Imagine waking up to the most irresistible aroma of warm, gooey sticky buns that combine the rich sweetness of caramel with the comforting essence of apple butter. These aren't just any ordinary breakfast pastries - they're a culinary experience that will transform your morning from mundane to magical! Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey that will have your family and friends begging for seconds, and possibly the recipe itself.
Prep Time: 1 hrs
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 buns
Ingredients
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup apple butter
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (about 110°F) and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, melted butter, and salt. Add the frothy yeast mixture and stir until well combined.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the apple butter evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apple butter, and sprinkle the cinnamon evenly on top.
- Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal it. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and place the sticky buns cut side up in the dish. Cover the dish with a kitchen towel and let the buns rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the buns have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- While the buns are baking, prepare additional caramel sauce if desired. Once the buns are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes.
- Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the warm sticky buns before serving. Enjoy your delicious Caramel Apple Butter Sticky Buns!
Tips
- Yeast Temperature Matters: Ensure your milk is precisely warm (around 110°F) to activate the yeast without killing it. Too hot, and you'll destroy the yeast; too cold, and it won't activate properly.
- Kneading Technique: When kneading the dough, use the heel of your hand to push and fold. This develops the gluten and creates a smooth, elastic texture.
- Rising Environment: Find a warm, draft-free spot for your dough to rise. A turned-off oven with the light on works perfectly.
- Even Rolling: Use a ruler or measuring tape to ensure your dough rectangle is evenly rolled out for consistent bun sizes.
- Caramel Drizzling: For an extra luxurious touch, warm your caramel sauce slightly before drizzling to make it more spreadable.
- Baking Hint: Cover the buns with foil halfway through baking if they're browning too quickly to prevent burning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 58g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 65mg
