Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe

Introduction

Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns are a luscious treat perfect for breakfast or brunch. Soft, fluffy dough swirled with cinnamon and brown sugar, topped with a decadent caramel pecan glaze, make these buns irresistibly delicious. They’re sure to impress family and guests alike.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk, warm
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for pan and filling)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup packed brown sugar (for caramel and filling)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
3. Step 3: Add eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.
4. Step 4: Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
5. Step 5: While the dough rises, melt 1/2 cup brown sugar, heavy cream, and 1/4 cup butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Pour this caramel mixture into the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle evenly with chopped pecans.
6. Step 6: Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle roughly 16×12 inches. Brush with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with the remaining brown sugar and cinnamon.
7. Step 7: Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 12 equal buns. Arrange the buns cut side up over the caramel and pecans in the baking dish.
8. Step 8: Cover the dish and let the buns rise for 30 to 45 minutes until puffed.
9. Step 9: Bake the buns for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
10. Step 10: Let the buns cool for 5 minutes, then carefully invert the pan onto a serving platter so the caramel and pecans are on top. Spoon any remaining caramel over the buns.
11. Step 11: Serve warm and enjoy the gooey, caramel goodness.

Tips & Variations

• Toast pecans before adding them for deeper flavor.
• Use room-temperature ingredients to ensure even rising.
• Chill assembled buns overnight and bake fresh in the morning for convenience.
• Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the caramel for a delightful contrast.
• Use dental floss or a sharp knife for clean, neat slices of dough rolls.

Storage

Store leftover sticky buns covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to restore their gooey texture. For longer storage, freeze the baked buns tightly wrapped for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and assemble the buns the night before. Cover and refrigerate them overnight, then allow them to rise briefly before baking fresh the next morning.

What can I substitute for pecans?

If you’re allergic or prefer a different nut, walnuts or almonds work well in this recipe. You can also omit nuts entirely for a simpler sticky bun.

Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 63 reviews

These Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns are a delightful breakfast treat featuring soft, fluffy cinnamon-swirled dough topped with a rich caramel glaze and crunchy pecans. Baked to golden perfection, these sticky buns are gooey, sweet, and perfect for brunch or a special occasion morning.

• Author: Ella
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 sticky buns 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 4 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup Whole Milk, warm
• 2 1/4 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast
• 1/3 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, melted (plus extra for pan and filling)
• 2 large Eggs

Caramel Topping

• 1 cup Brown Sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup Heavy Cream
• 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter
• 1 1/2 cups Chopped Pecans

Filling

• 1 cup Brown Sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon Ground Cinnamon
• Butter for brushing the dough (quantity as needed)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and ensure even caramel distribution.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is activated. Add in the eggs, melted butter, and salt. Gradually add in the flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: In a small saucepan, melt together the brown sugar, heavy cream, and 1/4 cup butter over medium heat to create the caramel sauce. Pour this mixture into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the caramel layer.
4. Assemble the Dish: Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Brush the surface generously with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly with the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture, and add vanilla extract if using. Carefully roll the dough into a log, then cut into 12 equal-sized buns. Place these buns cut side down over the caramel and pecans in the baking dish.
5. Cook to Perfection: Cover the baking dish and allow the buns to rise in a warm place for 30 to 45 minutes until doubled in size. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown and caramel is bubbling around the edges.
6. Finishing Touches: Remove the dish from the oven and let the buns cool for about 5 minutes. Carefully invert the pan onto a serving platter so the caramel and pecan topping is on top. Spoon any leftover caramel and pecans over the buns for extra gooeyness.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the sticky buns warm for the best gooey texture and flavor. Perfect as a sweet breakfast or brunch option.

Notes

• Chill assembled buns overnight for easy morning baking and enhanced flavor.
• Use floss to slice the dough rolls cleanly without squashing them.
• Toast pecans beforehand to deepen their flavor and add extra crunch.
• Add flaky sea salt over the caramel topping for a delightful sweet-salty contrast.

Keywords: Caramel pecan sticky buns, sticky rolls, cinnamon rolls, brunch recipe, caramel breakfast buns