These Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns are the perfect sweet indulgence, combining gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and soft, cinnamon-flavored dough. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting breakfast, these sticky buns will become a beloved family recipe. They are sticky, gooey, and oh-so-delicious – a treat that will have everyone reaching for more.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Buns:
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4 ½ – 5 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided
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½ cup sugar
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2 packages active dry yeast
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2 teaspoons salt
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¾ cup milk
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½ cup water
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½ cup butter (1 stick)
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1 large egg (beaten)
For the Caramel Sauce:
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1 ½ cups brown sugar (packed)
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¾ cup light corn syrup
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¾ cup butter (room temperature)
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1 cup chopped pecans (or your preferred nuts)
For the Filling:
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2 teaspoons cinnamon
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½ teaspoon nutmeg
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½ cup brown sugar (packed)
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2-3 tablespoons butter (melted)
Directions
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Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Set aside.
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In a small saucepan, heat the milk, water, and butter until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm.
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Gradually add the warm milk mixture to the dry ingredients in the large bowl and beat until smooth.
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Add the egg and enough flour to make a thick batter, about 3 cups. Continue beating until smooth.
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Place the dough on a floured surface and knead in the remaining flour until the dough becomes elastic.
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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.
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Prepare the Caramel Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Blend until smooth. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch pan and sprinkle with pecans.
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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.
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Brush each rectangle with melted butter and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll each rectangle tightly into a jelly roll and pinch the ends together. Cut into 1-inch slices.
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Place the slices into the prepared pan over the caramel and pecans. Cover with a damp towel and let the dough rise again for about 45-60 minutes.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown.
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Once baked, let the buns rest for 5-7 minutes before flipping them over onto parchment paper to cool.
Nutrients (per serving)
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Calories: 878 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 152g
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Protein: 14g
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Fat: 25g
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Saturated Fat: 10g
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Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g
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Monounsaturated Fat: 9g
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Trans Fat: 0.5g
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Cholesterol: 49mg
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Sodium: 592mg
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Potassium: 271mg
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Fiber: 4g
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Sugar: 71g
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Vitamin A: 656 IU
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Vitamin C: 0.1mg
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Calcium: 107mg
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Iron: 6mg
The Magic of Caramel Sauce
The heart of these sticky buns lies in the homemade caramel sauce. Made with brown sugar, light corn syrup, butter, and a touch of vanilla, the caramel sauce forms a sticky base that soaks into the buns as they bake, creating an irresistible gooey texture. This caramel is what makes these buns stand out from regular cinnamon rolls or other sweet pastries.
As the buns bake, the caramel sauce becomes beautifully infused into the dough, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is both sweet and rich. The combination of brown sugar and corn syrup in the sauce provides a deep, complex sweetness, while the butter adds richness and a smooth texture. When topped with the chopped pecans, the caramel sauce creates a nutty, crunchy layer that contrasts perfectly with the soft, fluffy buns.
What’s great about the caramel sauce is how it elevates the flavor profile of the buns. While cinnamon and sugar provide a familiar sweetness, the caramel adds a unique twist that sets these sticky buns apart from others. It’s the perfect finishing touch that transforms a simple recipe into an unforgettable treat.
Pecans: Adding Texture and Flavor
Pecans play an important role in this recipe, contributing both texture and flavor. These nuts are toasted and sprinkled over the caramel sauce, adding a crunchy contrast to the soft, pillowy buns. The toasted pecans bring a rich, nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the caramel and the cinnamon-spiced dough. The texture of the pecans also adds a satisfying crunch in every bite, enhancing the overall eating experience.
Pecans are more than just a flavorful addition—they also bring health benefits to the table. Packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber, pecans are a great source of nutrition. They contain antioxidants and essential minerals such as magnesium and phosphorus, which support heart health and bone health. Adding pecans to these sticky buns not only enhances the flavor but also provides a nutritious component to this indulgent treat.
Making the Dough: The Key to Soft and Fluffy Buns
The dough for Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns is a crucial element in creating the perfect texture. It needs to be soft, tender, and light, so it can rise beautifully and hold up to the rich filling and caramel sauce. The dough starts with a mixture of all-purpose flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and warm liquids like milk and butter. These ingredients come together to form a soft dough that is then kneaded to develop elasticity and structure.
The use of yeast in the dough is essential for achieving that pillowy, airy texture. The yeast helps the dough rise as it bakes, giving the sticky buns their signature fluffiness. Allowing the dough to rise twice—once before shaping it into rolls and again after it is placed in the pan—ensures that the buns are light and tender. The process of letting the dough rise slowly also allows the flavors to develop, resulting in a bread-like base that perfectly complements the sweet and savory filling.
Filling: Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Brown Sugar
The filling for these sticky buns is a simple but flavorful combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and melted butter. The cinnamon provides a warm, spicy kick, while the nutmeg adds a subtle depth of flavor. Together, these ingredients create a fragrant and aromatic filling that infuses the dough with sweetness and spice.
The melted butter in the filling helps bind the sugar and spices together, allowing them to spread evenly over the dough. When rolled up, the dough absorbs the sweet filling, creating layers of cinnamon-sugar goodness in every bite. As the buns bake, the filling melts slightly, adding to the gooey texture of the sticky buns.
Shaping the Buns: A Key Step to Even Cooking
Once the dough is ready and the filling has been spread, the dough is rolled tightly into a log and then cut into individual buns. This step is crucial for ensuring that each bun bakes evenly and has a uniform shape. By cutting the dough into uniform pieces, you allow for consistent cooking times, ensuring that all of the buns are cooked through and have the perfect texture.
The buns are then placed into the prepared pan, where they rise for a second time before baking. This second rise helps the buns become even fluffier, so they bake up light and soft. The caramel sauce, poured into the pan before adding the buns, soaks into the dough as they rise, adding flavor and moisture.
Baking: The Final Touch
Baking the sticky buns at 350°F (175°C) ensures that they turn golden brown on top and remain soft and fluffy on the inside. The buns bake for about 20-25 minutes, during which the caramel sauce becomes bubbly and the pecans toast slightly, giving them a rich, nutty aroma. When the buns are finished baking, they should be golden and slightly crisp on the outside, while remaining tender and gooey on the inside.
After baking, it’s important to let the buns rest for a few minutes before flipping them over. This allows the caramel to set slightly and prevents the sauce from spilling out as you invert the pan. The final result is a stunning batch of sticky buns with a golden, caramelized top, ready to be enjoyed by all.
Serving Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns
These sticky buns are perfect for serving at any gathering or special occasion. Whether it’s a holiday breakfast, a Sunday brunch, or just a treat for a special day, they are sure to impress. Serve them warm, right out of the oven, for the ultimate indulgence. The combination of gooey caramel, cinnamon-spiced dough, and toasted pecans makes each bite irresistible.
These sticky buns are also versatile enough to be served as a dessert. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. The richness of the caramel and cinnamon filling makes them a perfect complement to a variety of desserts, adding a unique twist to your dessert table.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns
In conclusion, Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns are a sweet, comforting indulgence that combines gooey caramel, cinnamon, and pecans in a soft, fluffy dough. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion, from a simple breakfast to a festive holiday meal. The rich, buttery caramel sauce and the aromatic cinnamon filling make these sticky buns a nostalgic treat that will quickly become a favorite in your household.
The combination of tender dough, sweet filling, and crunchy pecans creates a texture that is both satisfying and indulgent. These sticky buns are a perfect balance of flavors, offering the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, the richness of caramel, and the crunch of toasted pecans. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat or as a dessert, they are sure to become a cherished recipe that’s passed down through generations, just like Grandma intended.