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To make Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns, you need these key ingredients: - 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup milk, warmed - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/4 cup corn syrup - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 1 cup pecans, chopped - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup raisins (optional) Each ingredient plays a special role in the final flavor and texture. The flour gives the buns structure. Sugar adds sweetness and helps with browning. Yeast makes the dough rise, creating that fluffy texture we love. Warm milk activates the yeast. Butter adds richness and flavor. Eggs help bind everything together and give moisture. Vanilla enhances the overall taste. Brown sugar and corn syrup create the sticky caramel that makes these buns irresistible. Chopped pecans add crunch and depth. Cinnamon gives a warm, cozy flavor. Raisins are optional, but they can add a nice chew and sweetness. Gather these ingredients, and you're on your way to making a delicious treat! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Activating the yeast: Start by warming the milk. Mix it with granulated sugar in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar melts. Add the yeast and let it sit. You want it to become frothy in about 5 minutes. 2. Mixing dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Make a well in the center of this mix. 3. Combining wet ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture into the well you made. Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until the dough begins to form. 1. Kneading the dough: Lightly flour your surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes. It should feel smooth and elastic when you’re done. 2. First rise time: Place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rise for about 1 hour in a warm spot. It should double in size. 1. Combining ingredients in a saucepan: In a small saucepan, mix brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Heat this over low heat, stirring until it melts and smooths out. 2. Cooling the caramel mixture: Once it’s ready, remove it from the heat. Let it cool for a bit while you prepare the dough. 1. Rolling out the dough: After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface. Aim for a rectangle about 12x18 inches. 2. Adding toppings: Brush melted butter over the dough. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture, cinnamon, chopped pecans, and raisins if you want them. 3. Shaping the buns: Roll the dough tightly from the long side. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces. 1. Arranging in the baking dish: Pour the cooled caramel mixture into a baking dish. Place the sliced buns in the dish, cut side up. 2. Second rise time: Cover the dish and let the buns rise again for about 30 minutes. 3. Baking details: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the sticky buns for 25-30 minutes until they turn golden brown. Enjoy your baking! - Temperature matters The warmth of your milk helps wake up the yeast. If your milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast. Aim for a temperature around 110°F. This helps your dough rise well. - The importance of kneading Kneading helps develop gluten in the dough. This makes the sticky buns soft and chewy. Don’t rush this step. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic. - Adding spices You can make your sticky buns even better by adding spices. Try a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the brown sugar. This gives a warm flavor that delights your taste buds. - Incorporating different nuts While pecans are great, feel free to experiment. Walnuts or almonds can add a nice crunch. Mix different nuts for an exciting twist. - Checking for golden brown When baking, keep an eye on the buns. They should be golden brown on top. This color means they are cooked well and ready to enjoy. - Testing doneness To check if they are done, use a toothpick. Insert it in the center of a bun. If it comes out clean, they are ready. If not, give them a few more minutes in the oven. Pro Tips Activate Your Yeast: Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast for a fluffy dough. Perfect Rolling Technique: Roll the dough tightly to ensure the buns hold their shape and have a beautiful swirl when baked. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh pecans and high-quality butter for the best flavor and texture in your sticky buns. Let Them Cool: Allow the buns to cool for a few minutes in the pan before inverting to prevent the caramel from spilling. {{image_2}} You can change the toppings to make your sticky buns even better. Here are a couple of ideas: - Different nuts: Try walnuts or almonds instead of pecans. Each nut brings a new taste. - Chocolate chips: Add chocolate chips for a sweet twist. They melt into the buns and make them extra gooey. Making these sticky buns vegan or gluten-free is easy with some swaps: - Substituting dairy: Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk. For butter, try vegan butter or coconut oil. - Gluten-free flour choices: Use a gluten-free flour blend. This keeps the texture soft, just like the original. You can change the flavors with the seasons. Here are some fun ideas: - Autumn flavors: Add pumpkin spice or apples for a cozy fall taste. These flavors pair well with caramel. - Holiday-themed additions: Use nutmeg and cranberries for a festive touch. These make your buns perfect for any holiday gathering. To keep Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap. This adds extra protection against air. Keep the container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to store them longer, consider refrigeration. However, this may change their texture slightly. When it's time to enjoy your sticky buns again, you can reheat them in two ways: the oven or the microwave. The oven is best for keeping them soft. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the buns on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This will warm them evenly. If you're in a hurry, the microwave works too. Heat one bun at a time for about 15-20 seconds. Remember to check if it's warm enough before serving. Freezing is a great option for sticky buns. To freeze them, first let them cool completely. Then, wrap each bun in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This will keep them fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, remove the buns from the freezer. Thaw them in the fridge overnight for the best results. If you're in a rush, you can also use the microwave. Just be sure to heat them gently so they stay soft. To check if yeast is active, mix it with warm milk and sugar. After 5 minutes, it should foam and bubble. If it does, your yeast is good. If nothing happens, the yeast may be old or the milk too hot or cold. Always use fresh yeast for the best rise in dough. Yes! You can prepare the dough and shape the buns. Then, cover them tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let them rise for about 30 minutes before baking. This method saves time and allows flavors to develop, making your sticky buns even better. If you cannot use pecans, try walnuts or almonds. Both nuts add a nice crunch and flavor. You can also use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option. Just make sure to chop them to a similar size for even distribution. Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns last for about 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature. They may lose some softness over time, but they will still be tasty. For longer storage, freeze them. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Yes, you can use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast. Use the same amount, but you don’t need to proof it. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients. This saves time and simplifies the process, making your baking easier. You now know how to make delicious caramel pecan sticky buns from scratch. We covered all the important steps, from gathering ingredients to baking your buns. Remember to pay attention to yeast activation and kneading for perfect dough. Don’t hesitate to try different toppings or seasonal flavors to make the recipe your own. With proper storage, you can enjoy these tasty treats for days. Use these tips and tricks to impress friends and family. Happy baking and enjoy your sweet creations!

Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns

Delicious sticky buns filled with caramel and pecans, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 1 4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 2 cup milk, warmed
  • 1 4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 4 cup corn syrup
  • 1 4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 4 cup raisins (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, combine the warmed milk and granulated sugar. Stir until dissolved. Add the yeast and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  • Mix until the dough comes together, then knead for about 5-7 minutes on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  • In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 12x18 inches).
  • Brush the surface of the dough with melted butter. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture, cinnamon, chopped pecans, and raisins (if using) evenly over the dough.
  • Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices.
  • Pour the caramel mixture from the saucepan into a baking dish. Arrange the sliced buns in the dish, cut side up. Cover and let rise for an additional 30 minutes.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the sticky buns for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
  • Once done, let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then invert onto a serving platter so the caramel is on top.

Notes

Serve warm and drizzle with extra caramel sauce or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful touch! Enjoy them fresh out of the oven!
Keyword breakfast, caramel, dessert, pecans, sticky buns