Is is a twist? A cake? A cinnamon roll? It’s definitely maple so who cares about the rest. This tender, buttery bread gets twisted up with some brown sugary maple filling and before you know it, trees everywhere will be dropping their fall leaves just because they smelled this wafting from your kitchen.  Don’t forget the maple glaze!

Maple Butter Twist Coffee Cake from The Food Charlatan

These are my final days of being 29 you guys! A few months ago I was telling my brother Nathan about my new exercise routine (that I’ve totally stuck with, thankyouverymuch. It’s shocking.) and he was like “Oh, you’re feeling that 30 coming along, aren’t ya?” And I was just like no, it’s because I’m feeling those post-3rd-kid love handles. No, really, they’re right here, I’m not talking abstract.

Maple Butter Twist Coffee Cake from The Food Charlatan

Once you have 3 kids, no one thinks you’re in your 20s anymore. It doesn’t matter what you look like. I’m not complaining, it doesn’t bother me. That’s just the way it is. More and more people are starting families later in life.

Maple Butter Twist Coffee Cake from The Food Charlatan

When I don’t have my kids with me, people assume I’m younger. Just a few weeks ago my best friend Sarah and I took a girl’s trip, and we went zip-lining. We were making small talk with the guides while standing on a tiny wooden platform 150 feet up a tree, and Sarah mentioned our 7 combined children (she has 4 kids). I thought the 20-something-guide’s eyes were going to pop right out. (I could tell he was 20-something because, well…I could just tell. I think this also means I’m definitely in the 30s crowd.)

So I guess I feel pretty okay about turning 30. I’ve kinda been here in spirit for a while anyway, and I’ve got the baby love handles to prove it. Bring it on, 30, I slay you.

Maple Butter Twist Coffee Cake from The Food Charlatan

Maple Butter Twist Coffee Cake from The Food Charlatan

(This is the real reason we all make homemade bread, right? The satisfaction of dough-punching?)

Maple Butter Twist Coffee Cake from The Food Charlatan

Maple Butter Twist Coffee Cake from The Food Charlatan

Maple Butter Twist Coffee Cake from The Food Charlatan

Maple Butter Twist Coffee Cake from The Food Charlatan

Maple Butter Twist Coffee Cake from The Food Charlatan

Maple Butter Twist Coffee Cake from The Food Charlatan

Maple Butter Twist Coffee Cake from The Food Charlatan

This is a classic recipe from Sarah, who’s mom has been making it for years. It’s kind of like a giant cinnamon roll that’s the size of a cake. Oh and maple flavored. WIN! Plus, the recipe makes two cakes. Perfect, that way I can fill out each side of my love handles equally, one for each side. Just kidding. Kinda.

Maple Butter Twist Coffee Cake from The Food Charlatan

Sarah keeps trying to tell me that this coffee cake tastes better the next day, or even two days after it’s made. She said that her mom (hi Anne! Thanks for the recipe!) always made it a couple days ahead, and then it would be ready for them to heat up on Christmas morning. I have NO IDEA how they managed this. This bread is so tender and sweet that every time I finish another bite that I’ve snatched, I’m ready to go back for more. We have some leftover and I have zero confidence that I will be able to provide you with a 2 day report.

Maple Butter Twist Coffee Cake from The Food Charlatan

Maple Butter Twist Coffee Cake from The Food Charlatan

(This is the gorgeous crispy bottom edge that makes life worth living.)

Sarah lives in Japan (her husband is in the military) and she’s often asleep when I’m awake. I’m sure she was glad this particular day, because she was spared the rapid fire texts I’m usually shooting any friend who gives me a family recipe. “Can I shape it in a pie pan?” “Oh no, I microwaved the milk too long and now I have to waaaaait aaah” “How do you usually slice it? Strips? Wedges?” Count your blessings Sarah.

Maple Butter Twist Coffee Cake from The Food Charlatan

P.S. I made this recipe on my Instagram stories yesterday, if you go head over in the first half of today it might still be there. You will also get to see my neighbor Tyrone try to spell “charlatan.” Haha! Why did I have to pick such a hard blog name to spell??

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One year ago: Fudgy Pumpkin Caramel Swirl Bars 
Two years ago: Ham Mac n Cheese Soup << this one’s a personal fav! 
Three years ago: Blackberry Cake with Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting < this sounds complicated. Trust me, it’s not!

 

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Maple Butter Twist Coffee Cake

5 from 5 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Total: 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 16
Is is a twist? A cake? A cinnamon roll? It’s definitely maple so who cares about the rest. This tender, buttery bread gets twisted up with some brown sugary maple filling and before you know it, trees everywhere will be dropping their fall leaves just because they smelled this wafting from your kitchen. 

Ingredients

For the dough

  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast*
  • 1/4 cup softened butter, (1/2 stick)
  • 3 tablespoons white sugar
  • 1 & 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 & 1/2 cups flour, spooned and leveled

For the maple filling

  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/3 cup white sugar
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup, real grade A
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon maple extract**
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

For the maple icing

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon maple extract**

Instructions

  • In a small bowl or glass measuring cup, add water and 1/2 cup milk. Microwave in 15 second increments, stirring each time, until the mixture is warm to the touch. It should be pleasant, not at all like you want to take your finger out. If it gets too hot, then stick it in the fridge for a couple minutes. 
  • When the milk and water are nice and warm but not hot, add the yeast and stir. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl or stand mixer, add 1/4 cup softened butter. Add 3 tablespoons white sugar and the salt. Beat with the paddle. (Or with a wooden spoon)
  • Check the yeast. If it is looking bubbly, then it's ready to go. If it hasn't changed at all, then toss it and start over. Better to find out now than in 2 hours when your bread doesn't rise.
  • Add the yeast mixture and 2 eggs to bowl with the butter. Beat well. 
  • Add the flour, one cup at a time. I added the full 3 and 1/2 cups but you may need to add less. It should form a fairly stiff dough that is smooth and does not stick to the sides of the bowl.
  • Knead with the dough hook or by hand for 5 minutes.
  • Spray a large bowl with nonstick spray. Shape the dough into a ball and put it in the bowl. Turn once so that the top is coated in oil, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap. 
  • Let rise in a warm place for 1 and 1/2 hours.
  • When the dough has doubled in size, punch down. 
  • Divide the dough in half.
  • On a lightly floured work surface or a pastry cloth, roll one half into a 14x8 inch rectangle. It doesn't have to be perfect. 
  • Make the filling: in a medium bowl, stir together 1/4 cup softened butter, brown sugar, 1/3 cup white sugar, maple syrup, flour, cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon maple extract. Add the walnuts if you are using them.
  • Spread half of the filling on the dough.
  • Roll up the dough from the 14 inch edge, the long way, so you have one long strip rolled up. See photos. 
  • Use wet fingers to pinch and seal the edges.
  • Use a sharp serrated knife to cut the roll in half lengthwise, all the way down the middle. See photos. I actually cut right along the seam I had just made. 
  • Lay each half so that the filling side is facing up. Twist the strips of dough together, keeping the cut side facing up. Use wet fingers to pinch the ends together. You should have one long twist that is all sealed.
  • Spray 2 cake pans with nonstick spray. They can be either 8 or 9 inch pans.
  • Coil the twisted dough into a circle in the prepared pan. Tuck the end underneath. 
  • Loosely cover with plastic wrap that has been sprayed with nonstick spray. Put in a warm place to rise for another 45 minutes. The cakes should double in size.
  • Repeat the process with the other half of the dough.
  • When the cakes are almost done rising, turn the oven on to 350 degrees F. 
  • Discard the plastic wrap at bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes. The top should be a deep golden brown and the center should be firm. 
  • Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. Set a timer! You don't want to forget. If you leave it in the pan too long you will have to battle with Maple Cement. 
  • After 10 minutes, use a knife to loosen the edges of the pan, then use a spatula or two to help you lift the cake out of the pan onto a cooling rack.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, and 1/2 teaspoon maple extract. Add a bit more milk if you prefer a thinner glaze.
  • Drizzle the glaze over the cakes.
  • Serve warm. If you are making these ahead, heat up individual portions in the microwave for about 10 seconds. 

Notes

*Scant means not super full. Don't let this stress you out, it doesn't matter too much.
**I always use Mapleine.
This recipe is from my BFF's mom, Anne. Thanks Anne!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 287kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 285mg | Potassium: 91mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 226IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 2mg
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 287
Keyword: coffee cake, maple butter
Did you make this? I'd love to see it!Mention @thefoodcharlatan or tag #thefoodcharlatan!

 

More maple recipes you’ll love!

I’m from California where you can find Maple Bars in any donut shop no matter how small. But after posting this recipe for Maple Bars several years ago, I realized it’s a west coast thing (I kept getting comments from people who said they can’t ever find them on the east coast.) Did you grow up eating these?

Maple Bars from TheFoodCharlatan.com

 

Or if you are not feeling the yeast today…try these 30 minute Maple Bars:

30-Minute Maple Bars

 

Maple Cheesecake with Roasted Pears << This is a no bake and it’s deliiiish. Such a creative way to use up summer pears.

Maple Cheesecake with Roasted Pears from TheFoodCharlatan.com

 

Swedish Cinnamon Buns with Cardamom << these are super fun to make!

Swedish Cinnamon Buns with Cardamom from The Food Charlatan

 

More maple recipes from other amazing food bloggers!

Maple Twists from Fake Ginger
Maple Bacon Donuts from Wonky Wonderful
Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread with Maple Glaze from Wishes and Dishes

 

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Comments

  1. Hi Karen
    So I followed a link that popped up on my news feed about roti bread – I got to your website, and I have now run out of printer ink because I have printed so many recipes! Loving your site – and very excited to start baking, which I can do because we are on lockdown!

    But, here in the UK, I have no idea what “brown sugar – packed” means? I understand brown sugar, and I understand packed (as in suitcase) but not sure how the two go together….. could you clarify for me please?!
    Thanks for the recipes!
    Nicky

    1. Hi Nicky! So glad you are enjoying the recipes, and here’s hoping you don’t run out of printer ink! Great question about brown sugar. It means you need to press the sugar down into the measuring cup. If you scoop it lightly, it won’t be the right amount. Let me know if you have any other questions! Thanks for the feedback!

  2. Hi love your recipe, but before you let it rise a second time, can i put it in the fridge for the night and cook it the next mroning?

    1. Hi Sindy! I think it would work fine, although I haven’t tried it. You will have to let it sit on the counter to do the second rise, which will probably take 1-2 hours, then bake after that.

    1. I’m so happy you and your husband liked it Kathy! It’s hard to beat that maple flavor! So good. Thanks for the comment!

    1. Hey Colleen! I’ve never tried that! I have no idea how it would turn out. I just looked at this recipe for freezing rolls ahead of time, maybe you could try this method? Let me know how it goes?

  3. This is too much for me to handle, but like in a good way. looks amaaaaazing. Do you like cut the braid in half to make the two cakes?

  4. wonderful my house smells great my husband came and said it smelled like a bakery
    fairy easy make get then out of pans as soon as you can I did not frost them

    1. It totally does make your house smell like a bakery! Yes good tips with the pans. I’m going to add that to the recipe, I meant to do it when I published. I left mine in for like a half hour and could barely get it out!

  5. Wow, these are beautiful and look so delicious! I’m thinking of making one maple and one just cinnamon…my husband loves maple but I prefer cinnamon. Definitely on my want-to-make-soon list!

  6. This looks so beautiful and delicious! (Thanks Sarah and Anne!)
    Happy Birthdat Karen (one day early). Love you sweet girl. So glad we’re now related. You make life better. For everyone.

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