Easy Pecan Sticky Buns are a heavenly treat that combines the crunchiness of pecans with a soft, buttery pastry. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack, these buns are drenched in a caramel-like sauce that makes them irresistibly sticky and delicious.

This recipe simplifies the traditional process, using ready-made dough to save time without compromising on taste. With a golden-brown exterior and a warm, gooey interior, these buns are sure to delight anyone who tries them.

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

For the Sticky Glaze:

1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup honey
1 cup chopped pecans

For the Buns:

1 lb ready-made bread dough or pizza dough (thawed if frozen)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions for Making Easy Pecan Sticky Buns

Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, and honey. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Pour the glaze into a 9×13 inch baking dish, ensuring it covers the bottom evenly. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the glaze.
Prepare the Dough: Roll out the thawed dough on a lightly floured surface into a 14×9 inch rectangle. Brush the surface of the dough with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.

Shape the Buns: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Arrange the slices, cut side down, over the pecan and glaze layer in the baking dish. Let the buns rise in a warm place until they are puffy and have nearly doubled in size, about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Bake the Buns: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the buns have risen, bake them for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the glaze is bubbling. Let the buns cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then invert the pan onto a serving platter so that the pecans are on top. Serve warm and enjoy the sticky, sweet delight.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Choosing the Right Dough: The foundation of any good sticky bun is its dough. While this recipe simplifies the process by using ready-made bread or pizza dough, selecting a high-quality dough is crucial. For a richer flavor, look for dough that contains butter or eggs. If you’re up for a challenge, making your own dough can also be a rewarding endeavor.

Managing the Glaze: The glaze for these sticky buns is what sets them apart. To achieve a perfectly smooth and evenly distributed glaze, ensure the brown sugar is fully dissolved before adding the pecans. Consider lightly toasting the pecans before adding them to the glaze for an extra depth of flavor.

Rolling and Cutting the Dough: When rolling the dough, aim for an even thickness to ensure consistent cooking. A serrated knife or a piece of dental floss can be used to cut the rolled dough into slices. This method helps maintain the shape of the buns without squishing the dough.

Proofing the Buns: The rise time is essential for creating light and fluffy buns. Find a warm, draft-free area in your kitchen for the dough to rise. If your kitchen is on the cooler side, turning the oven on to the lowest setting for a few minutes, then turning it off and placing the dough inside with the door closed, can create a perfect rising environment.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation: Invert the pan onto a serving platter to display the sticky buns with their glossy pecan topping facing up. This not only makes for an appetizing presentation but also allows the sticky glaze to drizzle down the sides of the buns.

Accompaniments: These sticky buns are perfect on their own but can be paired with fresh fruits like sliced apples, pears, or berries for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can also elevate the serving, especially if the buns are served warm.

Beverage Pairings: The rich flavors of pecan sticky buns pair wonderfully with hot beverages. Consider serving them with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. For a special brunch, a glass of cold milk or even a mimosa can complement the flavors beautifully.

Storage Tips

Short-Term Storage: Once cooled, these buns can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Ensure they are completely cool before storing to prevent condensation from making the buns soggy.

Refrigerating: For longer storage, refrigerate the buns in an airtight container for up to a week. To serve, simply reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until they are warm and the glaze is gooey again.

Freezing: Pecan sticky buns freeze exceptionally well. Wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours, then reheat as above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these buns in advance? Yes, you can prepare the buns up to the point of baking and then refrigerate them overnight. The next morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.

My dough didn’t rise, what went wrong? There could be several reasons, including the dough being too cold, an overly cool environment, or the yeast in homemade dough not being active. Ensure the dough is kept in a warm, draft-free area and that any yeast used is not expired.

Can I use a different nut for the topping? Absolutely. While pecans are traditional, walnuts or almonds can also make delicious alternatives. Just ensure they are chopped to a similar size for even cooking.

The glaze is too runny/thick, how can I fix it? If the glaze is too runny, cook it for a little longer to reduce it before pouring it into the baking dish. If it’s too thick, adding a tablespoon of heavy cream or milk can help thin it out to the desired consistency.

How do I ensure the buns don’t stick to the pan? Generously buttering the baking dish before adding the glaze and pecans should prevent sticking. Alternatively, lining the bottom of the dish with parchment paper can ensure the buns lift out easily after inverting the pan.

Easy-Pecan-Sticky-Buns

No ratings yet

Easy Pecan Sticky Buns are a heavenly treat that combines the crunchiness of pecans with a soft, buttery pastry.

Ingredients

For the Sticky Glaze:

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup honey
1 cup chopped pecans

For the Buns:

1 lb ready-made bread dough or pizza dough thawed if frozen
2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, and honey. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Pour the glaze into a 9×13 inch baking dish, ensuring it covers the bottom evenly. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the glaze.
Prepare the Dough: Roll out the thawed dough on a lightly floured surface into a 14×9 inch rectangle. Brush the surface of the dough with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
Shape the Buns: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Arrange the slices, cut side down, over the pecan and glaze layer in the baking dish. Let the buns rise in a warm place until they are puffy and have nearly doubled in size, about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Bake the Buns: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the buns have risen, bake them for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the glaze is bubbling. Let the buns cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then invert the pan onto a serving platter so that the pecans are on top. Serve warm and enjoy the sticky, sweet delight.