Sticky Buns Recipe With Pecan Caramel

The Irresistible Sticky Buns Recipe: Pecan Caramel Magic

Crafting delectable sticky buns with pecan caramel can turn an ordinary morning into a sweet celebration of flavor.

Nutty pecans and rich caramel create a decadent symphony that dances across your taste buds.

Warm, gooey layers promise comfort in every single bite.

Golden-brown spirals emerge from the oven, releasing an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen.

Soft dough embraces a luscious filling, promising a breakfast experience that feels like pure indulgence.

Homemade magic awaits when you roll, sprinkle, and bake these irresistible treats.

Prepare to savor each heavenly morsel and let these sticky buns become your new weekend breakfast obsession.

Why Sticky Buns with Pecan Caramel Impress Everyone

  • Craft Comfort Baking: Dive into a delightful baking experience that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering treat everyone will adore.
  • Master Crowd-Pleaser: Create a show-stopping dessert that brings family and friends together, guaranteed to earn you rave reviews and requests for seconds.
  • Flexible Flavor Adventure: Customize the recipe by adjusting pecan amounts or experimenting with different nuts to match your personal taste preferences.
  • Weekend Brunch Star: Perfect for lazy weekend mornings, special gatherings, or when you want to surprise loved ones with a decadent homemade breakfast pastry.

Sticky Buns with Pecan Caramel Ingredients List

Main Ingredients:
  • Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the sticky buns.
  • Milk: Helps activate the yeast and adds moisture to the dough.
  • Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise and creating a soft, fluffy texture.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the dough.
Sweeteners and Flavoring:
  • Sugar, Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a delicious caramel topping.
  • Cinnamon: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor to the filling.
Binding and Topping Ingredients:
  • Butter, Softened Butter: Adds richness, moisture, and helps create a smooth filling and caramel topping.
  • Corn Syrup: Helps create a sticky, glossy caramel sauce.
  • Pecans: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the sticky buns.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sticky Buns with Pecan Caramel

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Warm milk to a cozy temperature around 110F. Combine milk with yeast in a spacious mixing bowl.

Let the mixture sit quietly until it becomes wonderfully frothy and bubbly, which takes about 5-10 minutes.

Step 2: Create the Dough

Add these ingredients to the yeast mixture:
  • Sugar
  • Softened butter
  • Eggs
  • Flour

Stir everything together until a soft, pillowy dough forms.

The mixture should feel smooth and slightly tacky.

Step 3: Knead and Rise

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.

Knead the dough with gentle, rhythmic motions for 5-7 minutes until it becomes silky and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

Mix together:
  • Softened butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon

Set the fragrant filling aside until ready to use.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Roll out the risen dough into a beautiful rectangular shape.

Spread the prepared filling evenly across the surface. Sprinkle pecans generously over the filling.

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, then slice into individual rolls.

Step 6: Create the Caramel Base

In a saucepan, combine brown sugar and corn syrup.

Cook over medium heat until the mixture starts bubbling and transforms into a rich, golden caramel. Pour this luscious caramel into a baking dish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the rolls on top of the caramel base. Bake in a preheated oven at 350F for 25-30 minutes.

Watch for a gorgeous golden-brown color that signals they’re ready to devour.

Helpful Notes for Perfect Sticky Buns with Pecan Caramel

  • Use a kitchen thermometer to hit the exact 110F for perfect yeast activation and soft, fluffy dough texture.
  • Gently work the dough on a floured surface, stopping when it becomes smooth and elastic to prevent tough buns.
  • Place the dough in a draft-free, warm spot like near a preheated oven to help it rise evenly and quickly.
  • Use dental floss or a sharp serrated knife to cut rolls without squishing the delicate dough and maintain perfect spiral shape.
  • Pour caramel while still warm to ensure even distribution and prevent hardening before baking.

Creative Twists on Sticky Buns with Pecan Caramel

  • Gluten-Free Pecan Sticky Buns: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend, using xanthan gum for better texture and structure.
  • Dairy-Free Caramel Version: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, using almond milk instead of dairy milk.
  • Maple Walnut Alternative: Swap pecans with chopped walnuts and replace corn syrup with pure maple syrup for a rich, woodsy flavor profile.
  • Vegan Cinnamon Roll Adaptation: Use plant-based milk, egg replacer, and vegan butter to create a completely animal-product-free version of the classic sticky bun.

Pairing Ideas for Sticky Buns with Pecan Caramel

Creamy, spiced chai tea complements the warm, gooey sticky buns with its aromatic blend of cinnamon and cardamom, creating a perfect morning indulgence.

A dollop of vanilla-infused whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream enhances the caramel and pecan flavors, adding luxurious creaminess to each bite.

A strong, dark roast coffee cuts through the sweetness, providing a robust contrast that balances the sticky buns’ rich, sugary profile.

This sophisticated beverage mirrors the caramel notes in the recipe, with a hint of salt that elevates the overall taste experience.

Storing Sticky Buns with Pecan Caramel the Right Way

  • Wrap sticky buns individually in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, preserving their soft texture and delicious flavor.
  • Carefully wrap each bun in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain optimal taste and quality.
  • Preheat oven to 325F, place buns on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through, restoring their gooey caramel goodness.

FAQs

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. After kneading, place it in a covered bowl in the refrigerator overnight. Let it come to room temperature and rise before rolling and filling.

  • Do I need a stand mixer to make these sticky buns?

No, you can easily mix and knead the dough by hand. Use a wooden spoon for mixing and knead on a clean surface until smooth and elastic.

  • How do I know the yeast is activated correctly?

The yeast mixture should become frothy and bubbly within 5-10 minutes after mixing with warm milk. If it doesn’t foam, the yeast might be old or the milk temperature was incorrect.

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Sticky Buns Recipe With Pecan Caramel

Sticky Buns Recipe With Pecan Caramel


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4.6 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Gooey sticky buns dance with rich pecan caramel, promising southern comfort in every delectable bite. Sweet pastry swirls promise pure indulgence you won’t want to miss.


Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients:

  • 4 cups (480 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk (warm)
  • 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter (softened)
  • 3 large eggs

Filling and Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (100 grams) pecans (chopped)
  • 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) corn syrup

Instructions

  1. Activate yeast by dissolving in warm milk at 110F (43C), allowing it to bloom and become frothy for 5-10 minutes.
  2. Create soft dough by incorporating sugar, butter, eggs, and flour into the yeast mixture, stirring until well combined.
  3. Develop dough texture by kneading on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Allow dough to rise in a greased bowl for approximately 1 hour, creating a puffy and doubled volume.
  5. Prepare filling by blending softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a uniform spread.
  6. Roll out risen dough into a rectangular shape, ensuring an even thickness.
  7. Spread filling across dough surface, then generously scatter pecans over the layer.
  8. Roll dough tightly into a compact log, creating spiraled layers of filling and nuts.
  9. Slice the log into individual rolls with precision.
  10. Craft caramel topping by simmering brown sugar and corn syrup in a saucepan until it reaches a bubbling consistency.
  11. Pour caramel mixture into a baking dish, creating a rich, sticky base.
  12. Arrange rolled buns atop the caramel layer, ensuring even spacing.
  13. Bake in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) for 25-30 minutes until achieving a golden-brown exterior.

Notes

  • Ensure milk temperature is precise at 110F to activate yeast perfectly without killing it.
  • Use room temperature ingredients like butter and eggs for smoother, more consistent dough texture.
  • Adjust rising time based on kitchen warmth; dough should double in size for optimal softness.
  • Customize by substituting pecans with walnuts or skipping nuts for nut-free version.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 311 kcal
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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