Sticky Pecan Buns: A Gooey, Irresistible Treat

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Sticky Pecan Buns are a classic indulgence, featuring soft, fluffy dough swirled with a cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a rich, gooey caramel-pecan glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these buns are sure to impress with their warm, comforting flavors. Below is a detailed recipe with step-by-step instructions, variations, and tips to help you create the perfect batch of Sticky Pecan Buns.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
  • 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)

For the Filling:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional, for filling)

For the Sticky Pecan Topping:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups pecan halves

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the warm milk, sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Mix well.
  3. Add the yeast mixture and gradually incorporate the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough on a floured surface (or with a dough hook) for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Sticky Pecan Topping

  1. While the dough is rising, prepare the topping. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Stir in the brown sugar, heavy cream (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
  3. Pour the topping into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle the pecan halves evenly over the top. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Buns

  1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
  2. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the buttered dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Add chopped pecans if desired.
  4. Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
  5. Cut the log into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or dental floss.

Step 4: Bake the Buns

  1. Place the buns cut-side down in the prepared baking dish, spacing them evenly.
  2. Cover the dish with a kitchen towel and let the buns rise for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  4. Bake the buns for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and the topping is bubbly.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

  1. Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
  2. Carefully invert the buns onto a serving platter or baking sheet, allowing the sticky topping to drizzle over the buns.
  3. Serve warm and enjoy!

Variations

  • Raisin or Dried Fruit Addition: Add 1/2 cup of raisins or dried cranberries to the filling for extra sweetness.
  • Chocolate Twist: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of chocolate chips over the cinnamon-sugar filling before rolling.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the dough and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
  • Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with vegan margarine, the milk with almond or oat milk, and the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).

Cooking Notes

  • Ensure the yeast is fresh and activated properly for the dough to rise.
  • If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour while kneading.
  • For a deeper caramel flavor, use dark brown sugar in the topping.
  • Let the buns cool slightly before inverting to prevent the topping from spilling.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve warm with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
  • Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or brunch.
  • These buns make a great addition to holiday breakfast spreads or potlucks.

Tips

  • Store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
  • To freeze, wrap individual buns in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Prep Time:

  • 30 minutes (plus 2 hours for rising)

Baking Time:

  • 25-30 minutes

Total Time:

  • About 3 hours

Nutritional Information (per bun, makes 12 buns):

  • Calories: 380
  • Protein: 5g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 2g

FAQs

  1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before. After the first rise, refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and assembling.
  2. Can I use a different type of nut?
    Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds can be used instead of pecans.
  3. What if I don’t have heavy cream for the topping?
    You can substitute with whole milk, but the topping may be slightly less rich.
  4. Can I make these buns smaller?
    Yes, cut the dough into 16-18 slices for smaller, bite-sized buns. Adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Sticky Pecan Buns are a decadent treat that combines soft, fluffy dough with a sweet, gooey topping. Perfect for special occasions or a weekend indulgence, these buns are sure to become a favorite. With their warm cinnamon flavor and crunchy pecans, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!

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