Save to Pinterest Soft, pillowy buns swirled with cinnamon sugar and pecans, baked in a luscious honey caramel sauce for a decadent breakfast or dessert treat.
I first made these sticky buns on a chilly Sunday morning and the house was filled with a warm, irresistible aroma that brought everyone to the table.
Ingredients
- Dough: 3 1/4 cups (400 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar, 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast, 1/2 tsp salt, 3/4 cup (180 ml) whole milk warmed to 110°F/43°C, 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter melted, 2 large eggs
- Filling: 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar packed, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter softened, 1 cup (110 g) pecans roughly chopped
- Honey Caramel Sauce: 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, 1/2 cup (120 ml) honey, 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar packed, 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 cup (110 g) pecan halves
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let stand 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2:
- Add melted butter, eggs, remaining sugar, and salt. Mix well. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Step 3:
- Knead dough on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Step 4:
- Prepare the honey caramel sauce In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add honey, brown sugar, and salt stir until smooth. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in pecan halves. Pour sauce into a greased 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Step 5:
- Punch down risen dough. Roll out on a floured surface to a 16x12-inch (40x30 cm) rectangle.
- Step 6:
- Spread softened butter evenly over dough. Sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans.
- Step 7:
- Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces.
- Step 8:
- Arrange buns, cut side down, over the honey caramel sauce in the baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes until puffy.
- Step 9:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake buns for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 10:
- Cool for 5 minutes, then invert the pan onto a serving platter so the sticky pecan topping is on top. Serve warm.
Save to Pinterest Sharing these sticky buns always brings the family closer as we gather around the table with warm coffee and smiles.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of ground cardamom or nutmeg to the filling. Pairs beautifully with strong coffee or black tea.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, saucepan, rolling pin, 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, sharp knife or dough cutter, stand mixer (optional)
Nutritional Information
Calories: 420, Total Fat: 23 g, Carbohydrates: 50 g, Protein: 6 g per serving
Save to Pinterest Enjoy these sticky buns warm for the best melt-in-your-mouth experience each time you bake them.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I ensure the dough rises properly?
Use warm milk and fresh yeast, letting the mixture foam before combining ingredients. Keep the dough in a warm, draft-free place to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- → Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?
Yes, walnuts make a great alternative providing a similar texture and flavor profile to the filling and topping.
- → What temperature should I bake these buns at?
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the buns for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- → How can I add more flavor to the filling?
Adding a pinch of ground cardamom or nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar and pecan mixture enhances warmth and aromatic depth.
- → What is the best way to serve these buns?
Serve warm after inverting the pan to showcase the sticky honey caramel pecan topping. They pair wonderfully with strong coffee or black tea.