Enjoy the irresistible allure of homemade Easy Pecan Sticky Buns, a delicious breakfast treat that will make your taste buds sing with joy. With just a few simple ingredients and little effort, you can make these gooey, caramelized buns topped with crunchy pecans in no time. These sticky buns are sure to become a family favorite, whether served with coffee in the morning or as a special brunch indulgence.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
For the Filling:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Sticky Pecan Topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 cup pecan halves or pieces
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until frothy.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, egg, and frothy yeast mixture.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface or with the dough hook attachment of your stand mixer until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Make the Sticky Pecan Topping:
- In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the brown sugar and honey or maple syrup until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
- Pour the sticky mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the pecan halves or pieces evenly over the sticky mixture.
- Assemble the Buns:
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, about 12×18 inches in size.
- Spread the filling mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Starting from one long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
- Slice and Arrange:
- Using a sharp knife or dough scraper, cut the dough log into 12 equal slices.
- Place the slices cut-side down in the prepared baking dish, on top of the sticky pecan topping.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the baking dish with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the buns rise in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, or until puffy and doubled in size.
- Bake the Buns:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once the buns have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the sticky buns from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes.
- Carefully invert the baking dish onto a serving platter or tray, allowing the sticky pecan topping to drizzle over the buns.
- Serve the Easy Pecan Sticky Buns warm and enjoy the gooey, caramelized goodness with every bite!
Easy Pecan Sticky Buns are a delicious breakfast treat that is both simple to make and extremely satisfying. These buns, with their gooey caramel topping, crunchy pecans, and cinnamon-spiced filling, are a crowd favorite. Whether you’re having a leisurely breakfast or impressing guests at brunch, these sticky buns will bring joy to your table. So roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and prepare to enjoy the irresistible goodness of homemade sticky buns!