Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns – Soft, Sweet & Buttery!

There's something irresistibly delightful about the aroma of freshly baked caramel pecan sticky buns wafting through the kitchen. These sweet, gooey treats are the epitome of comfort food, combining the rich flavors of butter and sugar with the satisfying crunch of pecans. The allure of caramel pecan sticky buns lies not only in their taste but also in their texture—a soft, pillowy dough enveloped in a luscious caramel sauce that clings to every morsel.

Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns – Soft, Sweet & Buttery!

Indulge in the warm, sweet aroma of homemade caramel pecan sticky buns with this delightful recipe! These gooey treats feature soft, pillowy dough, rich caramel sauce, and the satisfying crunch of pecans. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or special occasions, they are easy to make and sure to impress. Follow our step-by-step guide to create this delicious comfort food that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy a slice of sweetness today!

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Ingredients

For the Dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast

1 tsp salt

1 cup whole milk, warmed (110°F)

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs, room temperature

For the Caramel Sauce:

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup corn syrup

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

For the Filling:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)

1 cup pecans, finely chopped (for the filling)

Instructions

Make the Dough:

- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Whisk together to combine.

- In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients.

- Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Caramel Sauce:

- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture comes to a boil, then let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.

- Pour the caramel sauce into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the top. Set aside.

Roll Out the Dough:

- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, approximately 16x12 inches.

- Spread the softened butter over the surface of the dough. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and finely chopped pecans. Sprinkle this filling evenly over the dough.

Shape the Buns:

- Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the log into 12 equal pieces.

- Arrange the slices cut side up in the caramel-coated baking dish.

Second Rise:

- Cover the baking dish with a towel and let it rise in a warm draft-free location for about 30-45 minutes or until they are puffed and touching.

Bake:

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the buns have risen, bake them for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Cool and Serve:

- Remove the sticky buns from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert the pan onto a serving platter so that the caramel pecan topping is on top.

- Enjoy warm, either plain or with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce on top!

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours | Servings: 12 bun portions