Quick & Easy Panera Pecan Braid Copycat Recipe

The Panera’s pecan braid transports breakfast lovers into a world of buttery, nutty bliss with its delicate, intricate twists.

Soft, golden pastry weaves together rich pecan flavors in a mesmerizing pattern that catches every eye.

Delicate layers promise incredible texture and deep, warm sweetness that melts instantly on your tongue.

Its elegant design speaks to traditional baking techniques while delivering modern comfort and indulgence.

Homemade versions allow complete control over ingredients and presentation, ensuring superior quality and freshness.

Sweet aromas will drift through your kitchen, promising a memorable culinary experience.

Crafting this delectable treat requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction: grab your apron and prepare for pastry perfection.

What Makes Panera’s Pecan Braid Worth Copying

• Craft a Flaky Masterpiece: This recipe transforms simple puff pastry into a stunning braided dessert that looks like it came straight from a professional bakery, offering home bakers a chance to create restaurant-quality treats with minimal effort.
• Indulge in Sweet Maple Magic: The combination of pecans, maple syrup, and brown sugar creates a rich, caramelized filling that delivers deep, warming flavors perfect for cozy morning breakfasts or elegant dessert moments.
• Master an Easy Showstopper Technique: The braiding method looks complicated but is surprisingly simple, allowing even novice bakers to create a visually impressive pastry that will wow family and friends with minimal technical skill required.

What Goes Into This Buttery, Sweet Pastry

• Puff Pastry: Delicate, flaky base for the braid that creates a light and crispy texture. Look for all-butter variety for best flavor.
• Egg Wash: Helps create a golden, shiny exterior and helps seal the pastry edges.

• Pecans: Rich, buttery nuts that provide crunch and depth of flavor. Fresh, whole pecans work best.
• Maple Syrup: Adds sweet, rich caramel-like flavor with natural sweetness. Pure maple syrup recommended.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep, molasses-like sweetness and helps create a sticky filling. Dark brown sugar offers more intense flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the filling ingredients together. Use unsalted butter for better control of sweetness.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements the nutty and sweet flavors. Ground cinnamon works perfectly.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet icing with perfect drizzling consistency. Sifted sugar prevents lumps.
• Vanilla: Adds depth and aromatic sweetness to the icing. Pure vanilla extract preferred.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall sweetness of the frosting.
• Milk: Helps thin and create the right icing texture. Whole milk recommended for richness.

How to Make the Panera Pecan Braid at Home

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Create Pecan Filling

• Chopped pecans
• Maple syrup
• Brown sugar
• Melted butter
• Ground cinnamon

Stir until all ingredients are well mixed.

Step 3: Prepare the Pastry Dough

Carefully unfold the thawed puff pastry on a clean surface. Gently roll it with a rolling pin to smooth out any creases and create an even surface.

Step 4: Spread the Filling

Spread the pecan mixture along the center third of the pastry, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top and bottom.

Step 5: Create Pastry Strips

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice diagonal lines on the outer thirds of the pastry. Keep about 1 inch of space between the diagonal cuts and the filling.

Step 6: Braid the Pastry

Fold the pastry strips over the center filling, alternating sides to create a braided pattern. Tuck the top and bottom edges inward and pinch the edges to seal any openings.

Step 7: Apply Egg Wash

Whisk 1 egg with of water. Brush the entire surface of the pastry with the egg wash for a golden, shiny finish.

Step 8: Bake the Pastry

Place the braided pastry in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the dough turns golden brown and the filling begins to bubble.

Step 9: Prepare Vanilla Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 2-milk

Whisk until smooth, adding milk gradually to reach a drizzling consistency.

Step 10: Finish and Serve

Allow the pastry to cool for 10-15 minutes. Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Top Tips for a Flaky, Caramelized Finish

• Prevent Pecan Burnout: Toast nuts gently to enhance flavor without scorching, bringing out their rich, nutty essence.
• Seal Filling Secrets: Create a small border around ingredients to lock in sweet maple goodness and prevent messy leaks.
• Craft Flawless Folds: Stretch puff pastry strips delicately, guiding them into an elegant braid without causing unwanted tears.
• Glaze Like a Pro: Brush egg wash evenly to achieve a stunning golden shine that screams professional bakery quality.
• Temperature Wisdom: Let butter sit at room temperature for smoother mixing and more even filling distribution.

Keep That Pecan Braid Fresh for Later

• Refrigeration Method: Wrap the pecan braid tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Slide the container into the refrigerator's middle shelf where temperature remains consistent. This technique keeps the pastry fresh and prevents moisture loss for 4-5 days.
• Freezing Method: Place the pecan braid in a flat freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers if stacking multiple pastries. Seal the container completely to block air exposure. Freeze for up to 3 weeks, ensuring the braid maintains its delicate texture and flavor profile.
• Room Temperature Method: Keep the pecan braid in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Position the container on a cool kitchen counter or pantry shelf. Consume within 2 days for optimal taste and texture, preventing staleness and maintaining the pastry's original delightful crunch.

Make It Your Own: Braid Variations

• Nutty Maple Swirl: Replace pecans with a mix of walnuts and almonds for a complex, rich flavor profile that adds depth to the classic recipe.
• Chocolate Caramel Braid: Incorporate chocolate chips and caramel sauce into the filling, creating a decadent dessert with unexpected sweetness and gooey texture.
• Seasonal Berry Fusion: Swap maple syrup with honey and add fresh raspberries or blueberries to the filling, bringing a bright, fruity dimension to the traditional pastry.
• Spiced Pumpkin Version: Mix pumpkin puree with brown sugar and warm spices like nutmeg and ginger, transforming the braid into a cozy autumn-inspired treat that celebrates seasonal flavors.

Why This Pecan Braid Deserves a Spot on Your Table

Sweet symphony of Southern comfort meets French pastry technique in this Panera pecan braid masterpiece.

Classic maple and pecan notes dance across buttery puff pastry, creating delectable layers of indulgence.

Delicate braiding transforms simple ingredients into an artisan-style dessert sure to impress family and friends.

Homemade magic emerges from kitchen counters, rivaling professional bakery offerings with minimal effort.

Complex flavors meld seamlessly, delivering rustic elegance in each golden-baked slice.

Passionate bakers and dessert enthusiasts: snap a photo, share this recipe’s delightful journey on social media, spark culinary conversations, and spread delicious inspiration with your network.

Panera Pecan Braid Copycat Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 18 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Panera Pecan Braid brings sweet southern charm to your kitchen with golden pastry twisted into delicate layers of buttery pecan filling. Warm cinnamon and caramelized nuts promise a delightful breakfast treat you’ll savor with pure morning bliss.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 sheet frozen store-bought puff pastry – thawed
• ⅔ cup (66 g) pecan chips – or finely chopped pecans
• ½ cup (110 g) light brown sugar – packed
• ¼ cup (81 g) maple syrup
• 3 tablespoons (44 ml) salted butter – very soft
• 1 large egg – beaten with 1 tablespoon of water

Spices and Flavoring:

• ½ teaspoon (1 g) ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons (44 ml) milk – plus more as needed

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even baking.
2. Combine chopped pecans, pure maple syrup, dark brown sugar, unsalted butter, and ground cinnamon in a mixing bowl, stirring until the ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
3. Gently unfold the thawed puff pastry onto a parchment-lined surface, using a rolling pin to smooth out any creases and create an even rectangular shape.
4. Distribute the pecan filling along the central third of the pastry, maintaining approximately 1-inch margins at the top and bottom edges.
5. Using a sharp knife or pizza wheel, create diagonal cuts along the outer thirds of the pastry, ensuring consistent spacing between each slice.
6. Carefully fold the pastry strips over the filling, alternating sides to form an intricate braided pattern, then neatly tuck and seal the top and bottom edges to prevent filling from leaking.
7. Whisk an egg and gently brush the entire surface of the pastry to achieve a glossy, golden finish during baking.
8. Transfer the pastry and parchment paper to the preheated oven, baking for 25-30 minutes until the dough transforms into a rich golden brown and the filling begins to bubble.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the pastry to cool completely before applying the glaze.
10. In a separate bowl, blend powdered sugar, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and milk, whisking until smooth and adjusting the liquid to create a drizzle-able consistency.
11. Once cooled, generously drizzle the prepared glaze over the pastry, allowing it to set before serving.

Notes

• Transform ordinary weekends into gourmet moments with this bakery-worthy pecan pastry that looks far more complicated than it actually is.
• Maple and brown sugar melt together, creating a luscious filling that caramelizes into a rich, deep flavor profile during baking.
• Diagonal cutting technique turns simple puff pastry into an elegant braid, making home bakers feel like professional pastry chefs.
• Crispy golden-brown layers develop a stunning texture that crackles delicately when you bite into the warm, flaky pastry.
• Vanilla glaze drizzled over the top adds a sweet finishing touch that elevates this dessert from good to absolutely irresistible.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg