Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup sugar - 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F) - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 large egg - 1 cup pecan halves - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1/4 cup corn syrup - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns take simple ingredients and transform them into a warm hug. I love how each component plays a role in creating a cozy treat. The flour forms a soft base, while sugar adds sweetness. Yeast gives life to the dough, making it rise. Salt enhances flavors, and cinnamon brings warmth. For the wet ingredients, warm milk activates the yeast. Melted butter adds richness, and the egg helps bind everything. Together, they create a smooth, stretchy dough. The caramel topping is where the magic happens. Pecan halves add crunch, while brown sugar and butter create a gooey layer. Corn syrup ensures everything sticks together, and vanilla adds a lovely aroma. With the Full Recipe, you can easily gather these ingredients and get started on making this delightful treat. Each bite will be a reminder of home and comfort. - Dissolve yeast in warm milk. This step wakes up the yeast, helping the dough rise. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it bubbles. - Combine flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Make a well in the center and add melted butter and the egg. Pour in your yeast mix. - Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes. You want it smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm area for about an hour. It should double in size. - In a saucepan over medium heat, combine softened butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla. Stir until it melts and blends well. This creates that delicious caramel flavor. - Pour the caramel mixture into a greased baking dish. Make sure to spread it evenly. - Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Aim for about 12x18 inches. Spread softened butter over the dough, leaving a little edge. - Sprinkle the remaining sugar and cinnamon over the buttered dough. This adds sweetness and warmth. - Roll the dough tightly and pinch the seam to seal. Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces. Place them cut side up in the prepared baking dish on top of the caramel and pecans. - Cover the dish with a cloth and let the buns rise for another 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Bake the sticky buns for 25-30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Remove them from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes. Invert the dish onto a serving platter. - Serve warm for the best experience. The gooey caramel and crunchy pecans make each bite a joy. If you want, drizzle more caramel on top! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section above. Enjoy baking! To make the best dough, use room temperature ingredients. Cold ingredients can slow down the yeast. Use warm milk, about 110°F, to activate the yeast. Let it sit for five minutes until frothy. This step is key for good rise. When you knead the dough, do it for five to seven minutes. You want it smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl and cover it with a cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour. The dough should double in size. This means your yeast is working well. For the caramel sauce, balance the sweetness to your taste. If it is too sweet, add a pinch of salt. This helps cut through the sugar. Make sure to mix the softened butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla well. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it melts. Stir it until smooth. You want that perfect gooey texture. When you serve these sticky buns, pair them with coffee or tea. The flavors work well together. To make them look extra special, add more pecans on top. Drizzle with a little extra caramel sauce for a finishing touch. This not only makes them look great but also adds more flavor. Enjoy the warm, gooey goodness! {{image_2}} You can swap pecans for walnuts or almonds. Walnuts add a rich, earthy taste. They bring a nice crunch and pair well with the caramel. Almonds offer a sweet and nutty flavor. They can lend a unique twist to the recipe. Try toasting the nuts for extra flavor before adding them. Get creative by adding chocolate chips or dried fruit. Chocolate chips melt and create gooey pockets of sweetness. Dried fruit like raisins or cranberries gives a fruity burst in each bite. You can also infuse the dough with spices. A pinch of nutmeg or ginger can add warmth to your sticky buns. Making these sticky buns a bit healthier is easy. Use whole wheat flour for a nutty flavor and added fiber. You can also try reduced sugar options. Use applesauce or honey to cut back on sugar without losing sweetness. These swaps can make your treat a little lighter while still being delicious. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section above. To keep your Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns fresh, store them in the fridge. Wrap them in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. This method helps keep them moist and tasty. They can last up to five days in the fridge. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. To freeze, let the buns cool completely. Then, wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Place them in a freezer bag or container. They will stay good for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy your sticky buns again, reheating them is easy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the buns in a baking dish and cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. If you want a quick option, you can use the microwave. Heat each bun for about 15 to 20 seconds. Just make sure they don’t get too hot, or they may dry out. At room temperature, Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns last for about two days. Keep them in a cool, dry place. Storing them in a sealed container helps keep them fresh. If you notice any signs of spoilage, it’s best to toss them out. Enjoy them while they're fresh for the best flavor! For the full recipe, refer to the earlier sections. Yes, you can make these sticky buns ahead of time. Prepare the dough and let it rise. After rolling and cutting, cover the buns with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. You can bake them the next day. Just let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. If you don’t have corn syrup, you can use honey or maple syrup. Both options work well in the caramel topping. They add a different flavor but still keep the sticky texture. Yes, you can use instant yeast. This yeast rises faster than active dry yeast. Just mix it with the dry ingredients without letting it dissolve first. Your buns will still turn out great! Your dough is ready when it has doubled in size. You can test it by gently pressing your finger into the dough. If the indent remains, it’s ready. If it springs back, let it rise a bit longer. Yes, you can make these sticky buns vegan. Replace the egg with a flax egg or applesauce. Use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk for the dough and caramel. They will still taste amazing! For the full recipe, check the earlier sections! You can enjoy making Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns with the right ingredients and steps. We covered each part, from mixing the dough to creating a rich caramel topping. Remember to use warm ingredients for a perfect rise and try different nuts or flavors for fun. Don’t forget to store leftovers properly or enjoy them fresh. With these tips, you’ll impress everyone with your baking skills. Happy baking!$

Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns

Indulge in the sweet delight of caramel pecan sticky buns with this easy recipe that's perfect for any occasion! Learn how to make soft, buttery buns topped with a rich caramel and crunchy pecans. From dough preparation to baking tips, this guide will have you creating bakery-quality treats right at home. Ready to impress your friends and family?

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup sugar

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

1/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 large egg

1 cup pecan halves

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/4 cup corn syrup

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Make a well in the center and add the melted butter, egg, and the yeast mixture.

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

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.

While the dough rises, prepare the caramel topping: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla. Stir until melted and combined, then remove from heat.

Pour the caramel mixture into a greased baking dish (9x13 inches) and evenly spread the pecan halves over the top.

After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 12x18 inches). Spread softened butter over the dough, leaving a small border.

Sprinkle the remaining sugar and cinnamon over the buttered dough. Roll the dough tightly and pinch the seam to seal.

Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces and place them cut side up in the prepared baking dish on top of the caramel and pecans.

Cover the dish with a cloth and let the buns rise for another 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake the sticky buns for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before inverting the dish onto a serving platter.

Prep Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 2 hrs | Servings: 12

- Presentation Tips: Serve warm with extra pecans sprinkled on top and a drizzle of caramel sauce for added indulgence. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea!