Apple Walnut Sticky Buns
Sweet and sticky apple walnut buns feature a caramel glaze, warm cinnamon, and crunchy walnuts, perfect for comforting breakfasts or dessert treats enjoyed by the whole family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the glaze by stirring honey and butter in a small saucepan over low heat until melted.
- Remove from heat and stir in cinnamon.
- Grease 12 muffin pan cups (2 1/2-inch size).
- Place about 1 tablespoon of the glaze mixture in each greased muffin cup.
- Set aside the remaining glaze.
- Add 1 teaspoon of brown sugar and chopped walnuts to each muffin cup.
- Set the muffin pan aside.
- Prepare the hot roll mix according to package instructions to make the dough.
- Peel, core, and cut apples into 1/2-inch chunks.
- Divide the dough into 12 portions and roll each into a ball.
- Place the dough balls over the walnut and sugar in each muffin cup.
- Distribute apple chunks evenly over the dough.
- Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and invert the muffin pan onto a serving plate to release the buns.
- Serve warm, optionally drizzled with reserved glaze.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can substitute chopped walnuts with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely. To save time, consider using store-bought cinnamon rolls instead of hot roll mix, but adjust the baking time accordingly. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the spice profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sticky buns warm for a delightful breakfast or brunch treat. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of fresh apple cider. Consider serving with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert option. For a complete meal, add a fruit salad or yogurt on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover sticky buns can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, wrap individual buns in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Walnut Sticky Buns contains roughly 422 calories, with 6g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (80% of the Daily Value), calcium (31% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. It also contributes 22g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After dividing and rolling it into balls, refrigerate them in the muffin pan covered with plastic wrap. Allow them to come to room temperature and rise before baking, which may take up to an hour.
What type of apples are best for this recipe?
Sweet apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala work best for this recipe due to their natural sweetness and firmness. Avoid using tart apples like Granny Smith, as they can alter the overall flavor profile of the sticky buns.
Can I freeze the sticky buns?
Yes, these sticky buns freeze well. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).