Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These sticky buns are the definition of comfort food. The dough is soft and fluffy, the caramel sauce is rich and sticky, and the pecans add a nice crunch to every bite. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert. The recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require any special equipment, just a bit of time and love. Plus, the sweet aroma of cinnamon and caramel filling your kitchen as they bake is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Once you try these, they’ll quickly become a beloved tradition in your household!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Buns:

4 ½ – 5 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided
½ cup sugar
2 packages active dry yeast
2 teaspoons salt
¾ cup milk
½ cup water
½ cup butter (1 stick)
1 large egg (beaten)

For the Caramel Sauce:

1 ½ cups brown sugar (packed)
¾ cup light corn syrup
¾ cup butter (room temperature)
1 cup chopped pecans (or your preferred nuts)

For the Filling:

2 teaspoons cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ cup brown sugar (packed)
2-3 tablespoons butter (melted)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Set aside.
In a small saucepan, heat the milk, water, and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm (about 110°F or 45°C).
Gradually add the warm milk mixture to the dry ingredients in the large bowl and beat until smooth.
Add the egg and enough flour to make a thick batter, about 3 cups. Continue beating until smooth.
Place the dough on a floured surface and knead in the remaining flour until the dough becomes elastic (about 8-10 minutes).
Put the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour, until it doubles in size.

2. Prepare the Caramel Sauce

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Stir until smooth.
Pour the caramel mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and sprinkle with chopped pecans.

3. Roll the Dough

Punch down the dough and divide it into 3 equal pieces.
Roll each piece of dough into a 20-inch by 10-inch rectangle.
Brush each rectangle with melted butter and sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Roll each rectangle tightly into a jelly roll and pinch the ends together. Cut into 1-inch slices.
Place the slices into the prepared pan over the caramel and pecans. Make sure the buns are close together.
Cover with a damp towel and let the dough rise again for about 45-60 minutes, until the buns have doubled in size.

4. Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Let the buns rest for 5-7 minutes after baking before flipping them over onto a piece of parchment paper to cool slightly.

5. Serve

Serve the caramel sticky buns warm, with an extra drizzle of the caramel sauce from the pan. They’re perfect on their own or paired with a cup of coffee or tea!

Servings and Timing

Yield: 12 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus rising time)
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including rising time)

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

Calories: 878 kcal
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 49mg
Sodium: 592mg
Potassium: 271mg
Carbohydrates: 152g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 71g
Protein: 14g
Vitamin A: 656 IU
Vitamin C: 0.1mg
Calcium: 107mg
Iron: 6mg

Variations and Substitutions

Nuts: If you don’t like pecans, feel free to use walnuts, almonds, or your favorite nut.
Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with plant-based butter and use a dairy-free milk alternative to make this recipe vegan. You can also use flax eggs to replace the egg.
Spices: Experiment with different spices in the filling. A pinch of cardamom or cloves can add a unique flavor to the sticky buns.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. Make sure your yeast is also gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover sticky buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the buns after they’ve cooled. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Reheating: To reheat, place the sticky buns in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these sticky buns ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the fridge. In the morning, you can proceed with the caramel sauce, rolling, and baking.

How do I keep the caramel sauce from burning?

Ensure your oven is at the correct temperature and keep an eye on the buns as they bake. If the caramel sauce begins to darken too much, cover the pan loosely with foil during the last few minutes of baking.

Can I add fruit to the filling?

Yes! You can add chopped apples, berries, or raisins to the filling for an extra burst of flavor.

How do I know when the buns are done?

The buns should be golden brown on top and the caramel should be bubbly. You can insert a toothpick into the center to check for doneness—the dough should be fully cooked inside.

Conclusion

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns are the perfect combination of sweet, gooey caramel, soft dough, and crunchy pecans. This family-friendly recipe is ideal for breakfast, dessert, or any time you want to indulge in something delicious. With their irresistible flavor and texture, these sticky buns are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Enjoy!