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Sticky Buns with Caramelized Pecans

Sticky Buns with Caramelized Pecans

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

Nutrition

Keywords: sticky buns, caramelized pecans, cinnamon rolls, caramel sauce, breakfast, brunch, homemade bakery