The BEST Pecan Sticky Buns are not just a recipe — they’re an experience. And oh my goodness, am I grateful you’re here to share it with me. There’s something magical about pulling a pan of bubbling, caramel-soaked sticky buns from the oven and flipping them onto a platter while they’re still warm. That glossy pecan topping dripping down the sides? Pure bakery bliss.
These homemade sticky buns are inspired by the legendary style of the one and only Ree Drummond — and let me tell you, they are perfection in every way.
Soft, fluffy dough. Brown sugar cinnamon filling. Buttery caramel pecan topping. Sticky in the best possible way.
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Yield: 12–15 sticky buns
Overview of Recipe Content
What Are Pecan Sticky Buns?
Sticky buns are enriched yeast rolls layered with cinnamon-sugar filling and baked over a buttery pecan caramel topping. After baking, they’re flipped upside down so the gooey topping becomes the crown jewel.
They’re perfect for:
- Holiday mornings
- Weekend brunch
- Special occasions
- Gifting
- Anytime you want to wow someone
If you love indulgent treats like Peanut Butter Twix Pie https://poulef.com/peanut-butter-twix-pie/ or Soft and Chewy The Best Twix Cookies Ever https://poulef.com/soft-and-chewy-the-best-twix-cookies-ever/, these sticky buns will absolutely steal your heart.
What They Taste Like
Imagine:
- Pillowy soft dough
- Warm cinnamon swirl
- Buttery brown sugar caramel
- Toasted pecans with crunch
They’re rich, sweet, and gloriously gooey — but balanced with just enough salt to keep you coming back for “just one more bite.”
Ingredients
DOUGH
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 4½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
DOUGH FILLING
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
PECAN TOPPING
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional but magical)
- 1½ cups chopped pecans
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Rolling pin
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Saucepan
How to Make The BEST Pecan Sticky Buns
Step 1: Warm the Dough Base
In a large pot, combine milk, oil, and sugar. Heat until warm but not boiling. Let cool to lukewarm.
Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Stir in 4 cups flour and mix until combined. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
That first rise is where the magic begins — your kitchen will smell like a bakery already.
Step 2: Finish the Dough
After rising, stir in remaining flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
Knead lightly on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Make the Sticky Pecan Topping
In a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in brown sugar and cream.
Cook 2–3 minutes until glossy and smooth.
Pour into your greased baking pan and sprinkle evenly with pecans.
This layer will become that stunning caramel top.
Step 4: Roll & Fill
Roll dough into a large rectangle (about ¼ inch thick).
Brush with melted butter.
Sprinkle generously with brown sugar and cinnamon.
Roll tightly into a log and slice into 1½-inch rolls.
Step 5: Second Rise
Place rolls on top of pecan caramel layer.
Cover and let rise 30–40 minutes until puffy.
Step 6: Bake
Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
The caramel will bubble. The edges will glisten. The aroma? Heavenly.
Step 7: The Flip
Let cool 5 minutes.
Place a large serving platter over the pan and carefully flip.
Lift the pan slowly…
And behold the gooey masterpiece.
What to Serve with Pecan Sticky Buns
These pair beautifully with:
- Freshly brewed coffee
- Hot latte
- Cold milk
- Scrambled eggs (for balance!)
For a brunch spread, add Butterscotch Toffee Cookie Bars https://poulef.com/butterscotch-toffee-cookie-bars/ and Deep Chocolate Cocoa & Spiced Mixed Fruit Celebration Cake https://poulef.com/deep-chocolate-cocoa-spiced-mixed-fruit-celebration-cake/.
Save it on Pinterest for holiday brunch boards: https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/
Tips for Making Them Perfect
- Don’t overheat milk mixture — it can kill the yeast.
- Let dough fully rise for soft texture.
- Use room temperature ingredients.
- Flip while warm — not hot, not cold.
- Toast pecans first for deeper flavor.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature: 2 days covered tightly.
Refrigerator: Up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked buns up to 2 months. Reheat gently.
They’re best warm — always.
General Information
Sticky buns have roots in European sweet roll traditions but became iconic in American bakeries and brunch culture. The combination of caramel and nuts makes them especially popular during holidays.
They’re indulgent — yes. But some recipes are meant to be celebrated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make them overnight?
Yes! Refrigerate after shaping. Bring to room temperature before baking.
Can I use instant yeast?
Yes — reduce rising time slightly.
Why are my buns dry?
Overbaking or too much flour.
Can I skip pecans?
Yes — but then they’re just sticky buns, not pecan sticky buns!
Can I add raisins?
Absolutely — mix into the filling.
Conclusion
The BEST Pecan Sticky Buns are soft, sticky, buttery, and unforgettable. They’re the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary morning into a celebration.
If you love rich, comforting bakes, try Peanut Butter Twix Pie https://poulef.com/peanut-butter-twix-pie/ and Butterscotch Toffee Cookie Bars https://poulef.com/butterscotch-toffee-cookie-bars/.
Bake them once — and you’ll understand why they’re legendary.
Interactive Elements
Did you make these sticky buns? Leave a comment and star rating below!
Snap a photo and share it on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/ — I LOVE seeing your creations!
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Bun – 15 Servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Sugar | 30g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 280mg |
The BEST Pecan Sticky Buns – 9 Irresistible Reasons These Gooey Beauties Are Pure Heaven
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 15 buns 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and gooey pecan sticky buns with buttery caramel topping.
Ingredients
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
1. Warm milk, oil, and sugar.
2. Add yeast and let foam.
3. Mix in flour and let rise.
4. Roll dough, add filling, and slice.
5. Prepare caramel pecan topping in pan.
6. Place rolls over topping and let rise again.
7. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.
8. Flip onto serving platter.
Notes
Flip while warm.
Do not overbake.
Toast pecans for deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Table of Contents
Gianna Poulef
I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.
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