FREE DINNER EBOOK! Get your copy!

Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns Irresistible and Sweet Treat

by on September 27, 2025

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that steals the show, you’ve found it! Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns are soft, gooey, and packed with flavor. In this guide, I’ll share easy steps to create these delicious buns at home. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, my tips guarantee success. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a breakfast or dessert they’ll adore!

- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F) - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 large egg - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup pecans, chopped - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for caramel layer) - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup maple syrup You can customize these sticky buns by adding ingredients like raisins or chocolate chips. You can even swap out pecans for walnuts if you prefer. - Mixing bowls - Rolling pin - Baking dish Gather your equipment first. This step makes the process smooth and easy. Having everything ready helps you focus on making the sticky buns delicious. Enjoy the joy of cooking! To start, take a small bowl and pour in warm milk. Make sure it is about 110°F. Add granulated sugar to the milk. This sugar helps to feed the yeast. Now, sprinkle the active dry yeast on top. Stir it lightly. Let the mixture sit for about five minutes. You will see froth on the top. This frothiness shows that your yeast is active and ready to work. In a large mixing bowl, combine one cup of flour, softened butter, and the egg. Add the salt next. Pour in your activated yeast mixture. Stir this all together until it is well mixed. Gradually add the rest of the flour. Keep mixing until you form a soft dough. Now, take the dough to a floured surface. Knead it for about five to seven minutes. You want the dough to be smooth and elastic. After kneading, shape your dough into a ball. Place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a towel and let it rise in a warm spot. This should take about one hour. Once it has doubled in size, punch it down gently. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle that is about 12 by 18 inches. Spread melted butter evenly over the dough. Then sprinkle the brown sugar mixture across the surface. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the edges to seal it, and cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Next, prepare your caramel base. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, mix melted butter and maple syrup together. Sprinkle the chopped pecans on top. Place the cut rolls into the baking dish over the caramel. Cover them with a towel again and let them rise for another 30 minutes. While they rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Now it is time to bake. Bake the sticky buns for 25 to 30 minutes. They should be golden brown on top. Once baked, let them cool in the dish for five minutes. Then invert the pan onto a serving plate. Enjoy the sticky goodness! To get the best sticky buns, focus on the dough. Start by measuring your flour correctly. Too much flour can lead to dry dough. Always spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off. You want a soft and slightly tacky dough. Common mistakes can ruin your sticky buns. One big mistake is skipping the first rise. This step gives the dough time to grow. If your dough does not rise, check if your yeast is fresh. Frothiness means the yeast is ready. Warm sticky buns taste best. Place them on a plate and drizzle extra caramel sauce on top. Add whole pecans for a great look and crunch. Pair these buns with coffee or tea. A nice chai latte also works well. If you're feeling extra sweet, serve them with milk or hot chocolate. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your caramel pecan sticky buns easily. Try adding chocolate chips for a rich twist. You can also mix in fresh fruits like apples or berries for a fruity flavor. These options make your sticky buns unique and fun. For toppings, the classic caramel is great, but you can explore other choices. A drizzle of cream cheese icing adds a sweet touch. You can also top with more nuts for extra crunch. These simple changes keep your sticky buns exciting and delicious. If you want a healthier version, consider whole grain flour instead of all-purpose flour. This swap adds fiber and nutrients. For gluten-free options, try almond or coconut flour. These flours work well with the sticky bun recipe. You can also cut back on sugar. Use less brown sugar in the filling. You can swap some butter for applesauce. These small changes help you enjoy sticky buns while being mindful of your health. You may have some sticky buns left after baking. To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will help keep them soft. Place a piece of wax paper between layers if stacking. Keep the container at room temperature. Enjoy them within 2-3 days for the best taste. If you want to save your sticky buns for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, remove the buns from the freezer. To reheat, let them thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This will make them soft and gooey again. You can also microwave them for about 20-30 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them. Enjoy your delicious sticky buns whenever you want! You can check if your yeast is active by mixing it with warm milk and sugar. After about five minutes, look for bubbles or foam. If it froths, your yeast is active and ready to use. If not, you may need fresh yeast. Yes, you can prepare the sticky buns in advance. Make the dough and let it rise. Then, shape the rolls and place them in the caramel layer. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them rise again before baking. If your dough isn’t rising, check the temperature. It needs warmth to rise. You can place it in a warm spot, like near an oven. If the yeast was old or inactive, it won’t rise. Start over with fresh yeast if needed. Certainly! You can swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Maple syrup can be replaced with honey or agave syrup. For a nut-free version, leave out the pecans or use seeds instead. Making sticky buns is a fun adventure. You learned about the ingredients, the right tools, and the steps to bake great buns. Follow our tips to avoid mistakes, and explore variations for everyone’s taste. Remember to store your leftovers properly for later enjoyment. With the right knowledge, you can impress anyone with your sticky buns. Happy baking!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)

– 1/4 cup granulated sugar

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

– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

– 1 large egg

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 cup pecans, chopped

– 1/2 cup brown sugar

– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for caramel layer)

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– 1/4 cup maple syrup

You can customize these sticky buns by adding ingredients like raisins or chocolate chips. You can even swap out pecans for walnuts if you prefer.

Equipment Needed

– Mixing bowls

– Rolling pin

– Baking dish

Gather your equipment first. This step makes the process smooth and easy. Having everything ready helps you focus on making the sticky buns delicious. Enjoy the joy of cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Activating the Yeast

To start, take a small bowl and pour in warm milk. Make sure it is about 110°F. Add granulated sugar to the milk. This sugar helps to feed the yeast. Now, sprinkle the active dry yeast on top. Stir it lightly. Let the mixture sit for about five minutes. You will see froth on the top. This frothiness shows that your yeast is active and ready to work.

Making and Kneading Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine one cup of flour, softened butter, and the egg. Add the salt next. Pour in your activated yeast mixture. Stir this all together until it is well mixed. Gradually add the rest of the flour. Keep mixing until you form a soft dough. Now, take the dough to a floured surface. Knead it for about five to seven minutes. You want the dough to be smooth and elastic.

Rolling and Shaping

After kneading, shape your dough into a ball. Place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a towel and let it rise in a warm spot. This should take about one hour. Once it has doubled in size, punch it down gently. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle that is about 12 by 18 inches. Spread melted butter evenly over the dough. Then sprinkle the brown sugar mixture across the surface. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the edges to seal it, and cut the log into 12 equal pieces.

Rising and Baking

Next, prepare your caramel base. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, mix melted butter and maple syrup together. Sprinkle the chopped pecans on top. Place the cut rolls into the baking dish over the caramel. Cover them with a towel again and let them rise for another 30 minutes. While they rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Now it is time to bake. Bake the sticky buns for 25 to 30 minutes. They should be golden brown on top. Once baked, let them cool in the dish for five minutes. Then invert the pan onto a serving plate. Enjoy the sticky goodness!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting Your Sticky Buns

To get the best sticky buns, focus on the dough. Start by measuring your flour correctly. Too much flour can lead to dry dough. Always spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off. You want a soft and slightly tacky dough.

Common mistakes can ruin your sticky buns. One big mistake is skipping the first rise. This step gives the dough time to grow. If your dough does not rise, check if your yeast is fresh. Frothiness means the yeast is ready.

Serving Suggestions

Warm sticky buns taste best. Place them on a plate and drizzle extra caramel sauce on top. Add whole pecans for a great look and crunch.

Pair these buns with coffee or tea. A nice chai latte also works well. If you’re feeling extra sweet, serve them with milk or hot chocolate.

Variations

Flavor Variations

You can change the taste of your caramel pecan sticky buns easily. Try adding chocolate chips for a rich twist. You can also mix in fresh fruits like apples or berries for a fruity flavor. These options make your sticky buns unique and fun.

For toppings, the classic caramel is great, but you can explore other choices. A drizzle of cream cheese icing adds a sweet touch. You can also top with more nuts for extra crunch. These simple changes keep your sticky buns exciting and delicious.

Healthier Alternatives

If you want a healthier version, consider whole grain flour instead of all-purpose flour. This swap adds fiber and nutrients. For gluten-free options, try almond or coconut flour. These flours work well with the sticky bun recipe.

You can also cut back on sugar. Use less brown sugar in the filling. You can swap some butter for applesauce. These small changes help you enjoy sticky buns while being mindful of your health.

Storage Info

Short-Term Storage

You may have some sticky buns left after baking. To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will help keep them soft. Place a piece of wax paper between layers if stacking. Keep the container at room temperature. Enjoy them within 2-3 days for the best taste.

Long-Term Storage

If you want to save your sticky buns for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, remove the buns from the freezer.

To reheat, let them thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This will make them soft and gooey again. You can also microwave them for about 20-30 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them. Enjoy your delicious sticky buns whenever you want!

FAQs

How do I know if my yeast is active?

You can check if your yeast is active by mixing it with warm milk and sugar. After about five minutes, look for bubbles or foam. If it froths, your yeast is active and ready to use. If not, you may need fresh yeast.

Can I make these sticky buns ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sticky buns in advance. Make the dough and let it rise. Then, shape the rolls and place them in the caramel layer. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them rise again before baking.

What should I do if my dough isn’t rising?

If your dough isn’t rising, check the temperature. It needs warmth to rise. You can place it in a warm spot, like near an oven. If the yeast was old or inactive, it won’t rise. Start over with fresh yeast if needed.

Can I substitute ingredients?

Certainly! You can swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Maple syrup can be replaced with honey or agave syrup. For a nut-free version, leave out the pecans or use seeds instead.

Making sticky buns is a fun adventure. You learned about the ingredients, the right tools, and the steps to bake great buns. Follow our tips to avoid mistakes, and explore variations for everyone’s taste. Remember to store your leftovers properly for later enjoyment. With the right knowledge, you can impress anyone with your sticky buns. Happy baking!

- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F) - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 large egg - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup pecans, chopped - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for caramel layer) - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup maple syrup You can customize these sticky buns by adding ingredients like raisins or chocolate chips. You can even swap out pecans for walnuts if you prefer. - Mixing bowls - Rolling pin - Baking dish Gather your equipment first. This step makes the process smooth and easy. Having everything ready helps you focus on making the sticky buns delicious. Enjoy the joy of cooking! To start, take a small bowl and pour in warm milk. Make sure it is about 110°F. Add granulated sugar to the milk. This sugar helps to feed the yeast. Now, sprinkle the active dry yeast on top. Stir it lightly. Let the mixture sit for about five minutes. You will see froth on the top. This frothiness shows that your yeast is active and ready to work. In a large mixing bowl, combine one cup of flour, softened butter, and the egg. Add the salt next. Pour in your activated yeast mixture. Stir this all together until it is well mixed. Gradually add the rest of the flour. Keep mixing until you form a soft dough. Now, take the dough to a floured surface. Knead it for about five to seven minutes. You want the dough to be smooth and elastic. After kneading, shape your dough into a ball. Place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a towel and let it rise in a warm spot. This should take about one hour. Once it has doubled in size, punch it down gently. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle that is about 12 by 18 inches. Spread melted butter evenly over the dough. Then sprinkle the brown sugar mixture across the surface. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the edges to seal it, and cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Next, prepare your caramel base. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, mix melted butter and maple syrup together. Sprinkle the chopped pecans on top. Place the cut rolls into the baking dish over the caramel. Cover them with a towel again and let them rise for another 30 minutes. While they rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Now it is time to bake. Bake the sticky buns for 25 to 30 minutes. They should be golden brown on top. Once baked, let them cool in the dish for five minutes. Then invert the pan onto a serving plate. Enjoy the sticky goodness! To get the best sticky buns, focus on the dough. Start by measuring your flour correctly. Too much flour can lead to dry dough. Always spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off. You want a soft and slightly tacky dough. Common mistakes can ruin your sticky buns. One big mistake is skipping the first rise. This step gives the dough time to grow. If your dough does not rise, check if your yeast is fresh. Frothiness means the yeast is ready. Warm sticky buns taste best. Place them on a plate and drizzle extra caramel sauce on top. Add whole pecans for a great look and crunch. Pair these buns with coffee or tea. A nice chai latte also works well. If you're feeling extra sweet, serve them with milk or hot chocolate. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your caramel pecan sticky buns easily. Try adding chocolate chips for a rich twist. You can also mix in fresh fruits like apples or berries for a fruity flavor. These options make your sticky buns unique and fun. For toppings, the classic caramel is great, but you can explore other choices. A drizzle of cream cheese icing adds a sweet touch. You can also top with more nuts for extra crunch. These simple changes keep your sticky buns exciting and delicious. If you want a healthier version, consider whole grain flour instead of all-purpose flour. This swap adds fiber and nutrients. For gluten-free options, try almond or coconut flour. These flours work well with the sticky bun recipe. You can also cut back on sugar. Use less brown sugar in the filling. You can swap some butter for applesauce. These small changes help you enjoy sticky buns while being mindful of your health. You may have some sticky buns left after baking. To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will help keep them soft. Place a piece of wax paper between layers if stacking. Keep the container at room temperature. Enjoy them within 2-3 days for the best taste. If you want to save your sticky buns for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, remove the buns from the freezer. To reheat, let them thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This will make them soft and gooey again. You can also microwave them for about 20-30 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them. Enjoy your delicious sticky buns whenever you want! You can check if your yeast is active by mixing it with warm milk and sugar. After about five minutes, look for bubbles or foam. If it froths, your yeast is active and ready to use. If not, you may need fresh yeast. Yes, you can prepare the sticky buns in advance. Make the dough and let it rise. Then, shape the rolls and place them in the caramel layer. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them rise again before baking. If your dough isn’t rising, check the temperature. It needs warmth to rise. You can place it in a warm spot, like near an oven. If the yeast was old or inactive, it won’t rise. Start over with fresh yeast if needed. Certainly! You can swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Maple syrup can be replaced with honey or agave syrup. For a nut-free version, leave out the pecans or use seeds instead. Making sticky buns is a fun adventure. You learned about the ingredients, the right tools, and the steps to bake great buns. Follow our tips to avoid mistakes, and explore variations for everyone’s taste. Remember to store your leftovers properly for later enjoyment. With the right knowledge, you can impress anyone with your sticky buns. Happy baking!

Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns

Indulge in the ultimate treat with these Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns! Perfectly soft and sweet, they are layered with a rich caramel sauce and crunchy pecans, making them an irresistible breakfast or dessert. Discover the step-by-step guide to creating these gooey delights that will delight your taste buds. Click through for the full recipe and make your kitchen smell heavenly! #CaramelPecanStickyBuns #BakingRecipes #SweetTreats #DessertIdeas
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)

1/4 cup granulated sugar

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

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 large egg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup pecans, chopped

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for caramel layer)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup maple syrup

Instructions
 

Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top, stir lightly, and let sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.

    Make Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, softened butter, egg, and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture. Stir until combined. Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.

      Knead Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

        First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

          Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans. Set aside.

            Roll Out Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle (about 12x18 inches). Spread melted butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar mixture across it.

              Shape Rolls: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the edges to seal, then cut into 12 equal pieces.

                Prepare Caramel Base: In a 9x13 inch baking dish, combine melted butter and maple syrup. Sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans on top.

                  Second Rise: Place the cut rolls in the baking dish over the caramel mixture. Cover with a towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.

                    Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

                      Bake: Bake the sticky buns for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

                        Cool and Serve: Allow the buns to cool in the dish for 5 minutes, then invert the pan onto a serving plate, letting the sticky caramel drizzle down over the buns.

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

                            - Presentation Tips: Serve warm, drizzle with extra caramel sauce, and garnish with whole pecans for an impressive final touch. Enjoy!

                              WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?