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To make your own caramel pecan sticky buns, gather these ingredients: - 4 cups all-purpose flour - ¼ cup granulated sugar - 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 cup whole milk, warmed - ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 cup pecans, chopped - 1 cup brown sugar - ½ cup unsalted butter - ¼ cup corn syrup - Pinch of salt These ingredients come together to create a warm and sweet treat. The dough uses flour, sugar, and yeast for a soft base. Milk and eggs add richness, while vanilla and cinnamon bring flavor. The pecans add crunch, and the caramel topping gives that sticky goodness. For the full details on how to combine these ingredients, check the Full Recipe. To start, we need to activate the yeast. Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let it sit for about five minutes. You should see bubbles forming. This means the yeast is alive. Next, mix in the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk until it all blends well. In another bowl, combine flour, salt, and cinnamon. Slowly add this dry mix to the wet mix. Stir with a wooden spoon until it forms a soft dough. Now it's time to knead. Dust a clean surface with flour. Place the dough on it and knead for five to seven minutes. You want it smooth and elastic. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about one hour. Watch it grow until it doubles in size. While the dough rises, we can make the sticky topping. In a saucepan, melt the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and a pinch of salt over medium heat. Stir until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. Pour this caramel mix into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the chopped pecans on top. After the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Spread the caramel mixture evenly over the rolled dough. Then, roll the dough tightly from the long side. This creates a log shape. Cut this log into 12 equal pieces. Place each piece cut-side down in the prepared dish on top of the pecans and caramel. Cover the dish with plastic wrap. Let the buns rise again for about 30 minutes. This second rise helps them become fluffy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the sticky buns for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. You can find the full recipe in the earlier section, which contains all the details you need. Happy baking! To get the best dough, knead it well. Kneading helps build gluten, which gives the buns their structure. Use a floured surface and push the dough away with the heel of your hand. Fold it back and repeat. Knead for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps the buns soft and fluffy. Keep your dough in a warm place while it rises. A warm kitchen helps it grow. Cover the bowl with a clean towel to keep it cozy. If your kitchen is cool, place the bowl in a turned-off oven with the light on. This creates a nice, warm spot for the dough to rise. Want to spice things up? Add ground nutmeg or cardamom to your dough. These spices give your sticky buns a warm, inviting taste. You can also try adding a splash of maple or almond extract for a unique twist. If you love nuts, switch it up! Use walnuts or pecans for a different flavor. You can also mix in some chocolate chips for a sweet surprise. Each nut or flavor adds its charm to the sticky buns. Serve your sticky buns warm for the best taste. Drizzle any leftover caramel over the top for a sweet touch. You can also sprinkle powdered sugar for a nice finish. For a fun garnish, add a dollop of whipped cream or some fresh berries. These little touches make the dish look great and taste even better. Enjoy your delicious creation! {{image_2}} You can change a few ingredients to suit your needs. If you want a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour mix. This works well in most recipes. Just make sure it is a one-to-one substitute for regular flour. You can also try a vegan version. Replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use plant-based butter and almond milk instead of regular butter and whole milk. To make your sticky buns even tastier, think about adding chocolate or fruit. Chocolate chips bring a sweet twist. Diced apples or berries add freshness. You can also switch up the nuts. While pecans are great, walnuts or almonds work nicely too. Each nut brings its own flavor and texture, making your buns unique. Sticky buns are perfect for breakfast or dessert. They taste amazing with coffee or tea in the morning. For dessert, serve them warm with ice cream or whipped cream. They pair well with a glass of cold milk too. No matter when you serve them, these buns will surely delight everyone! To keep your caramel pecan sticky buns fresh, follow these easy steps. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them moist and tasty. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap for extra protection. Store them in the fridge for up to five days. If you keep them at room temperature, they last about three days. When it’s time to enjoy your sticky buns again, reheating is key. You can use a microwave for quick warming. Place a bun on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in 10-second bursts until warm. For a crispier texture, use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and warm the buns for about 10 minutes. This way, the outside stays nice and crisp while the inside stays soft. For the best experience, always warm them before serving. You’ll love the gooey caramel and crunchy pecans all over again! For the full recipe, check out the full recipe section. You can use instant yeast as a substitute. Instant yeast works the same way as active dry yeast. You do not need to activate it in warm water. Just mix it directly with your dry ingredients. If you use fresh yeast, use about three times the amount. Fresh yeast gives a nice rise and flavor too. Yes, you can make the dough a day ahead. After kneading, cover it with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge overnight. The next day, let it warm up for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll out. Check for a golden brown color on top. You can also use a toothpick to test. Insert it into a bun; it should come out clean. The buns should feel soft yet firm to the touch. Store them in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them. Make sure they are completely cool before sealing. Yes, you can freeze them. Wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven for a warm treat. Check the Full Recipe for detailed steps on making these sticky buns. In summary, we explored the simple ingredients and steps needed to make delicious sticky buns. You learned how to activate yeast, roll the dough, and create a tasty caramel topping. I shared tips for perfecting your buns and discussed variations for different diets. Remember to store leftovers properly and use the right reheating methods to maintain their taste. Baking is rewarding, and I hope these guidelines inspire you in your kitchen. Enjoy creating sweet memories with your sticky buns!

Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns

Indulge in the sweet delight of Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns with this easy recipe! This mouthwatering treat is perfect for brunch or dessert, featuring a fluffy dough topped with gooey caramel and crunchy pecans. Follow our simple steps to create a batch that will impress your family and friends.
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Ingredients
  

4 cups all-purpose flour

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup whole milk, warmed

⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup pecans, chopped

1 cup brown sugar

½ cup unsalted butter

¼ cup corn syrup

Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.

    Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Whisk until combined.

      Gradually mix in the flour, salt, and cinnamon using a wooden spoon or dough hook until a soft dough forms.

        Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

          Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

            While the dough is rising, prepare the sticky pecan topping: In a saucepan, melt the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and a pinch of salt over medium heat. Stir until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.

              Pour the caramel mixture into a greased baking dish and evenly sprinkle the chopped pecans on top.

                Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.

                  Spread the caramel mixture over the dough, and roll it tightly from the long side to create a log.

                    Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place each piece cut-side down into the prepared dish on top of the pecans and caramel.

                      Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let the buns rise for another 30 minutes.

                        Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the sticky buns for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

                          Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before inverting the dish onto a large serving platter.

                            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 min | 2 hours | 12 servings

                              - Presentation Tips: Serve warm and drizzle any leftover caramel from the baking dish over the buns. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or whipped cream for added flair. Enjoy!