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Golden brown pecan sticky buns fresh from oven with gooey caramel coating and chopped pecans on top

Quick Sticky Buns with Cream-Pour Caramel

Homemade sticky buns that are big, fluffy, and irresistibly gooey with caramelized pecans. This recipe delivers bakery-level results using simple pantry ingredients and 40% less sugar than store-bought versions.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 12 sticky buns
Course: Breakfast & Brunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 packet active dry yeast 2 1/4 tsp
  • 1/2 cup warm milk 110°F
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/2 cup pecans chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

Method
 

  1. Combine warm milk and sugar, sprinkle yeast, and let it foam for 5–10 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add butter, egg, and the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
  3. Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
  5. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and pecans in a bowl for the filling.
  6. Punch down dough, roll into a 12x18-inch rectangle, and spread filling evenly, leaving a 1-inch border. Roll tightly and pinch seam closed.
  7. Cut into 12 pieces and place cut-side up in a greased 9x13-inch dish. Pour heavy cream evenly over buns.
  8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Notes

Use milk at 110°F for proper yeast activation. Don’t skip the heavy cream—it’s the secret to the sticky caramelized bottom.