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Pecan sticky buns are the perfect combination of soft, pillowy dough and a rich, sweet caramel sauce that will have everyone reaching for seconds. These delightful treats are perfect for a weekend brunch or as a special dessert. With their warm, gooey centers and crunchy pecan topping, they’re bound to become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe for pecan sticky buns is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it a great addition to any brunch table. You’ll appreciate the following:
- Irresistibly soft and gooey texture
- Rich flavor from brown sugar and cinnamon
- Easy-to-follow steps for homemade goodness
- Perfect for sharing with family and friends
- Can be made in advance for convenience
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, for caramel sauce
- 1 cup brown sugar, for caramel sauce
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, for caramel sauce
How to Make Pecan Sticky Buns
- In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Add the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the caramel sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and bubbling, then remove from heat.
- Pour the caramel sauce into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the sauce.
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
- Spread the remaining 1 cup of brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon evenly over the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 12 equal pieces.
- Place the sliced buns in the baking dish on top of the caramel and pecans. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F while the buns are rising. Once they have risen, bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before inverting onto a serving platter. Enjoy warm!
Tips for the Best Results
- Ensure your milk is just warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Knead the dough well for a fluffy texture.
- Allow the buns to rise in a warm environment for the best results.
- If you prefer a richer flavor, let the caramel sauce simmer for a few extra minutes.
Easy Variations
- Substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans for a different nutty flavor.
- Add a touch of orange zest to the dough for a citrus twist.
- Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the buns after baking for added sweetness.
What to Serve With It
- Freshly brewed coffee or tea
- A side of fresh fruit or fruit salad
- Whipped cream for a touch of indulgence
- Cream cheese or mascarpone spread
Storage and Reheating
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Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat individual buns in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a warm oven until heated through.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield/Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, for caramel sauce
- 1 cup brown sugar, for caramel sauce
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, for caramel sauce
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Add the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the caramel sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and bubbling, then remove from heat.
- Pour the caramel sauce into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the sauce.
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
- Spread the remaining 1 cup of brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon evenly over the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 12 equal pieces.
- Place the sliced buns in the baking dish on top of the caramel and pecans. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F while the buns are rising. Once they have risen, bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before inverting onto a serving platter. Enjoy warm!
Notes: Ensure your milk is just warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.





















