Vanilla Maple Pecan Loaf with Brown Butter Glaze

There’s an art to a loaf, the kind that fills your kitchen with the scent of comfort and sophistication. This Vanilla Maple Pecan Loaf with Brown Butter Glaze is that art made edible. It’s tender, fragrant with real vanilla and maple, and crowned with a velvety drizzle that glistens like winter morning light.

Whether shared as a gift or enjoyed fresh from the oven with a cup of coffee, this loaf carries a touch of simple luxury the kind that says home, heart, and holiday grace.

Affirmation: “I pour love into all I create and it returns to me in warmth and sweetness.”

Ingredients

For the Loaf:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed

• 2 large eggs

• ¼ cup pure maple syrup

• ¼ cup whole milk or cream

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• ½ cup toasted pecans, chopped

For the Brown Butter Glaze:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

• 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream, as needed

• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare:

   
   

   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

   
   

   In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter & Sugar:

   
   

   In a large bowl, beat together butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in maple syrup and vanilla.

4. Combine:

   
   

   Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with flour. Fold in toasted pecans.

5. Bake:

   
   

   Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool 10 minutes before transferring to a rack.

6. Make the Glaze:

   
   

   In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and continue to cook until golden brown and nutty in aroma.

   
   

   Remove from heat, whisk in powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of milk until smooth. Adjust consistency as desired.

7. Finish:

   
   

   Pour the warm glaze over the cooled loaf, letting it drip down the sides. Sprinkle with a few chopped pecans for texture and elegance.

Gifting Ideas

• Wrap cooled loaf in parchment paper and tie with satin ribbon or baker’s twine.

• Add a tag with the affirmation: “Made with warmth, wrapped in love.”

• Pair with a small jar of homemade spiced butter or maple glaze for a thoughtful, complete gift.