Indulge in the ultimate breakfast treat with these Big Fat Pecan Sticky Buns. These fluffy, buttery buns are coated in a luscious caramel glaze and loaded with crunchy pecans, creating a decadent combination of sweetness and nuttiness. Perfect for brunch gatherings or a special weekend breakfast, these sticky buns are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor:ย The rich caramel glaze pairs perfectly with the soft, fluffy buns and nutty pecans.
- Perfect for Sharing:ย This recipe makes enough for a crowd, making it ideal for gatherings.
- Make-Ahead Option:ย Prepare the dough the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
- Customizable:ย Easily adapt the filling or toppings to your taste preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: Youโll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Sugar
- Salt
- Active dry yeast
- Milk
- Butter
- Eggs
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Pecans
Directions
- Prepare the Dough:ย In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Make the Filling:ย Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a bowl. Set aside.
- Shape the Buns:ย Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Roll up tightly, then cut into even slices.
- Prepare the Caramel Glaze:ย In a saucepan, melt butter and mix in brown sugar and cream until smooth. Pour the glaze into a baking dish and sprinkle with pecans. Arrange the buns on top.
- Final Rise:ย Cover the buns and let them rise for 30-45 minutes.
- Bake:ย Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve:ย Let cool slightly before inverting the dish to reveal the sticky pecan glaze. Serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings:ย 12 sticky buns
- Prep Time:ย 30 minutes
- Cook Time:ย 30 minutes
- Rising Time:ย 2-3 hours
Variations
- Nut-Free Option:ย Replace pecans with dried fruits like raisins or cranberries.
- Gluten-Free:ย Use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for yeast baking.
- Extra Decadent:ย Add cream cheese frosting on top of the sticky buns after baking.
- Vegan:ย Substitute butter, milk, and eggs with plant-based alternatives.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage:ย Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing:ย Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating:ย Warm individual buns in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300ยฐF oven for 5-10 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator.
2. What if I donโt have pecans?
You can substitute walnuts, almonds, or skip the nuts altogether.
3. How do I prevent sticky buns from being too dry?
Ensure the dough is not over-floured, and donโt overbake the buns.
4. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute equal amounts and skip the proofing step.
5. What size baking dish should I use?
A 9ร13-inch dish works well for this recipe.
6. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use two baking dishes to ensure even baking.
7. Can I use a bread machine for the dough?
Absolutely! Use the dough setting and proceed with the shaping and baking steps.
8. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but butter gives a richer flavor.
9. How do I know when the buns are fully baked?
They should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
10. Can I add other toppings?
Yes, try adding chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
Conclusion
Big Fat Pecan Sticky Buns are the ultimate treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. Their perfect combination of soft dough, rich caramel glaze, and crunchy pecans makes them an unforgettable addition to your breakfast table. Whether youโre hosting a brunch or simply treating yourself, this recipe will not disappoint. Enjoy warm and savor every gooey bite!
Print
Big Fat Pecan Sticky Buns
Description
Indulge in these Big Fat Pecan Sticky Bunsโgiant, gooey delights featuring soft, buttery dough swirled with cinnamon and topped with a sticky caramel-pecan glaze. Perfect for a cozy morning treat!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups warm milk (about 110ยฐF)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
For the Filling:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Caramel-Pecan Topping:
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and ยฝ teaspoon of sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a stand mixer, mix flour, salt, and ยผ cup sugar.
- Add yeast mixture to dry ingredients; knead with a dough hook until combined.
- Gradually add softened butter; knead on low speed for 5 minutes.
- Form dough into a ball; place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Assemble the Buns:
- On a floured surface, roll dough into a 10ร20-inch rectangle.
- Spread filling evenly over the dough.
- Tightly roll up the dough from the long side; cut into 8 equal pieces.
- Prepare the Caramel-Pecan Topping:
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Add brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat and whisk until sugar dissolves.
- Pour caramel sauce into a greased 9ร12-inch baking pan; sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
- Final Rise and Bake:
- Place buns cut-side down on top of the caramel-pecan mixture in the baking pan.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until buns are golden and cooked through.
- Serve:
- Let buns rest for 15 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving platter, allowing the caramel sauce to drizzle over the buns.
Notes
- This recipe yields 8 large sticky buns.
- For smaller buns, cut the dough into 12 pieces and adjust baking time accordingly.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *