Old Fashioned Sticky Buns from Scratch

These pecan sticky buns are a simplified homemade version that anyone can enjoy making from scratch at home. With just a few steps, you can get a full pan of the perfectly gooey, pecan-topped rolls you crave.

Perfectly Gooey Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe from Scratch

This sticky buns recipe is one of my favorites and I’m excited to share it with all of you. Featuring a flaky and soft yeast dough nestled beneath the sticky goodness, these rolls are fantastic. Whether you serve these rolls up for breakfast or dessert, they’ll always be a huge hit.

What are sticky buns?

Sticky buns are similar to cinnamon rolls, but include a sticky, caramel and pecan glaze. They are also turned upside down when done so the sticky glaze is on top of the buns.

In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to make them so they turn out perfectly every single time.

Sticky Bun Recipe Ingredients

For the dough you will need:

• All-Purpose Flour
• Salt
• Yeast
• Granulated Sugar
• Egg
• Melted Butter
• Milk
• Water

For the filling, you will need:

• Brown Sugar
• Cinnamon
• Salt
• Softened Butter

For the sticky topping you will need:

• Brown Sugar
• Butter
• Honey
• Salt
• Heavy Cream
• Vanilla Extract
• Chopped Pecans

For the exact amounts needed, please see the recipe card below.

How to make Old Fashioned Sticky Buns with Pecans

Make the Topping

1. In a pot on the stove, melt together the brown sugar, butter, honey, and salt until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add in the cream and vanilla. Stir to combine.
3. Pour about ¾ of the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Reserve remaining goo for later.

Make the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl combine 3 cups of flour with the rest of the dry ingredients. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture.
2. Add the egg, butter, milk, and water to the well. Mix the dough until combined.
3. Add in the remaining cup of flour and mix again.
4. Cover and let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead until it comes together and is smooth. This should take about 6-8 minutes by hand or about 4 minutes with a stand mixer.

Assembly

1. In a bowl combine the filling’s brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
2. Roll your dough out into a rectangle that is about ¼ of an inch thick.
3. Spread the softened butter evenly over the top of the dough.
4. Sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar mixture over the dough and spread it out evenly. Press lightly to help it adhere.
5. Roll the rectangle dough into a log starting with one long side and rolling towards the other.
6. Cut the log into 15 equal-sized pieces. This is most easily done by cutting it into 3 pieces and then cutting each piece into 5.
7. Place the cut rolls into the 9×13 baking dish, right on top of the gooey sugar mixture. Make sure that your rolls are evenly spaced.
8. Cover the rolls with plastic wrap and allow to rest until doubled in size. This is about 45 minutes.
9. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
10. Remove the pan from the oven and turn it upside down over a cutting board. The goo that was on the bottom of the pan will now be on top.
11. Combine the remaining goo you set aside with the chopped pecans and spread evenly over the top of the rolls.
12. Serve and enjoy!

Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe Tips

• What type of yeast to use. I like to use instant yeast because it’s stronger than active dry yeast and doesn’t have to be bloomed as dry yeast does. Using either kind won’t make much of a difference in this recipe so go ahead and use what you have on hand.
• The size of the pan matters! I highly recommend that you only attempt this recipe with a 9×13 baking dish. This will help to prevent the goo from rising up and leaking out of the pan creating a large sticky mess on the baking dish and in your oven. These rolls will rise and puff up as they bake so they need the larger pan to accommodate all of that.

I added an extra step at the end of this recipe. It’s worth it! I like to add the pecans at the end because they stay more crispy and then you can drizzle even more goo over the top!

How to serve Pecan Sticky Buns

Pecan sticky buns can be served warm or at room temperature. They are great for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack! Eat them with milk or coffee, you can’t go wrong.

How to store sticky buns:

You can keep your sticky buns covered well in plastic wrap or in a covered container for up to days at room temperature.

Do sticky buns need to be refrigerated?

No, sticky buns do not need to be refrigerated. You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can you freeze sticky buns?

You can keep your rolls stored in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Simply take them out of the freezer and pop them into the fridge the night before you want to serve.

Then in the morning, grab the pan and place it on the counter to come to room temp as the oven preheats. Bake as directed or reheat if already cooked through. Enjoy!

How to reheat sticky buns:

A nice trick for reheating your rolls without them becoming dried out is to place a roll onto a microwave-safe plate and then add a small dollop or pad of butter on top.

Reheat in the microwave for about 30 seconds to a minute and enjoy! The butter helps to add moisture back to the topping and keeps your roll moist and delicious.

Pecan Sticky Bun Recipe FAQs

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