Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns

Name: Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons); 1/2 cup milk, warmed; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/4 cup corn syrup

Highlighted under: Everyday Dessert Recipes

I absolutely love making these Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns on special occasions. The rich, gooey caramel coupled with crunchy pecans makes for an unforgettable treat. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness, and it’s hard not to devour them all! The aroma that fills the kitchen while these buns bake is simply irresistible, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that everyone loves. Trust me, your friends and family will be begging for the recipe once they get a taste of these heavenly delights.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-15T10:47:29.889Z

When I first attempted these Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns, I was captivated by how they transformed my kitchen into a fragrant bakery. The combination of melting sugar and toasty pecans created a symphony of flavors that had my family eagerly awaiting their arrival. I soon realized that letting the dough rise properly was key; it not only makes the buns fluffier but also enhances their overall flavor.

Each time I bake these, I experiment with different toppings and fillings. My favorite version includes a hint of cinnamon in the dough, which adds another layer of warmth and complexity to the dish. Try them fresh out of the oven for the most delightful experience; the sticky caramel is truly at its best when it's warm!

        Why You'll Love These Sticky Buns
        Decadent caramel sauce that drips with each bite
Crunchy pecans add a perfect textural contrast
Easy to share with family and friends on any occasion

      

The Importance of Yeast in Dough

The yeast is crucial in making soft and fluffy sticky buns. When you mix the warm milk with sugar and yeast, you're activating it, which in turn ferments the sugars and produces carbon dioxide. This gas is what allows the dough to rise beautifully. If your yeast doesn't bubble within 10 minutes, it may be inactive—consider using a fresh package. The dough should double in size, a visual cue that indicates fermentation has successfully occurred.

As you knead the dough, aim for a smooth texture that becomes elastic. This gluten development is essential for structure, ensuring that the buns hold their shape and don't collapse during baking. If your dough feels too sticky, dust it lightly with flour and continue kneading until it reaches that perfect balance.

Making the Caramel Topping

Creating the caramel topping is an essential step that elevates these sticky buns to the next level. When you combine brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup, make sure to stir continuously as it heats. Watch carefully for that bubbly, glossy appearance indicating it's reached the right temperature. Allowing it to boil for 2-3 minutes is key; undercooking may lead to a syrup that doesn't thicken properly, while overcooking can result in a hardened topping.

For a richer flavor, you can use dark brown sugar instead of light brown, providing a deeper caramel taste that perfectly complements the pecans. Also, use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent scorching, and remember to pour the caramel over the buns while it's still warm for easy spreading.

How to Store and Reheat Sticky Buns

Once you've baked your Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns, you may want to enjoy them over a few days. To keep them fresh, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to extend their life, consider refrigerating them for up to a week, but note that this may slightly alter their texture.

For reheating, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. If you prefer a quicker method, microwave individual buns for about 20-30 seconds on a microwave-safe plate, but be cautious as this can sometimes lead to a chewy texture. Enjoying them warm brings back that gooey caramel consistency!

Ingredients

Start by gathering your ingredients for these delightful sticky buns:

Dough Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
1/2 cup milk, warmed
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs

Filling Ingredients

1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped

Caramel Topping Ingredients

1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup corn syrup

Combine these ingredients with care to create a delicious base for your sticky buns!

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake the perfect Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns:

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine warm milk and sugar, stirring until dissolved. Add yeast and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly. Mix in melted butter, eggs, and salt.

Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.

Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Make the Filling

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into a rectangle, spread softened butter over it, and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly. Top with chopped pecans.

Roll and Cut

Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.

Preheat Oven and Prepare Caramel

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Bring to a boil and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Pour over the dough pieces in the baking dish.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before inverting onto a serving platter.

Enjoy these warm sticky buns fresh out of the oven!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, drizzle with icing made from powdered sugar and milk after baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to make a lighter version of these sticky buns, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This adds nutritional value and a slight nutty flavor, enhancing the overall taste. Just be mindful that whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture, so you may need to slightly increase the liquid in your dough.

For a dairy-free option, consider using almond milk or coconut milk in place of regular milk, and substitute coconut oil for butter in the dough and filling. The flavor profile will slightly shift, but the buns will still hold their delicious integrity.

Variations to Try

Feel free to switch up the nuts used; walnuts or hazelnuts can provide a different flavor dimension while still offering that delightful crunch. You can also experiment with other spices in the filling, such as adding nutmeg or cardamom for a more aromatic experience.

For a decadent twist, try including chocolate chips in the filling, which melt into the dough as it bakes, creating a gooey chocolate surprise in every bite. This variation pairs exceptionally well with the caramel and pecans for a truly indulgent treat.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate the dough overnight. Just allow it to come to room temperature before rolling.

→ What can I substitute for pecans?

You can substitute walnuts or leave out nuts altogether if preferred.

→ How do I store leftover sticky buns?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can reheat them gently in the oven.

→ Can I freeze these sticky buns?

Absolutely! Freeze unbaked buns after cutting and before baking. When ready, let them rise at room temperature until doubled, then bake.