If you have a sweet tooth and love that perfect gooey texture with a rich caramel finish, then this Caramel Sticky Buns Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine soft, tender buns swirled with cinnamon, baked atop a luscious caramel and pecan mixture that melts into every bite. It’s the ultimate indulgence that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to make at home. These sticky buns are the kind of warm, comforting treat that brightens any morning or makes every afternoon feel like a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients is your first step to sticky bun heaven. Each one plays a crucial role, from the tender dough to the irresistibly sticky caramel topping, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor and texture.
- 1 cup warm whole milk: Activates the yeast and keeps the dough soft and moist.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast: The magic behind perfectly risen, fluffy buns.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a gentle sweetness to the dough.
- 2 large eggs at room temperature: Adds richness and structure.
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter melted: Boosts flavor and tenderness in the dough.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the body and chewiness for the buns.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Critical for the caramel’s deep, molasses flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened: Gives the caramel a creamy richness and helps the cinnamon sugar swirl stick.
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: Infuses the buns with that iconic warm spice aroma.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the smooth, luscious texture of the caramel topping.
- 1/2 cup corn syrup: Adds the perfect sticky gloss and consistency to the caramel.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the caramel’s depth and aroma.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: Introduces a delightful crunch and nutty contrast.
How to Make Caramel Sticky Buns Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Start by waking up your yeast in warm milk mixed with granulated sugar—let it foam for about five minutes. This ensures your buns will rise beautifully. Then whisk in the eggs and melted butter before gradually adding the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead it for about eight to ten minutes until your dough is silky-smooth and elastic. Set it aside in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a cozy spot until it doubles in size—approximately one hour.
Step 2: Making the Caramel Base
While your dough is rising, it is time to prepare that dreamy caramel. Combine brown sugar, softened butter, heavy cream, corn syrup, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir this mixture constantly until it’s smooth and thickened just enough to coat the back of a spoon. Pour this golden caramel into a greased baking dish and sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top to create a sticky, crunchy topping once baked.
Step 3: Rolling and Filling the Dough
Once the dough has doubled, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread the remaining softened butter generously over the dough, then sprinkle evenly with cinnamon and a little brown sugar for that classic sweet swirl. Roll the dough as tight as you can into a log, sealing the edges to keep all those flavors inside. Slice the log into even pieces and arrange them cut side down over the caramel and pecan layer in your baking dish. Cover the dish and allow the buns to rise again for 30 minutes to become extra fluffy.
Step 4: Baking and Finishing Touches
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the buns for 30 to 35 minutes. Watch as they puff up, turn golden brown, and fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Once baked, let the buns rest for about five minutes before flipping the entire pan onto a serving platter so that the caramel sauce perfectly coats each sticky bun in a shiny, gooey glaze.
How to Serve Caramel Sticky Buns Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of delight, sprinkle a few extra chopped pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar over the buns right before serving. You can also drizzle a little warm cream or vanilla glaze to intensify the decadence. These little finishes not only elevate the look but add layers of flavor and texture to each bite.
Side Dishes
Caramel sticky buns pair wonderfully with fresh fruit like berries or sliced oranges to cut through their sweetness. A steaming cup of rich coffee, a creamy latte, or even a bold black tea make fantastic companions to balance the indulgence. For brunch, consider serving them alongside scrambled eggs or crispy bacon for a sweet and savory combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Caramel Sticky Buns Recipe extra special by serving them in a rustic cast-iron skillet straight from the oven—perfect for sharing. Alternatively, you can cut them into smaller pieces and serve as finger foods at a party. Stacking a few buns on a tiered cake stand also makes for a stunning display that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Caramel Sticky Buns left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the buns soft and the caramel sticky but prevents them from drying out. For best enjoyment, bring them to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked or baked buns for longer storage. For unbaked, complete the first rise then cover and freeze. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and let rise before baking. Baked buns can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy their gooey goodness once again.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers, gently microwave your sticky buns for 20–30 seconds or warm them in an oven preheated to 300°F for about 10 minutes. For an extra caramel boost, pour a tablespoon of warm cream over the buns before reheating—it revives that luscious gooey texture perfectly.
FAQs
Can I substitute walnuts for pecans in this Caramel Sticky Buns Recipe?
Absolutely! Walnuts work wonderfully and provide a slightly different nutty flavor and texture, making your buns just as delightful.
Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?
Yes, the first rise develops the dough’s flavor and texture, while the second rise makes the sliced rolls fluffy before baking for that classic lightness.
Can I use skim milk instead of whole milk?
The whole milk adds richness and tenderness to the dough, but you can substitute skim milk if needed; just know the texture might be a bit less soft.
How sticky are these caramel sticky buns?
These buns are wonderfully sticky but not overly gooey. The caramel melts into the pecans and buns, creating a balanced sweetness that clings just right with every pull-apart bite.
Can I make these buns ahead and reheat them fresh?
Yes! You can prepare them up to the second rise and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning. Alternatively, bake ahead and warm them gently before serving for fresh-baked goodness anytime.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Sticky Buns Recipe is simply one of those timeless desserts that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether for a special weekend breakfast or a sweet treat to share with loved ones, these sticky buns deliver comforting flavors with a rich, buttery caramel finish that will have everyone asking for seconds. I encourage you to try this recipe soon and experience pure sticky bun bliss in your own kitchen!
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Caramel Sticky Buns Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 buns 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these irresistible Caramel Sticky Buns, featuring a soft, cinnamon-spiced dough rolled with buttery sweetness and topped with a rich caramel glaze and crunchy pecans. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these gooey buns offer a comforting homemade treat that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup warm whole milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Filling & Caramel
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (divided)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (divided)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Let stand for five minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Make Dough: Whisk in the eggs and melted butter into the foamy yeast mixture. Gradually add flour and salt, stirring to form a soft dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Caramel Base: While the dough is rising, combine brown sugar, softened butter, heavy cream, corn syrup, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Pour the caramel into a greased baking dish and evenly sprinkle with chopped pecans.
- Shape Dough: Roll the risen dough into a large rectangle. Spread the remaining softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle with cinnamon and a little brown sugar for the filling.
- Roll and Slice: Tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Slice the log into equal-sized pieces and arrange the cut sides down on top of the caramel and pecan mixture in the baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover the arranged buns and let them rise again for 30 minutes to puff up before baking.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the sticky buns for 30 to 35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Allow the buns to rest for 5 minutes after baking, then invert the baking dish onto a serving platter so that the caramel sauce coats the tops of the sticky buns beautifully.
Notes
- For extra gooey buns, pour warm cream over the rolls just before baking to intensify the caramelized texture.
- Walnuts can be substituted for pecans to suit your taste preferences or for a different nutty flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
