These Big Fat Pecan Sticky Buns are gooey, sticky, and deliciously rich! Soft cinnamon rolls are swirled with caramel and pecans, making each bite an indulgent treat. While sticky buns are a labor of love, their rich flavor and irresistible texture make every minute spent preparing them worthwhile. Perfect for a cozy day, these buns will fill your home with sweet cinnamon and caramel aromas.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Sticky Bun Dough:

• 1 ½ cups warm milk (not hot)

• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast

• ½ tsp white sugar

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• ¼ cup white sugar

• 4 tbsp butter, softened

For the Pecan Caramel Sauce Topping:

• 8 tbsp butter

• 1 cup brown sugar

• ½ tsp vanilla

• ¼ tsp cinnamon

• ¼ cup heavy cream

• Pinch of salt

• 1 cup pecans, chopped

For the Filling:

• 4 tbsp butter, melted

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ½ cup white sugar

• 2 tsp cinnamon

Directions

1. Prepare the dough: Add yeast to the warm milk with ½ tsp of sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy. In a stand mixer, combine flour, salt, and white sugar. Add the yeast mixture, then knead using a dough hook. Add butter one tablespoon at a time and knead on low for 5 minutes. Shape the dough into a ball, cover, and let it rise for 30 minutes (until doubled in size).

2. Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 10×20 inch rectangle. Spread melted butter over the dough and sprinkle with brown sugar, white sugar, and cinnamon. Roll tightly and cut into 8 pieces.

3. Prepare the caramel sauce: In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a low boil, reduce heat, and whisk until sugar dissolves.

4. Assemble the buns: Lightly grease a 9×12 baking pan. Pour the caramel sauce into the pan and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Place the sticky buns in the sauce, cover, and let them rise for 30 minutes.

5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the sticky buns for 25-30 minutes or until the center is no longer doughy.

6. Serve: Let the buns rest for 15 minutes, then flip the pan onto another pan lined with parchment paper (be cautious with the hot caramel). Serve and enjoy!

Nutrients

• Calories: 747 kcal

• Total Fat: 37g

  • Saturated Fat: 18g

  • Trans Fat: 1g

  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g

• Cholesterol: 73mg

• Sodium: 527mg

• Carbohydrates: 99g

  • Fiber: 3g

  • Sugar: 52g

• Protein: 9g

Note: These values are estimates based on typical ingredient measurements.

The Dough: The Foundation of Flavor

The dough of these sticky buns is the foundation for all the indulgent flavors that follow. The dough begins with a yeast mixture that’s activated in warm milk, creating a light, airy texture. The yeast helps the dough rise, creating a soft, fluffy interior that perfectly complements the rich filling and sticky caramel sauce. The dough is simple yet effective—made with just a few basic ingredients: flour, salt, sugar, butter, and yeast.

Once the dough is mixed and kneaded, it’s left to rise, doubling in size and developing its structure. This stage is critical because it ensures the dough will be light and soft, giving the sticky buns their signature texture. Kneading the dough until smooth ensures that it has the right elasticity, and covering it to rise allows the yeast to work its magic, making the dough airy and tender. After the initial rise, rolling it out into a rectangle sets the stage for the sweet filling that will soon go inside.

The Filling: A Cinnamon-Sugar Delight

The filling is where the magic happens—layers of brown sugar, white sugar, and cinnamon create a sweet swirl of flavor that perfectly balances the richness of the caramel topping. As you roll the dough, the sugars melt and combine with the butter, forming a luscious filling that infuses the entire bun with a deep, warm sweetness. The cinnamon adds an aromatic spice that enhances the overall flavor, making each bite a burst of sweet warmth.

Once the dough is rolled tightly, it’s cut into 8 generous pieces that will become the individual sticky buns. As they rise, the cinnamon filling continues to meld and soak into the dough, creating the soft, gooey interior that defines a perfect sticky bun. The process of rolling and cutting the dough also ensures that the filling is distributed evenly, making sure every bite has just the right amount of sweetness.

The Caramel Sauce: The Perfect Sticky Topping

What sets sticky buns apart from other cinnamon rolls is the rich, gooey caramel sauce that is poured over them before baking. The pecan caramel sauce is made by melting butter and brown sugar together in a saucepan, creating a rich, caramelized syrup. Vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt are added to deepen the flavor, while heavy cream provides the sauce with a smooth, velvety texture.

The sauce is brought to a low boil before being whisked until the sugar dissolves, creating the perfect consistency to coat the bottom of the pan. Once the caramel sauce is ready, it’s poured into a greased baking pan, where it forms the base for the buns. Chopped pecans are added, giving the sticky buns a delightful crunch and a toasted flavor that complements the sweetness of the caramel. When the buns bake, the caramel sauce soaks into the dough, creating a sticky, gooey layer that gives each bite its signature richness.

Baking the Sticky Buns: The Golden Finish

The final step in creating Big Fat Pecan Sticky Buns is baking them to perfection. The buns are placed in the caramel sauce and allowed to rise for a second time, ensuring they are light and fluffy on the inside. This final rise also helps the buns absorb some of the caramel sauce, making them even more decadent.

Once the dough has risen, the buns are baked in the oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. During this time, the cinnamon sugar filling melts into the dough, the caramel sauce becomes bubbly and thick, and the pecans roast to a golden brown. The buns should be golden on top, with the caramel sauce forming a thick layer that’s both sticky and delicious. The result is a tray of perfectly baked sticky buns, with a warm, soft interior and a rich, gooey exterior.

Serving and Enjoying: A Sweet Indulgence

Once the buns are finished baking, they should be left to rest for a few minutes to allow the caramel to set slightly. This also gives the buns time to cool slightly so they’re easier to handle when flipping. To serve, place a plate or another baking pan over the top of the buns and carefully flip the pan upside down. Be cautious with the hot caramel sauce, as it will be bubbling and can spill out if not handled carefully.

Once flipped, the sticky buns will be covered in the caramel sauce and pecans, ready to be served. The golden, sticky coating on top contrasts beautifully with the soft, sweet interior of the buns, making each bite a perfect combination of textures. The rich caramel sauce pairs perfectly with the light dough and cinnamon filling, creating an irresistible indulgence.

These sticky buns can be served warm, fresh out of the oven, or at room temperature. Either way, they are a treat that will have everyone coming back for more. The combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, caramel, and pecans makes each bite a moment of pure sweetness. Whether enjoyed as a dessert or a decadent breakfast, Big Fat Pecan Sticky Buns will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Big Fat Pecan Sticky Buns are an indulgent, sweet treat that are perfect for any occasion. While they do require some time and attention to detail, the end result is a gooey, sticky, and incredibly flavorful dessert or breakfast that is worth every minute of preparation. The combination of soft, cinnamon-spiced dough, rich caramel sauce, and crunchy pecans makes each bite a delightful experience.

These sticky buns are perfect for cozy mornings or gatherings with friends and family. They are a true labor of love, but the result is a dessert that’s nothing short of spectacular. The balance of textures—from the soft, fluffy dough to the crunchy pecans and gooey caramel—creates a perfect bite every time. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or at room temperature, Big Fat Pecan Sticky Buns are sure to satisfy any sweet craving and become a beloved favorite in your household.