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Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns

Warm and gooey, these Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns are soft rolls topped with a buttery caramel sauce and crunchy pecans, perfect for meal prep or special occasions.
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 115 degrees)
  • 2 1/2 tsps dry instant yeast (quick rise preferred)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Filling Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup softened butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 Tbsp cinnamon
Caramel Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Prepare all ingredients and measure them before starting. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch pan.
Making the Dough
  1. Warm the milk to about 115°F. Stir in the yeast and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl or mixer, combine the yeast mixture, remaining granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until smooth.
  3. Gradually add the remaining flour until the dough is soft and slightly sticky. Knead by hand or with a dough hook for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
Preparing the Filling
  1. Mix softened butter with brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
  2. Roll the dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
Assembly
  1. Spread the filling evenly over the dough rectangle.
  2. Roll the dough into a tight log, seam side down.
  3. Cut the log into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
  4. In a saucepan, melt brown sugar with heavy cream and butter. Stir until smooth, then remove from heat and stir in chopped pecans.
  5. Pour half the caramel pecan sauce into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  6. Arrange the rolls on top of the sauce. Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Baking
  1. Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  2. Let cool for 5–10 minutes, then invert onto a serving tray so the caramel pecans are on top.

Notes

Serve warm for the best texture and flavor. For balanced portions, add a protein like cottage cheese or Greek yogurt and fresh fruit to cut the sweetness. Store cooled buns in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the refrigerator.