Description
Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns are a classic, indulgent treat featuring soft, fluffy buns generously coated in luscious caramel sauce and topped with crunchy pecans. Perfect for a cozy breakfast, brunch, or anytime dessert, these sticky buns combine buttery dough, sweet caramel glaze, and toasted nuts for a truly heartwarming flavor experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Caramel Topping
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chopped pecans (lightly toasted)
Filling
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar in a bowl and let it proof until bubbly (about 5–10 minutes). Mix in melted butter, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, salt, and flour. Knead the mixture into a smooth, elastic dough. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Make the caramel topping: In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar together over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and turns a golden caramel color. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream until smooth. Pour the caramel sauce into the bottom of a greased baking pan, then evenly sprinkle the chopped toasted pecans over the caramel.
- Roll and fill the dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Brush the surface generously with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 10–12 even buns and arrange them cut side down over the caramel and pecan layer in the pan.
- Second rise: Cover the assembled buns and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, or until puffy. This helps develop a soft, pillowy texture.
- Bake to perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Once baked, immediately invert the pan onto a serving platter so the sticky caramel pecans are on top. Serve warm.
Notes
- Fresh yeast activation: Always test your yeast with warm milk and a bit of sugar to ensure active fermentation.
- Don’t overwork dough: Knead just until smooth to keep buns soft and tender.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Helps the dough come together evenly and rise better.
- Toast pecans lightly: Enhances their nutty flavor and adds extra crunch.
- Brush with butter before baking: Keeps the dough moist and rich during baking.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: sticky buns, caramel pecan buns, sweet rolls, caramel sticky buns, pecan sticky buns, bakery style buns, brunch recipes, breakfast buns