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.
This recipe quickly became a weekend favorite in my home. The smell filling the kitchen is irresistible and the sticky buns never last long!
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 This recipe always brings my family together on slow weekend mornings filled with laughter and sharing.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of ground cardamom or nutmeg to the filling. These buns are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently in the microwave.
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)
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (wheat), eggs, milk (dairy), tree nuts (pecans). Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
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Enjoy these sticky buns warm for the best gooey texture and rich flavor.
Questions & Answers About This Recipe
- → How do I get the buns soft and fluffy?
Ensure the dough is kneaded well until smooth and elastic, and allow it to rise until doubled in a warm place for optimal softness.
- → Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?
Yes, walnuts make a great alternative and provide a similar texture and flavor profile.
- → What if I want to add extra spices?
Try adding cardamom or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, aromatic twist.
- → How do I prepare the honey caramel sauce?
Melt butter, honey, brown sugar, and salt together, simmer with cream until smooth, then stir in pecan halves before pouring into the baking dish.
- → Can these buns be reheated?
Yes, gently reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy their soft texture and warm caramel flavor.