Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns

These Pecan Sticky Buns are made with soft sweet cinnamon rolls smothered in a sweet caramelized brown sugar and pecan topping. You’re likely to fall in love with them at the very first bite.

Pecan Sticky Buns

These sticky buns are amazing, my friends. While I could ramble on for an hour telling you how delicious they are, I will spare you that, since they’re a classic favorite.

Because really, do you know anyone who doesn’t love a caramel-covered pecan sticky bun? As much as my family loves these classic cinnamon rolls, sometimes I like to mix things up a bit.

Sticky buns start with the same rich cinnamon roll dough that is rolled out and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar before being sliced into rounds. However, for this recipe, the sticky bun magic happens right before baking.

Caramel Sticky Buns

This recipe uses my favorite basic sweet yeast dough as the base. I’ve written an entire post for you with all the secrets to making the best yeast dough. Be sure to check it out! It’s filled with tips and a full tutorial on how to make yeast dough, so be sure to check that post out before making these rolls.

While the dough is rising, you’re going to mix together a brown sugar and butter glaze. Pour that caramel glaze into the bottom of a baking dish and sprinkle it generously with pecans. Then place the rolls into the pan on top of the pecans.

Bake as directed below and when the rolls are done, you’ll remove them from the oven and let them rest for just a minute. Then you’ll carefully invert the pan over a large plate or tray. In all seriousness, take care here, as that caramel sticky bun glaze is going to be very hot.

Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe

You’ll need the following ingredients to make these rolls:

For the Dough

•  instant yeast
• warm milk
• sugar
• butter
• salt
• egg
• flour

For the Filling

• cinnamon
• brown sugar
• butter

For the Pecan Topping

• brown sugar
• corn syrup
• butter
• pecans

To make the sticky buns, you’ll start by proofing the yeast in warm milk for 10-15 minutes or until bubbly. Whisk in the sugar, butter, salt and egg. Stir in the flour until the dough comes together.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for a few minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl and let rise until double in size.

Punch the dough down and need a few times until smooth. Combine the ½ cup brown sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon.

Make the Pecan topping by combining the brown sugar, corn syrup and butter in a small saucepan. Heat until almost boiling and the sugar is melted. Pour the mixture into a greased 10 round baking pan and sprinkle with pecans. Set aside.

Roll the dough into an 10 by 18 inch rectangle. Spread the 4 tablespoons of butter on the dough. Sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Roll up tightly starting on the short edge.

Using thread or a very sharp knife, cut the log into 8 or 9 rolls. Place them on top of the pecan filling in the 10 inch baking pan and let them rise.

Bake at 375°F for 15-16 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove them from the oven and let them sit for a minute. Invert the pan on a foiled lined tray. Be careful, the caramel is very hot. They are best served warm.

Check out all of our sweet roll recipes that utilize this same easy dough. Raspberry Cream Cheese Sweet Rolls are soft, buttery rolls spread with a sweet cream cheese mixture and stuffed with juicy raspberries. They’re fun summer twist on traditional cinnamon rolls.

Warm and fluffy cinnamon rolls are kicked into high gear with rich, creamy caramel and tart apples in these Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls. S’mores Cinnamon Rolls are filled with melting chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and crushed graham cracker goodness. 

Looking for more pecan treats? This one-bowl Praline Pecan Cake is almost ridiculously simple to make, yet it delivers the perfect balance of moist, tender buttermilk cake and the irresistible chewy crunch of caramelized pralines.

All the rich flavors of classic bread pudding meet French toast in this easy Pecan Praline French Toast Bake. This has been one of my favorite make-ahead breakfasts for many years now.

Do you love Pralines as much as I do? This Pralines and Cream Ice Cream is an old-fashioned ice cream lover’s dream come true.

{originally published 10/29/15 – recipe notes and photos updated 3/7/24}