Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns

Gooey Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns are a perfect breakfast or dessert treat. These delicious sticky buns are loaded with brown sugar, cinnamon and pecans throughout and are topped with a gooey caramel sauce. These sweet rolls are perfect with a cup of coffee in the morning or even as dessert after dinner.

The gooey sauce on top of these cinnamon buns is what makes these not just buns, but sticky buns. These brown sugar and cinnamon swirled buns require several steps before popping them in the oven, but you will be glad you took the time to prepare them.

The best part about making these is when you get to invert them onto a plate and pull back the pan because that is when you get to reveal that gooey, caramel topping.

Your home will smell amazing as these are baking and they won't last long once you dig in because it is hard to have just one. Make a whole pan of these for Christmas morning...or any morning, really!

If you are looking for more sweet treats, try Raspberry and White Chocolate Blondies, Chocolate Cookies with Buttercream Frosting or Salted Pretzel Scotcheroos.

Why You Will Love These

• They are gooey. The ooey-gooey caramel pecan sauce that is spread in the bottom of the pan before placing the buns on top is perfectly sticky. It's got cinnamon, brown sugar and pecans, which makes it the perfect caramel pecan topping for cinnamon rolls.
• The filling. The dough is covered in a cinnamon, pecan and brown sugar filling. This is then perfectly rolled up to create the most delicious swirls of flavor throughout each bun.
• The dough. Super fluffy and soft dough that is perfect for all the cinnamon, pecan and brown sugar flavors.

Ingredients Needed

Step by Step Instructions

These sticky buns require several steps and you will likely have a bit of a mess in your kitchen, but your hard work will pay off in the end! Here is how to make them.

Prepare your pan

STEP 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F.

STEP 2: Spray the bottoms and the sides of your 12x13-inch baking dish. Set this aside.

Make the caramel pecan sauce

STEP 1: Melt the butter and the brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally and cook until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is bubbling, about 2 minutes.

STEP 2: Remove from the heat and add the buttermilk, pecans, and salt, stirring to combine.

STEP 3: Pour this caramel mixture into the prepared pan, making sure it coats the bottom evenly. Set aside.

Prepare the pecan filling

STEP 1: In a small bowl, mix together the pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Set this aside.

Make the buns

STEP 1: In the bowl of your stand mixer, add the sour cream, buttermilk, egg yolk, sugar, vanilla, and orange zest (if using). Mix on medium speed, scraping the sides and bottom with a rubber spatula as need, until fully combined and smooth.

STEP 2: In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir this mixture with a whisk and then add it to the sour cream mixture.

STEP 3: Mix on low speed until the dough comes together, scraping the bottom and sides with a rubber spatula as needed. It will be quite soft and sticky!

STEP 4: Turn the dough onto a well floured surface. Be sure you have also floured your hands and then use your hands to form the dough into a smooth ball. (I think it's best to then pat it into a rectangle since that is the final shape you are aiming for!)

STEP 5: With a floured rolling pin, roll your dough into a 12x16-inch rectangle. Be sure to add flour as you go if you notice the dough sticking to the rolling pin.

STEP 6: Brush the dough with the remaining melted butter, brushing it all the way to the edges.

STEP 7: Sprinkle on the filling evenly with your hands and lightly press it into the dough.

STEP 8: Using a pizza cutter, or a sharp knife, start on the shorter end of your dough rectangle and slice the dough into 1-inch strips. Working with one strip at a time, tightly roll each strip and place in prepared pan.

STEP 9: Bake in the 350°F oven for 35-40 minutes. They are done when they are golden brown and firm to touch.

STEP 10: Transfer pan to a cooling rack and let cool for 5 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen any thing that may be stuck. Invert onto serving platter (the most exciting part!!) and scrape anything that sticks onto the buns. You can also invert onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and then place the buns on the parchment paper back into the pan. These are best served warm but are great warmed up for several days after baking them.

EXPERT TIPS

• After rolling the dough into a large rectangle and sprinkling on the pecan brown sugar mixture, you could roll the entire thing into a log. Starting at the long side, roll dough tightly into one large log. Then cut with a serrated knife or use unflavored dental floss to cut into one-inch slices.

FAQ

Storing and Freezing

Store leftover sticky buns in an airtight container, zip top bag or covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Heat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to warm them up before serving.

Alternatively, you could prepare and bake these ahead of time or store leftover buns in the freezer. Once they are baked and cooled, place them in an airtight zip top bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Other Recipes to Try

To use up any leftover buttermilk after making this sticky bun recipe, try one of these recipes:

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