Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns – Soft, Sweet & Buttery!

Sticky buns have long held a cherished place in the hearts of pastry lovers around the world. Their irresistible combination of sweet, gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and soft, fluffy dough makes them a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether served fresh from the oven as a breakfast indulgence or enjoyed as a decadent dessert, sticky buns are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and elevate your culinary experience. Among the many variations of this beloved pastry, Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns stand out as a true crowd-pleaser, embodying the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns – Soft, Sweet & Buttery!

Satisfy your sweet cravings with homemade Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns! This step-by-step guide breaks down the process, from activating the yeast to crafting a gooey caramel filling. Enjoy the delightful combination of crunchy pecans and warm, fluffy dough, perfect for breakfast or dessert. With fresh ingredients, you can customize your buns and fill your kitchen with amazing aromas. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delectable treat!

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Ingredients

For the Dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp salt

2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

1 cup whole milk, warmed (110°F or 43°C)

1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

For the Caramel Pecan Filling:

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1/4 cup corn syrup

2 cups pecans, roughly chopped

1 tbsp vanilla extract

2 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Glaze (optional but recommended):

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tbsp milk

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

- In a small bowl, mix the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.

- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Create a well in the center and add the melted butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture.

- Mix until the dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

Make the Caramel Pecan Filling:

- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then stir in brown sugar and corn syrup. Bring to a simmer, then cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. Remove from heat.

- Stir in vanilla extract and ground cinnamon.

- Pour the caramel mixture into the bottom of a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the caramel.

Assemble the Sticky Buns:

- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.

- Spread the remaining melted butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle with additional brown sugar and cinnamon. (You can use around 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon.)

- Begin rolling the dough tightly from the long side into a log shape. Cut into 12 equal pieces.

Final Rise and Baking:

- Place the cut buns in the baking dish, cut side up, over the caramel and pecans. Cover and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed.

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Glazing and Serving:

- While the buns are baking, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl to create a glaze.

- Remove the sticky buns from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Carefully invert the pan onto a serving platter to let the caramel drip over the top.

- Drizzle with optional glaze before serving warm.

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Prep Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 3 hrs | Servings: 12