Maple-Cardamom Saffron Sticky Buns

I love to sprinkle nigella seeds over the tops of these fragrant buns — they look great and the savory nigella contrasts well with the sweet dough. (Sesame seeds would work, too.) Clotted cream is the perfect accompaniment, but if you can’t find it, crème fraîche or mascarpone would also be lovely — whether at breakfast or teatime. Featured in: Weekend Breakfasts To Warm The Heart, And Belly.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon/140 milliliters whole (full-fat)
3 tablespoons/40 grams unsalted butter cut into 6 sm ; more for greasing the pan
2 tablespoons granulated or superfine sugar (caster sugar)
1/8 teaspoon crushed saffron strands
1 1/2 teaspoons fast-acting (instant) yeast
1 1/3 cups/175 grams all-purpose flour (plain flour) ; more for dusting
1 1/3 cups/175 grams bread flour (strong flour)
1/2 teaspoon salt
7/8 cup/200 milliliters maple syrup
3 tablespoons/45 grams unsalted butter
3 cardamom pods
1 vanilla bean (vanilla pod)
1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt ; such as Maldon or fleur de sel
1 teaspoon nigella or sesame seeds (optional)
1 1/2 to 2 cups/300 to 400 grams clotted cream ; mascarpone cheese, or crème fraîche, for serving

INSTRUCTIONS

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Maple-Cardamom Saffron Sticky Buns

1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon/140 milliliters whole (full-fat) 
3  tablespoons/40 grams unsalted butter cut into 6 sm more for greasing the pan
2 tablespoons granulated or superfine sugar (caster sugar) 
1/8 teaspoon crushed saffron strands 
1 1/2 teaspoons fast-acting (instant) yeast 
1 1/3  cups/175 grams all-purpose flour (plain flour) more for dusting
1 1/3  cups/175 grams bread flour (strong flour) 
1/2 teaspoon salt 
7/8  cup/200 milliliters maple syrup 
3  tablespoons/45 grams unsalted butter 
3  cardamom pods 
1  vanilla bean (vanilla pod) 
1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt such as Maldon or fleur de sel
1 teaspoon nigella or sesame seeds (optional) 
1 1/2  to 2  cups/300 to 400 grams clotted cream mascarpone cheese, or crème fraîche, for serving

In a small pot, combine milk, butter, sugar and 1/3 cup/60 milliliters water over medium heat and heat about 1 minute, until butter has melted and the mixture is just lukewarm. (Too much heat will kill the yeast when it’s added.)

Transfer to a bowl, add saffron and yeast, whisk to combine and then set aside until the mixture is yellow and lightly frothy, 15 to 30 minutes.

In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine both flours, the salt and the milk mixture. Knead for 3 minutes, starting on the lowest speed and gradually increasing to medium, pausing every now and then to scrape down the sides and incorporate any dry bits on the bottom of the bowl. (If there is flour that refuses to be incorporated, add a teaspoon or two of water.)

Transfer dough to a lightly floured work surface. Knead by hand for 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Cover dough with a damp cloth and let rest for 10 minutes.

Grease a 9-inch/24-centimeter cake pan and line it with parchment paper. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each into a smooth ball. Place 1 dough ball in the center of the cake pan and then arrange the rest in a circle around it, leaving a 1/2-inch/1-centimeter gap on all sides of each ball. Cover with a slightly damp cloth and leave to rise in a warm place for about 1 1/2 hours, until doubled in size. The buns will press against one other and against the sides of the pan.

Toward the end of the rising, heat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit/200 degrees Celsius. Bake the risen buns for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden-brown and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.

While the buns bake, make the syrup: Use the flat side of a heavy knife to crush the cardamom and discard the papery outer pods, reserving the seeds. Use the knife or a mortar and pestle to lightly crush the seeds. Slit the vanilla bean lengthwise and use the tip of a small knife to scrape out the seeds from both sides. In a small pot, combine maple syrup, butter, cardamom and vanilla seeds over medium heat and cook 5 minutes, whisking occasionally, until the butter has melted and the syrup has thickened. Reduce the heat if necessary to prevent scorching. Set aside and keep warm.

As soon as the buns are baked, use a pastry brush to coat them evenly with syrup, then immediately sprinkle with the sea salt and seeds (if using). Let cool 10 minutes before transferring to a serving plate. To eat, slice the bun across the middle, and spread generously with clotted cream.

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Nutrition

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Serving Size: 1 recipe (6g)
Recipe Makes: 1

Calories: 9
Calories from Fat: 2 (22%)

Amt Per Serving		% DV

	Total Fat 0.2g	0 %
	Saturated Fat 0g	0 %
	Monounsaturated Fat 0g
	Polyunsanturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg		0 %
Sodium 1163.3mg		40 %
Potassium 33.3mg		1 %
Total Carbohydrate 2g		1 %
	Dietary Fiber 0.8g	3 %
	Sugars, other 1.2g
Protein 0.3g		0 %
Powered by: USDA Nutrition Database Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are derived from linked ingredients (shown at left in colored bullets) and may or may not be complete. Always consult a licensed nutritionist or doctor if you have a nutrition-related medical condition.

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Calories per serving: 9

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