspires this homemade pastry that brings bakery-style elegance to morning tables. Rich buttery dough swirls with cinnamon-spiced pecans, creating a sweet breakfast treat perfect for sharing with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed)
• ⅔ cup (66 g) pecan chips
• ½ cup (110 g) light brown sugar (packed)
• ¼ cup (81 g) maple syrup
• 3 tbsps (44 ml) salted butter (very soft)
• 1 large egg (beaten with 1 tbsp of water)
• 1 tsp (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
• ½ tsp (1 g) ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 ½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar
• 3 tbsps (44 ml) milk (plus more as needed)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) with the rack positioned centrally for uniform heat distribution.
2. Filling Creation: Blend pecans, maple syrup, dark brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined, creating a rich, aromatic mixture.
3. Pastry Preparation: Unfurl the thawed puff pastry on a parchment-lined surface, gently rolling to eliminate creases and establish a smooth rectangular foundation.
4. Filling Placement: Spread the pecan mixture along the pastry’s central third, maintaining precise margins at the top and bottom edges to facilitate braiding.
5. Braiding Technique: Slice diagonal strips along the outer pastry thirds, then artfully interweave these sections over the filling, creating an elegant lattice pattern while sealing the edges to prevent filling escape.
6. Egg Wash Application: Whisk an egg and delicately brush the pastry’s entire surface, ensuring a lustrous, golden exterior during baking.
7. Baking Process: Transfer the pastry to the preheated oven, baking for 25-30 minutes until the dough achieves a deep golden hue and the filling bubbles enticingly.
8. Cooling and Glazing: Allow the pastry to cool completely, then craft a smooth glaze by whisking powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and milk until it reaches a perfect drizzling consistency.
9. Final Touch: Generously cascade the glaze over the cooled pastry, permitting it to set before presenting this delectable creation.

Notes

• Pastry Precision: Use cold puff pastry for the flakiest, most delicate texture and ensure it’s fully thawed but still chilled when working with it.
• Filling Finesse: Allow the pecan mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes before spreading to let flavors meld and create a more intense taste profile.
• Braiding Technique: Cut pastry strips evenly and at a 45-degree angle for a professional-looking braid that ensures uniform baking and beautiful presentation.
• Glaze Management: Start with less liquid in the glaze and gradually add milk to control consistency, preventing it from becoming too runny or too thick.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg