How I Learned This Dessert

I first learned this Maple Butter Twists recipe from my stepmother, who made it every year as a cozy weekend coffee cake. She passed it down to me the way great recipes are shared — with warm memories, a handwritten card, and the reminder that “everything tastes better with maple.”

Every time I bake it, people immediately ask for seconds…and then the recipe. It’s one of those nostalgic, never-fail pastries that feels homemade, comforting, and special all at once.

Why You’ll Love It

This Maple Butter Twist is a show-stopping yeast coffee cake that looks fancy but is incredibly approachable to make. Here’s what makes it irresistible:

✔️ Soft, bakery-style dough that’s light and buttery

✔️ Swirls of maple, cinnamon, and brown sugar in every twist

✔️ A beautiful ring shape that looks like it came from a pastry shop

✔️ Warm, cozy flavors perfect for breakfast, brunch, or gifting

✔️ Maple glaze that drips into all the folds for the perfect finish

✔️ Makes TWO cakes — one to enjoy, one to share

It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a family tradition.

Ingredients

Dough

• 3¼ to 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• 3 Tbsp sugar
• 1½ tsp salt
• 1 pkg (¾ oz) active dry yeast
• ¾ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup butter
• 2 large eggs, room temperature

Filling

• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup sugar
• 3 Tbsp butter, softened
• 3 Tbsp maple syrup
• 4½ tsp all-purpose flour
• ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp maple flavoring (your “%” corrected)
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts

Maple Glaze

• ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
• ¼ tsp maple flavoring
• 2–3 tsp whole milk

Instructions

1. Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine 1½ cups flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. Heat the milk and butter in a saucepan to 120°–130°F.
3. Add warm milk mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until moistened.
4. Add eggs and beat on medium 2 minutes.
5. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a firm dough.
6. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
7. Place in a greased bowl, turn once, cover, and let rise until doubled — about 70 minutes.

2. Prepare the Filling

1. In a bowl, combine the first seven filling ingredients; beat 2 minutes.
2. Punch dough down and divide in half.
3. Roll each half into a 16×8-inch rectangle.
4. Spread the filling to within ½ inch of the edges.
5. Sprinkle evenly with chopped walnuts.
6. Roll each rectangle jelly-roll style, starting from a long side.

3. Create the Maple Twists

1. With a sharp knife, cut each roll lengthwise in half.
2. Turn the halves so the cut sides face upward.
3. Gently twist the two strips together into a rope.
4. Transfer each rope to a greased 9-inch round pan, coiling into a ring.
5. Tuck ends under and pinch to seal.
6. Cover and let rise again until doubled — about 45 minutes.

4. Bake & Glaze

1. Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown.
2. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
3. Whisk together confectioners’ sugar, maple flavoring, and milk.
4. Drizzle over warm cakes for the perfect glossy finish.

Nutrition (per slice)

119 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated), 21mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 19g carbs (8g sugar), 2g protein.

Serve It With (Perfect Pairings)

Maple Butter Twists are rich, warm, and perfectly sweet — and they shine even more when paired with the right drinks and sides. Here are delicious ideas to complete your brunch table:

☕ Hot Drinks

• Freshly brewed coffee (light roast to compliment the maple)
• Maple latte or vanilla latte
• Chai tea with cinnamon notes
• Hot chocolate for a cozy winter pairing

🥤 Cold Drinks

• Iced maple cold brew
• Cold milk or vanilla almond milk
• Chilled apple cider
• Iced chai with oat milk

🥚 Savory Sides

• Soft scrambled eggs with chives
• Breakfast sausage links
• Crispy bacon, maple glazed if you want to stay on-theme
• Spinach & egg omelet for a lighter option

🍓 Fresh Additions

• Mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• Fruit salad with maple-lime drizzle

Nutrition & Benefits

Maple Butter Twists are a cozy, comforting treat — and while they’re definitely an indulgence, they offer several benefits thanks to their ingredients and the balance of carbs, fats, and proteins.

⭐ Nutrition Snapshot (Per Slice)

• 119 calories
• 4g fat (2g saturated)
• 21mg cholesterol
• 144mg sodium
• 19g carbohydrates
• 8g sugars
• 2g protein

This makes each slice a moderate, portion-friendly sweet designed for breakfast or brunch without being overly heavy.

🌟 

Benefits

✔ Steady Energy from Yeast Dough

The combination of flour and eggs gives each slice a steady release of energy — perfect for morning routines, brunch events, or afternoon snacking.

✔ Maple Provides Natural Flavor Without Excess Sugar

Maple syrup adds rich flavor and sweetness, meaning you can use less refined sugar while still getting bold, warm maple notes in every bite.

✔ Source of Warm, Comforting Spices

Cinnamon isn’t just delicious — it offers antioxidant properties and helps stabilize blood sugar. It balances the sweetness and enhances the overall experience.

✔ Walnuts Add Healthy Fats & Crunch

Walnuts provide:

• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Antioxidants
• A crunchy texture contrast

They turn this into a more nourishing pastry compared to standard coffee cakes.

✔ Perfect for Sharing

Because this recipe makes two coffee cakes, it’s ideal for:

• brunch tables
• parties
• gifting
• family gatherings

Sharing food naturally supports connection, comfort, and celebration — an emotional wellness benefit.

✔ Homemade = Fewer Additives

Compared to store-bought pastries, this homemade twist contains:

• no artificial preservatives
• no low-quality oils
• real ingredients you control

That makes it a more wholesome treat overall.

Expert Tips for Perfect Maple Butter Twists

✔ Warm Your Liquids Correctly

Heat the milk and butter to 120°–130°F — warm enough to activate the yeast, but not so hot that it kills it. This gives you a soft, fluffy rise.

✔ Don’t Add Too Much Flour

The dough should be soft and slightly tacky, not dry. Add just enough flour to form a firm but elastic dough, which keeps the twists light instead of dense.

✔ Knead Until Smooth

Knead for 5–7 minutes to develop gluten. This structure is what gives your coffee cakes that bakery-style pull-apart texture.

✔ Let the Dough Fully Rise

Don’t rush the rising process. Let it double in size — this creates airiness and helps the twists maintain their shape.

✔ Spread the Filling Evenly

Keep the filling ½ inch away from the edges to prevent it from leaking out during baking.

✔ Twist with the Cut Side Facing Up

This exposes the maple-cinnamon layers so they caramelize beautifully and create those signature ribbons.

✔ Use the Right Pan Shape

A 9-inch round cake pan helps the rope coil into a perfect ring, rising upward instead of spreading outward.

✔ Bake Until Golden, Not Dark

Pull the twists out when they’re golden brown. Overbaking dries the dough and reduces the soft, tender texture.

✔ Glaze While Warm

Drizzle the maple glaze while the cakes are still warm so it melts into the crevices and gives a glossy finish.

✔ Make Ahead for Events

You can prepare the dough the night before, refrigerate it, and shape/bake it the next morning — perfect for brunch hosting.

✔ Freeze for Later

These twists freeze beautifully. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months; reheat at 300°F for 8–10 minutes.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

✔ Room Temperature (Best for Freshness)

Store your Maple Butter Twists at room temperature in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap.

They stay soft and delicious for 2–3 days.

Tip: Add a small piece of parchment or wax paper between layers to keep the glaze from sticking.

✔ Refrigeration (If You Need Longer Storage)

If you want to keep them fresh a bit longer, refrigerate them:

Up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Before serving, warm each slice in the microwave for 8–10 seconds to bring back softness.

✔ Freezer-Friendly (Perfect for Make-Ahead!)

These coffee cakes freeze beautifully.

To freeze:

1. Cool completely.
2. Wrap each twist tightly in plastic wrap.
3. Add a layer of foil or place inside a freezer-safe bag.

They will stay fresh for up to 2 months.

Reheat from Frozen:

Warm in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes or until soft and warm.

(Do not microwave from frozen — it can dry the dough.)

✔ How to Store After Slicing

If you slice the cake before storing:

• Wrap slices individually
• Place in a sealed container
• Store at room temp or refrigerate

This keeps the inside from drying out and makes quick snacks easy.

✔ Can I Make It Ahead? (Yes!)

You can prep the dough the night before:

• Complete the first rise
• Punch down
• Cover and refrigerate overnight

Next morning:

• Shape the twists
• Rise once more
• Bake as usual

Perfect for brunch hosting and holidays.

Serve your warm, golden Maple Butter Twists with your favorite coffee, tea, or a cozy weekend brunch spread. Every slice is soft, buttery, and filled with sweet maple-cinnamon ribbons — the kind of treat that brings everyone to the table and keeps them coming back for more.

Whether you’re baking for family, hosting brunch, or gifting a homemade pastry, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Enjoy every twist, every bite, and every maple-drizzled moment!