Description
Sticky Buns with Caramelized Pecans are soft, fluffy rolls swirled with cinnamon sugar, topped with a buttery caramel sauce and crunchy toasted pecans. This homemade treat combines gooey sweetness and satisfying texture for a cozy bakery-style experience perfect for any breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/45°C)
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
Caramelized Pecan Topping
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Warm milk to about 110°F (45°C) and dissolve yeast in it. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and eggs. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes. Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 to 2 hours.
- Make the Cinnamon Filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until a spreadable paste forms, creating a warm and sweet filling for the buns.
- Roll and Fill the Dough: Roll the risen dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over it. Roll the dough tightly starting from the long edge into a spiral. Slice into 1 to 1.5-inch thick pieces.
- Prepare the Caramelized Pecan Topping: In a saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar and heavy cream until smooth and bubbling. Stir in vanilla extract. Pour the caramel mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish, then evenly sprinkle chopped pecans over the caramel.
- Assemble and Bake: Place the rolled dough slices on top of the caramelized pecans in the baking dish, spacing slightly apart. Cover and let rise until puffed, about 30 minutes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Allow buns to cool slightly, then invert onto a serving plate so caramelized pecans are on top.
Notes
- Use fresh, active yeast for the best rise and texture.
- Spread cinnamon sugar filling evenly; avoid overfilling to prevent seepage during baking.
- Chop pecans uniformly for better caramelization and texture balance.
- Monitor the caramel closely; remove from heat once thickened to avoid burning.
- Let buns cool before inverting to ensure the caramel topping sets properly without slipping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: sticky buns, caramelized pecans, cinnamon rolls, caramel sauce, breakfast, brunch, homemade bakery
