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- 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast - ½ cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon salt - ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C) - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup light brown sugar - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling) - 1 cup chopped pecans - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) Each ingredient plays a key role in the flavor and texture of these sticky buns. The all-purpose flour gives the buns structure. The instant yeast helps them rise quickly. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while salt balances the flavors. Butter enhances richness, and warm milk activates the yeast. Eggs provide moisture and richness. Vanilla extract adds depth. Light brown sugar brings a slight molasses flavor, great for the filling. Pecans add crunch and a nutty taste. Ground cinnamon gives that warm, cozy flavor. Lastly, caramel sauce creates that gooey, sticky finish we all love. You can swap out some ingredients if needed. For flour, try whole wheat for a nutty taste. Use almond milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free option. You can replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water for a vegan choice. If you want a lower sugar option, use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. For caramel sauce, you can use a homemade version with brown sugar and butter or try a vegan caramel made from dates. Finally, if you don’t have pecans, walnuts or almonds work well too. To start, gather your ingredients. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Blend these dry ingredients well. In another bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Pour this mixture into the dry mix and stir until combined. Gradually add the rest of the flour until a soft dough forms. Knead this dough on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. Next, take a greased bowl and place the dough inside. Cover it with a kitchen towel and set it in a warm spot. Let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This step is key for fluffy buns. While the dough rises, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans. Blend these ingredients until they are well combined. This filling adds a rich flavor and delightful crunch to your sticky buns. When your dough has risen, punch it down gently. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread the filling evenly over the dough. Starting from one end, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut this log into 12 equal pieces. Now, it’s time to bake. Grease a baking dish and pour the caramel sauce at the bottom. Place the cut pieces of dough on top of the caramel. Cover the dish with a kitchen towel and let it rise again for about 30 minutes. While it rises, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). After the second rise, bake the sticky buns in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Once baked, let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Carefully invert them onto a serving platter. Drizzle any leftover caramel over the buns and sprinkle with extra pecans if you like. Serve warm for a delightful treat! To get the best dough, focus on the kneading. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes. This makes the dough smooth and elastic. Use just enough flour to keep it from sticking. If the dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour. If it feels dry, a touch of warm milk will help. Let it rise in a warm spot, covered with a towel. It should double in size, which can take about one hour. For a deeper flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon. You can also mix in some vanilla extract to the dough. This adds a nice touch. Consider using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. It gives a richer flavor. Chopped pecans add crunch. You could swap these with walnuts or almonds if you desire a different taste. If your sticky buns are too dry, you might have overbaked them. Keep an eye on them in the oven. If they are too gooey, they may not have baked long enough. Make sure they become golden brown. If the dough does not rise, the yeast might be old or the milk too hot. Always test your yeast before using it. Mix it with warm water and sugar. If it bubbles, it’s good to go. {{image_2}} You can change the nuts in these sticky buns. Instead of pecans, try walnuts or almonds. Both add a nice crunch. If you want a sweeter touch, use hazelnuts. Chop them finely and mix them into the filling. This gives your buns a new flavor twist. Want to spice things up? Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla or coffee to the dough. Both flavors blend well with caramel. You can also try a hint of orange zest or almond extract for a fresh taste. Just remember, a little goes a long way. If you need a vegan option, swap eggs with flaxseed meal. Use plant-based milk and butter, and make sure the caramel sauce is dairy-free. For gluten-free buns, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just be sure to check that your yeast is gluten-free too. These changes keep your sticky buns tasty and fun for everyone! To keep your caramel pecan sticky buns fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps to lock in moisture and flavor. Place the container at room temperature. They stay good for about two days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them. However, this may dry them out a bit. To enjoy your sticky buns again, reheat them in the microwave. Place one bun on a plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 15-20 seconds. This keeps the bun soft and warm. If you prefer a crispy outer layer, pop them in the oven. Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes. You can freeze these sticky buns to save for later. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap, followed by foil. This keeps freezer burn away. Store them in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheat as described above for the best taste. To help your sticky buns rise, use warm milk. The milk should be about 110°F (43°C). This temperature activates the yeast. Mix the dry ingredients first. Then combine them with the wet mix. Knead the dough well on a floured surface. Place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a towel. Put it in a warm area. Let it rise until it doubles in size, about one hour. Yes, you can make these buns ahead of time! Prepare the dough and filling as usual. After you cut the rolls, place them in the baking dish. Cover them tightly and place them in the fridge overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then bake them as directed. This way, you can enjoy warm sticky buns with ease. If you need a substitute for caramel sauce, try using honey or maple syrup. Both options add sweetness and flavor. You can also make a simple homemade caramel using sugar and butter. Just heat them together until they melt and blend. Pour this over the buns for a tasty twist. Enjoy exploring these alternatives! This blog post covered all you need to know about making delicious sticky buns. We explored key ingredients, provided step-by-step instructions, and shared tips for perfecting your dough. You learned how to add unique flavors and variations, plus the best ways to store and reheat your buns. Remember, baking is fun! With practice, you’ll impress everyone with your treats. Try new ingredients and enjoy the process. Happy baking!

Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns

Delicious sticky buns filled with caramel, pecans, and cinnamon, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet instant yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
  • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  • While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans until well blended.
  • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Spread the filling evenly over the surface of the dough.
  • Starting from one end, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces.
  • Grease a baking dish and pour the caramel sauce at the bottom. Arrange the cut pieces of dough in the dish on top of the caramel sauce.
  • Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Allow the sticky buns to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving platter. Drizzle any leftover caramel over the buns and sprinkle with additional chopped pecans if desired.

Notes

Serve warm, garnished with extra pecans and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat!
Keyword caramel, dessert, pecans, sticky buns