Indulge your senses with the irresistible allure of Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns—a sweet treat that transforms any ordinary morning into a delightful celebration! Imagine biting into a warm, gooey bun, topped with rich caramel and crunchy pecans, all while the heavenly aroma fills your kitchen. This American classic is not just a recipe; it’s an experience that will have your family and friends coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Ready to elevate your baking game and impress your loved ones? Dive into our step-by-step guide and discover how to create these scrumptious sticky buns that are sure to become a cherished favorite!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup pecans
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and active dry yeast, whisking together until well blended.
- Warm the milk and butter together in a small saucepan until the butter is just melted, ensuring the temperature is around 110-115°F (perfect for activating yeast).
- Pour the warm milk-butter mixture into the dry ingredients, then add the egg. Mix thoroughly using a stand mixer or wooden spoon until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- While the dough rises, prepare the caramel pecan topping by chopping the pecans and mixing them with brown sugar and caramel sauce in a separate bowl.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangular shape, approximately 12x9 inches.
- Spread the caramel pecan mixture evenly across the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan, creating a rich base for the sticky buns.
- Roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the long side, and slice into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Arrange the cut rolls on top of the caramel pecan mixture in the baking pan, leaving a small space between each roll.
- Cover the pan and let the rolls rise again for about 30 minutes in a warm location until they've expanded and become puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) during the final rising period.
- Bake the sticky buns for 22-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the caramel is bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes, then carefully invert the pan onto a serving platter, allowing the caramel and pecans to drizzle over the buns.
- Serve warm and enjoy the gooey, caramel-covered sticky buns while they're fresh!
Tips
- Perfect Yeast Activation: Ensure your milk and butter mixture is at the right temperature (110-115°F) to activate the yeast effectively. Too hot or too cold can hinder the rising process.
- Knead for Success: Don’t skip the kneading step! Kneading the dough for 5-7 minutes helps develop gluten, resulting in a soft and elastic texture that’s perfect for sticky buns.
- Warm Rising Environment: For the best rise, place your dough in a warm, draft-free area. A slightly heated oven (turned off) or a sunny spot in your kitchen works wonders.
- Cutting the Rolls: Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the rolled dough into equal pieces. This ensures even baking and allows each bun to rise uniformly.
- Don’t Rush the Bake: Keep an eye on the buns while they bake. They should be golden brown on top, and the caramel should be bubbling around the edges for that perfect sticky finish.
- Serve Warm: These sticky buns are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the caramel is still gooey. Serve them warm for the ultimate indulgence!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 45mg
