Print

Sticky Buns with Pecans

Sticky Buns with Pecans
Print Recipe

Sticky Buns with Pecans are a delectably sweet and crunchy treat featuring soft, buttery dough topped with a luscious caramel glaze and toasted pecans. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these buns offer a perfect harmony of gooey sweetness and nutty crunch that’s easy to make from scratch and customize to your preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed to lukewarm
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs

Topping Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped

Fillings & Optional

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for brushing dough)
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar mixed with 1 tsp cinnamon (for filling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk until lukewarm and sprinkle the active dry yeast over it. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, eggs, and softened butter. Gradually add the yeast mixture, kneading to form a smooth, elastic dough. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  2. Make the Caramel Pecan Topping: While the dough rises, melt 1/2 cup butter in a saucepan. Stir in brown sugar and honey or maple syrup, mixing until combined. Pour this caramel mixture into a greased baking pan, then sprinkle chopped toasted pecans evenly over the top, creating a sticky, crunchy base for the buns.
  3. Roll and Fill the Dough: Once risen, roll the dough out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Brush it with melted butter, then evenly sprinkle with the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture. Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into spirals about 1.5 inches thick.
  4. Assemble and Bake: Place the spiral buns cut side up on top of the caramel pecan base in the pan, leaving slight gaps between each. Cover and let rise again for 30-45 minutes. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
  5. Cool and Flip: Allow the pan to cool for 10 minutes, then carefully invert the sticky buns onto a serving plate, showcasing the caramel and pecan topping. Serve warm for the best experience.

Notes

  • Warm ingredients (milk and butter) to keep yeast active and ensure tender dough.
  • Knead dough until smooth and stretchy to develop gluten for fluffy buns.
  • Toast pecans lightly to enhance their flavor and provide extra crunch.
  • Use fresh yeast, proofing it in warm milk for best rise.
  • Be patient with dough rising to ensure softness and rich flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: sticky buns, pecans, cinnamon buns, caramel glaze, breakfast treat, brunch, homemade sticky buns

Find it online: https://marycorner.com/sticky-buns-with-pecans/