Go Back
To make the best caramel pecan sticky buns, you need these simple ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast - 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F) - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 large egg - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/4 cup butter, softened - 1 cup pecans, chopped - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) Each ingredient plays a vital role. The flour gives the buns structure, while sugar adds sweetness. Yeast helps the dough rise, making it fluffy. Warm milk activates the yeast, ensuring a good rise. Butter enriches the dough, adding flavor and moisture. The egg binds everything together. Salt enhances the flavor, while cinnamon adds warmth and spice. Brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like flavor. Softened butter spreads easily on the dough, and pecans give a crunchy texture. Finally, caramel sauce drizzles over the top, making these buns truly indulgent. Gather these ingredients, and you're ready to create a delicious treat that everyone will love! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, take a small bowl. Add warm milk and yeast. Make sure the milk is about 110°F. Stir it gently and let it sit for five minutes. You will know it is ready when it gets foamy on top. This foam shows that the yeast is alive and ready to help our buns rise. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine 2 cups of flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix these dry ingredients well. Now, make a well in the center. Pour in the yeast mixture, 1/4 cup of melted butter, and 1 large egg. Stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes. It should feel smooth and elastic when done. Now, place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. The dough should double in size. Once it has risen, punch it down gently to remove air. Roll it out into a rectangle about 12 by 18 inches. This size is perfect for our sticky buns. To make soft and fluffy buns, kneading and rising time matter. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes. This helps develop gluten, which gives the buns their structure. After kneading, let the dough rise in a warm area for about 1 hour until it doubles in size. This rise allows the yeast to work and creates that soft texture we love. You can use store-bought or homemade caramel sauce. Store-bought is quick and easy. Just pour it over your buns before baking. Homemade sauce has a rich flavor, but it takes time to make. If you choose homemade, wait until the sauce cools slightly before using. Either choice will give you delicious sticky buns. Measuring the cinnamon and sugar right is key. Use 1 tablespoon of cinnamon and 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Mix them well before sprinkling. Even distribution is important, so every bite is sweet and spicy. Use a spoon to sprinkle evenly over the dough. This will ensure that each bun has the perfect taste. Pro Tips Proof Your Yeast: Always ensure your yeast is fresh and active by proofing it in warm milk before adding it to the dough. Roll Tightly: When rolling the dough, make sure to roll it tightly to create those delicious swirls and prevent the filling from spilling out. Don’t Skip the Second Rise: Allowing the rolls to rise again after cutting helps achieve a light and fluffy texture in the final buns. Caramel Temperature: If using homemade caramel, ensure it's at room temperature before drizzling to avoid melting the dough. {{image_2}} You can switch out pecans for other nuts. Walnuts add a nice crunch and earthy taste. Almonds bring a sweet, light flavor. Just chop them up and use the same amount as you would pecans. This change keeps the texture and taste fun and exciting. Want to boost the flavor? Try adding vanilla or orange zest. A teaspoon of vanilla adds warmth and depth. Orange zest gives a bright, fresh twist. Just mix these in when you combine the other ingredients. These small changes can make your sticky buns even more special. Get creative with toppings! Flavored syrups like maple or chocolate drizzles can add a new layer of taste. You can drizzle the syrup on top after baking. This makes the buns extra decadent. Try different combinations to find your favorite. It’s a fun way to explore flavors! You can store sticky buns at room temperature or in the fridge. If you keep them at room temperature, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them soft. They can last this way for about 2-3 days. If you want them to stay fresh longer, store them in the fridge. Cold storage can extend their life by a few extra days. Just remember that cold can make them a bit firmer. To freeze sticky buns, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This will help keep them fresh for about 2-3 months. When you want to enjoy them, take out the desired number of buns. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight. For a warm treat, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This will help restore their soft texture. Sticky buns last about 2-3 days at room temperature. If you store them in the fridge, they can last up to a week. However, the longer they sit, the less fresh they taste. To enjoy their full flavor and softness, eat them within the first few days after baking. This way, you get the best taste and texture from your delicious caramel pecan sticky buns. Yes, you can make sticky buns ahead of time. After preparing the dough, let it rise. Once it doubles in size, shape the buns. Place them in the baking dish, cover, and chill overnight in the fridge. The next morning, let them rise for about 30 minutes before baking. This method saves time and adds a nice flavor. If you don’t have pecans, try walnuts or almonds. Both nuts add a great crunch and flavor. You can also use seeds, like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, for a nut-free option. Just chop them up and use them in the same way as pecans. To know if sticky buns are done, look for a golden brown color. The edges should be firm and not doughy. You can also use a toothpick; if it comes out clean, they are ready. Baking should take about 25-30 minutes at 350°F. For best results, keep an eye on them near the end. You learned how to make delicious sticky buns from scratch. We covered ingredients, step-by-step methods, and helpful tips. Remember to knead well and let the dough rise properly for the best texture. Experiment with different nuts or flavors to make the recipe your own. Lastly, store your sticky buns right to keep them fresh. With these techniques, you'll impress anyone who tries them. Enjoy your baking journey!

Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns

Delicious sticky buns topped with caramel and pecans.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 quarter cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 1 half cup warm milk
  • 1 quarter cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 half teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 half cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 quarter cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1 cup caramel sauce

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg.
  • Mix until a dough forms, then knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it's smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  • Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a rectangle (about 12x18 inches).
  • Spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon, followed by the chopped pecans.
  • Starting from one long end, roll the dough tightly into a log and pinch the seam to seal.
  • Cut the log into 12 equal slices and place them cut-side up in a greased baking dish.
  • Drizzle the caramel sauce over the rolls and sprinkle additional pecans on top.
  • Cover the dish again and allow the rolls to rise for another 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving platter to allow the caramel to drizzle down over the buns.

Notes

Allow enough time for the dough to rise for best results.
Keyword caramel, dessert, pecans, sticky buns