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Here’s what you need to make these delicious sticky buns: - 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 packed brown sugar - 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter (for spreading) - 1 cup chopped pecans - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) Sometimes you may not have all the ingredients. Here are some easy swaps: - Use almond milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free option. - Swap out the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for more fiber. - If you don't have pecans, try walnuts or hazelnuts. - You can use maple syrup in place of caramel sauce for a unique flavor. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh flour helps create the best dough. Fresh yeast ensures your sticky buns rise well. Fresh pecans add crunch and flavor. Always check for freshness to get great results. It’s worth the extra effort to make your sticky buns taste amazing! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, you need to wake up the yeast. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of warm milk with 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. You should see foam on top. This foam shows the yeast is active and ready to help your dough rise. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Make a well in the center. Pour in the yeast mixture, 1/4 cup of melted butter, and 1 large beaten egg. Mix it until a dough forms. Then, transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until it feels smooth. If it sticks, add a little more flour. After kneading, shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. When it doubles in size, punch it down gently. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 12 by 18 inches. Spread 1/4 cup of softened butter over the dough. Sprinkle it with 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Evenly add 1 cup of chopped pecans on top. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Now, cut the log into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife. Place the slices cut-side up in a greased baking dish, leaving space between them. Drizzle 1 cup of caramel sauce over the rolls and sprinkle any leftover pecans on top. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes in a warm area, allowing them to puff up. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes. They should turn golden brown and smell amazing. After baking, cool for about 10 minutes. To serve, invert the dish onto a platter. The caramel will flow over each sticky bun, making them irresistible. To get the best dough, use the right flour. All-purpose flour works well for these sticky buns. Make sure your milk is warm, not hot. This helps activate the yeast. Knead the dough until it feels smooth and elastic. If it sticks to your hands, add a little more flour. The right texture is soft yet firm. Temperature matters for rising dough. Keep it in a warm spot, away from drafts. If your kitchen is cool, try placing the dough near a warm oven. Cover it with a damp towel. This keeps the dough moist. Let it rise until it doubles in size, about an hour. If you want to speed things up, turn on the oven for a minute, then turn it off. Place the dough inside. For a fancy touch, add whole pecans on top. Drizzle extra caramel sauce before serving. You can also dust with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. Serve these sticky buns warm for the best flavor. They pair nicely with coffee or tea. Enjoy them as a breakfast treat or a dessert. Pro Tips Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure that your yeast is fresh and active for the best rise. If it doesn't foam after mixing with warm milk, it's time to replace it. Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smoother dough, make sure that your butter and egg are at room temperature before mixing them in. Knead Properly: Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten, which is crucial for the structure of the sticky buns. Cooling Time: Allow the sticky buns to cool slightly before inverting them onto a platter. This helps the caramel set a bit, making them easier to serve. {{image_4}} If you want nut-free sticky buns, just skip the pecans. You can replace the nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. These seeds add a nice crunch without any nuts. You can also add some sweet chocolate chips instead for a fun twist. You can mix up the flavors of your sticky buns easily. Try adding chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the dough for a rich taste. If you prefer fruit, consider chopped apples or pears for a fresh touch. You can even swirl in some jam for a fruity flavor. Each option gives you a unique treat. Toppings can change the whole vibe of your sticky buns. Instead of caramel sauce, you can use a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. You might also enjoy cream cheese frosting for a rich finish. For a fruity touch, drizzle a fruit compote over the top. Each topping option offers a new way to enjoy your sticky buns. To keep your sticky buns fresh, place them in an airtight container. This will help keep them soft. If you have multiple layers, use parchment paper between them. Store them at room temperature for up to three days. You can also keep them in the fridge for a week, but this may dry them out. Freezing is a great option if you have extra sticky buns. Wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat, first, take the buns out of the container. If they are frozen, let them thaw first. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the buns on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. You can also microwave them for about 20 seconds for a quick warm-up. Enjoy the gooey goodness! Serve these sticky buns warm for the best taste. I love to drizzle extra caramel sauce on top. You can also add a dusting of powdered sugar for a nice touch. Whole pecans on top look pretty and add texture. Place them on a nice platter for a beautiful display. The dough is ready when it has doubled in size. You can test it by gently pressing a finger into the dough. If the indent stays, it’s ready. If it springs back, let it rise a bit longer. This step helps create fluffy buns. Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before. After shaping the rolls, cover them and chill in the fridge. When you are ready, let them rise for about 30 minutes before baking. This makes it easy to enjoy fresh buns in the morning. If you don’t have caramel sauce, you can use maple syrup or honey. Both add sweetness and flavor. You can also make a quick homemade caramel with sugar and cream. Just be careful as it can get hot. In this post, we covered how to make delicious Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns. We discussed key ingredients, step-by-step baking instructions, and helpful tips. I shared tasty variations to suit your taste and easy storage methods for leftovers. Now you have everything you need to bake these sticky buns. Enjoy the process and share them with friends or family! You will impress everyone with your baking skills. Happy cooking!

Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns

Delicious sticky buns topped with caramel and pecans, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 2 cup warm milk (approximately 110°F)
  • 1 4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 4 cup softened unsalted butter (for spreading)
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and beaten egg.
  • Stir the mixture until a cohesive dough forms. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic, adjusting the flour as necessary to keep it from sticking.
  • Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
  • Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle measuring about 12x18 inches.
  • Evenly spread the softened butter over the surface of the dough, then sprinkle it generously with packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Distribute the chopped pecans evenly on top.
  • Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape, pinching the seam to seal it as you go.
  • Using a sharp knife or a piece of dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices. Arrange the slices cut-side up in a greased baking dish, ensuring they have some space between them.
  • Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the rolls and sprinkle any remaining chopped pecans on top for added crunch and flavor.
  • Cover the baking dish once more and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes in a warm area until they puff up slightly.
  • Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have an inviting aroma.
  • After baking, remove the dish from the oven and allow the sticky buns to cool for about 10 minutes. To serve, invert the dish onto a serving platter so that the luscious caramel cascades over each bun.

Notes

For an elegant presentation, garnish the top with additional whole pecans, a drizzle of extra caramel sauce, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve warm for the best experience!
Keyword caramel, dessert, pecans, sticky buns