Hawaiian Roll Sticky Buns are a delightful twist on traditional sticky buns, using the sweet, fluffy texture of Hawaiian rolls as a base. This recipe elevates the classic comfort food with a tropical sweetness that pairs perfectly with the gooey caramel glaze and pecans.

Ideal for brunches, special breakfasts, or a treat alongside your coffee, these buns are sure to impress with their irresistible blend of flavors and textures. The ease of preparation, thanks to pre-made rolls, makes this recipe a convenient choice for a delicious, homemade indulgence.

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

1 package of Hawaiian Rolls (12 rolls): These sweet rolls form the base of our sticky buns, providing a unique, tropical sweetness.
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter: Melted, it will help create the rich, gooey sauce that characterizes sticky buns.
1 cup brown sugar: This adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness to the glaze.

1/4 cup honey: For natural sweetness and a smooth texture in the glaze.
1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the caramel glaze.
1 cup chopped pecans: These add a delightful crunch and nuttiness to the buns.

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: For a warm, spicy note that complements the sweetness.
1/4 teaspoon salt: To balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
Cooking spray: For greasing the baking dish.

Instructions for Making Hawaiian Roll Sticky Buns

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Make the Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, honey, heavy cream, and salt. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Bring to a gentle boil and then remove from heat. Stir in half of the chopped pecans. Pour half of this caramel sauce into the prepared baking dish.
Prepare the Rolls: Cut the entire pack of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally (do not pull the rolls apart). Place the bottom half of the rolls in the baking dish, on top of the caramel sauce.

Add Filling: Sprinkle the cinnamon and the remaining pecans over the bottom layer of rolls. Place the top half of the rolls back on.
Top with Sauce and Bake: Pour the remaining caramel sauce evenly over the top of the rolls. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
Cool and Serve: Allow the sticky buns to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the caramel sauce thicken slightly and makes the buns easier to serve.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Check the Freshness of Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients can significantly affect the outcome of your sticky buns. Ensure your Hawaiian rolls are fresh and soft, and your baking powder (if using any variation of the recipe) is not expired for optimal rise.

Control the Heat While Making Caramel: The caramel sauce is a crucial component. Cook it over medium heat and watch it closely to prevent it from burning. A burnt sauce will impart a bitter taste to your sticky buns.

Even Layering: When constructing your sticky buns, aim for even layers of sauce, pecans, and dough. This ensures every bite is as delicious as the last. An offset spatula can help spread the caramel evenly.

Customize Your Nuts: While pecans are traditional, feel free to experiment with other nuts like walnuts or almonds for different textures and flavors.

Bake Until Just Right: Oven temperatures can vary, so it’s crucial to bake the buns until they are golden brown on top. If the buns are browning too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil until they’re cooked through.

Resting Time Is Key: Allowing the buns to rest in the pan for about 10 minutes after baking will enable the caramel to set slightly, making the buns easier to handle and serve.

Serving Suggestions

With Ice Cream: Serve these sticky buns warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a decadent dessert.

Fruit Pairings: Fresh berries or a tropical fruit salad complement the sweetness of the buns and add a fresh, acidic contrast.

Coffee or Tea: These sticky buns pair wonderfully with a strong cup of coffee or tea, balancing their sweetness with a bitter or aromatic drink.

Holiday Breakfast: Make these buns a part of your holiday breakfast or brunch spread. They’re sure to be a hit on special occasions like Christmas morning or Easter brunch.

Dessert Sauce Drizzles: For an extra luxurious treat, drizzle your sticky buns with chocolate sauce, caramel, or a fruit coulis before serving.

Storage Tips

Cool Completely Before Storing: Ensure the sticky buns are completely cooled to room temperature before you attempt to store them to prevent condensation and sogginess.

Airtight Containers: Store the buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week.

Reheating: To revive the gooey texture of the caramel, briefly microwave the buns or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.

Freezing: Freeze sticky buns individually or in a single layer first. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these sticky buns ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the buns in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Remove from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.

How do I know when the sticky buns are done baking? The tops should be golden brown, and the caramel sauce bubbling around the edges. An inserted toothpick should come out clean or with a few crumbs but not raw dough.

Can I use a different type of bread if I don’t have Hawaiian rolls? Yes, while Hawaiian rolls are recommended for their sweet flavor and soft texture, you can use other soft bread rolls. The end result may be less sweet, so adjust the sugar if necessary.

Why did my caramel sauce harden after pouring it over the rolls? If the caramel sauce hardens too quickly, it might have been overcooked or cooled too much before pouring. Ensure it’s warm and fluid when pouring over the rolls for best results.

Can I add other ingredients to the filling? Absolutely! Consider adding small diced apples, raisins, or a sprinkle of orange zest to the filling for extra flavor dimensions.

Hawaiian Roll Sticky Buns

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Ingredients

1 package of Hawaiian Rolls 12 rolls: These sweet rolls form the base of our sticky buns, providing a unique, tropical sweetness.
1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter: Melted, it will help create the rich, gooey sauce that characterizes sticky buns.
1 cup brown sugar: This adds a deep molasses-like sweetness to the glaze.
1/4 cup honey: For natural sweetness and a smooth texture in the glaze.
1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the caramel glaze.

1 cup chopped pecans: These add a delightful crunch and nuttiness to the buns.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: For a warm spicy note that complements the sweetness.
1/4 teaspoon salt: To balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.

Cooking spray: For greasing the baking dish.

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Make the Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, honey, heavy cream, and salt. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Bring to a gentle boil and then remove from heat. Stir in half of the chopped pecans. Pour half of this caramel sauce into the prepared baking dish.

Prepare the Rolls: Cut the entire pack of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally (do not pull the rolls apart). Place the bottom half of the rolls in the baking dish, on top of the caramel sauce.
Add Filling: Sprinkle the cinnamon and the remaining pecans over the bottom layer of rolls. Place the top half of the rolls back on.
Top with Sauce and Bake: Pour the remaining caramel sauce evenly over the top of the rolls. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.

Cool and Serve: Allow the sticky buns to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the caramel sauce thicken slightly and makes the buns easier to serve.