PecanBon from Cinnabon features a soft, warm cinnamon roll generously topped with rich, buttery pecans and a drizzle of creamy cream cheese frosting, delivering a delightful combination of sweet, nutty, and gooey flavors.
Equipments
- Mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet or baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Oven
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Knife
- Pastry brush
- Cooling rack
- Spoon (for drizzling frosting)
Ingredients
- Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Filling:
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Pecan Topping:
- 1 cup pecan halves or pieces
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
When preparing your PecanBon from Cinnabon copycat recipe, ensure you use fresh pecans for the topping to maintain a rich, buttery flavor and crunchy texture. The dough requires active dry yeast, which must be activated in warm milk to achieve a soft and fluffy cinnamon roll base. Unsalted butter is used throughout the recipe to control salt levels and create a creamy consistency in the filling, topping, and frosting. Brown sugar combined with ground cinnamon gives the filling its signature sweet and spicy flavor, while the cream cheese frosting balances sweetness with a tangy smoothness. Your efforts in closely following these ingredient details will help you recreate the irresistible sweet, nutty, and gooey flavors characteristic of PecanBon from Cinnabon.
Instructions
- Warm milk to about 110°F.
- In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar; let sit until frothy (5–10 mins).
- Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture.
- Gradually mix in flour with the mixer until a dough forms.
- Knead dough for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area until doubled (about 1 hour).
- In a bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle (approx 16x21”).
- Spread softened butter over dough and sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Roll up dough tightly from the longer side, forming a log.
- Cut log into 12 even rolls using a knife.
- Place rolls in a parchment-lined baking pan.
- Cover and let rise until nearly doubled (30–40 mins).
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While rolls bake, toast pecans in a saucepan over medium heat with butter and brown sugar until bubbly and caramelized (3–5 mins). Set aside.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla, then add milk to desired consistency.
- Once rolls are out of oven, spread or drizzle with cream cheese frosting.
- Spoon pecan topping evenly over frosted rolls.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Substitution
PecanBon from Cinnabon copycat menu can be customized if you have dietary restrictions or ingredient limitations in your kitchen. You can substitute pecan halves with walnuts or almonds based on your preference or availability without compromising much on texture and flavor. If cream cheese is unavailable, a blend of mascarpone and a little lemon juice can mimic the tangy frosting experience. When measuring the yeast, be sure your milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast, ensuring proper dough rise for the soft roll. Your mixer or manual kneading can be used interchangeably, but kneading by hand requires more time and effort to develop the dough's elasticity.
Tips
To ensure your yeast activates properly, warm the milk to precisely 110degF and wait for the yeast to become frothy before mixing other ingredients. When kneading the dough, aim for a smooth, elastic texture which indicates proper gluten development essential for soft, fluffy rolls. Roll the dough into an even rectangle, about 16x21 inches, to create uniformly sized rolls that bake evenly. You'll enhance flavor and texture by toasting pecans with butter and brown sugar just before assembling to bring out their natural nuttiness and caramelize the topping perfectly.
Nutritions
PecanBon from Cinnabon combines high-calorie ingredients like all-purpose flour, butter, sugar, and cream cheese, making it rich in carbohydrates, fats, and sugars, which provide a dense energy source. The pecan topping contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, protein, and dietary fiber, aiding in satiety and supporting heart health. Your consumption of this treat offers calcium and vitamin A from cream cheese and butter, but it also comes with a significant amount of added sugars and saturated fats. Moderation is key to enjoy the flavorful delight without overwhelming your daily nutritional goals.
Storage
You can store leftover PecanBon cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their softness and freshness. For longer storage, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven before serving. Avoid refrigerating the rolls as this can dry them out and reduce flavor and texture quality.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour to add a nutty flavor and increase fiber content in your PecanBon dough. Consider mixing maple syrup into the cream cheese frosting as a natural sweetener that complements the pecan topping. Toasting the pecans with a pinch of sea salt enhances their crunch and balances the sweetness. Alternatively, spread a layer of caramel sauce beneath the pecans before drizzling the frosting to introduce a rich, buttery depth to each bite.
Allergies
PecanBon from Cinnabon contains pecans, which are tree nuts known to cause allergic reactions in some individuals. The pastry also includes dairy ingredients like butter and cream cheese, posing risks for those with milk allergies or lactose intolerance. You should exercise caution if you have nut or dairy allergies before consuming this cinnamon roll.
Why this recipe?
PecanBon from Cinnabon offers a rich blend of warm cinnamon rolls topped with crunchy, toasted pecans and a decadent glaze, creating a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors. Its soft, fluffy texture paired with the buttery pecan crunch makes it a favorite among customers seeking a unique twist on classic cinnamon rolls. You will appreciate how replicating this menu item allows for customization with quality ingredients and fresh preparation, resulting in a tastier and more affordable treat at home. Making a copycat PecanBon lets you enjoy the signature indulgence anytime without the restaurant price.