Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe
Introduction
Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns are a delightful treat combining soft, fluffy dough with rich caramel and crunchy pecans. Perfect for breakfast or a special brunch, these sticky buns offer a sweet, nutty flavor in every bite.

Ingredients
- Dough (your preferred homemade or store-bought roll dough)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- Step 2: Spread the caramel sauce evenly at the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the caramel.
- Step 3: Prepare your dough by rolling it out and cutting into individual rolls if not already portioned.
- Step 4: Place the rolls on top of the caramel and pecans in the pan, fitting them snugly together.
- Step 5: Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter to help them brown nicely.
- Step 6: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the rolls are cooked through and golden brown.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven and let the buns cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then carefully invert the pan onto a serving plate to reveal the sticky caramel and pecan topping.
Tips & Variations
- Use a homemade caramel sauce for a richer flavor, or try a salted caramel variation for a sweet-salty twist.
- Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra warmth.
Storage
Store leftover sticky buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days and reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving to restore softness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the dough from scratch?
Absolutely! Homemade dough adds a wonderful freshness, but store-bought dough can save time without sacrificing taste.
How do I prevent the buns from sticking to the pan?
Be sure to generously grease the pan before adding caramel and pecans. Using a non-stick or silicone baking pan can also help with easy removal.
PrintCaramel Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe
Delight in these luscious Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns featuring soft, fluffy dough baked in a rich, buttery caramel sauce loaded with crunchy pecans. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat, these buns offer a perfect blend of gooey caramel and nutty flavor baked to golden perfection.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 sticky buns 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
Caramel Pecan Sauce
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk with yeast and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is activated. Add softened butter, egg, salt, and gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Make the Caramel Pecan Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup together, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil and simmer for 2 minutes to form a smooth caramel sauce. Remove from heat and stir in chopped pecans.
- Assemble the Sticky Buns: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the caramel pecan sauce evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Roll out the dough into a rectangle about 16×12 inches. Optionally spread softened butter and sprinkle cinnamon and sugar for extra flavor. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log, then cut into 12 equal slices.
- Bake the Rolls: Arrange the slices in the pan on top of the caramel sauce. Cover and let rise for an additional 30 minutes. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Invert and Serve: Allow the buns to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes. Place a large serving platter over the pan and invert quickly so the caramel sauce is on top. Serve warm for the best gooey texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle cinnamon and sugar inside the dough before rolling.
- Use fresh active dry yeast for best rising results.
- Allow buns to cool slightly before inverting to prevent hot caramel spills.
- These buns are best served the day they are baked but can be gently reheated.
- Chopped walnuts can substitute pecans if preferred.
Keywords: Caramel sticky buns, pecan sticky buns, breakfast pastry, caramel rolls, nutty sticky buns

