Homemade Sticky Buns
Homemade sticky buns feature a rich, sweet caramel topping with pecans and raisins, perfectly suited for breakfast or brunch gatherings, offering warm, gooey comfort.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 package active dry yeast ⓘ
- 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 cup butter ⓘ
- 1 large egg ⓘ
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dark corn syrup ⓘ
- 1 cup pecan halves, chopped
- 1/2 cup dark seedless raisins or currants ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups water ⓘ
Instructions
- About 4 hours before serving or the day ahead, in a large bowl, combine sugar, salt, yeast, and 2 cups of flour.
- In a 1-quart saucepan over low heat, heat 1 1/2 cups water and 1/2 cup butter until very warm (120° to 130°F); butter does not need to melt completely.
- With a mixer at low speed, gradually beat the liquid into the dry ingredients just until blended.
- Increase speed to medium; beat for 2 minutes, occasionally scraping the bowl with a rubber spatula.
- Beat in the egg and 1 cup flour until a thick batter forms; continue beating for 2 minutes, scraping the bowl often.
- With a wooden spoon, stir in 2 1/4 cups flour to make a soft dough.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar in the dough. If you're out of corn syrup, honey or maple syrup can be good substitutes. To ensure the yeast is active, check that the water temperature is between 120° to 130°F before adding it to the mixture. This recipe can also be made using whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sticky buns warm, drizzled with a homemade caramel sauce for extra indulgence. They pair beautifully with a cup of Daddy'S Homemade Hot Chocolate for a comforting breakfast or brunch treat. Consider adding a side of fresh fruit or yogurt to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover sticky buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also warm them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homemade Sticky Buns contains roughly 1800 calories, with 43g protein, 431g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (150% of the Daily Value), protein (86% of the Daily Value), and iron (40% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1881mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).
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 sticky buns ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and shape the buns the night before. Simply cover them tightly and refrigerate. In the morning, let them rise at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure they are fluffy and delicious.
What can I substitute for pecans?
If you don’t have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be great alternatives. You can even omit the nuts entirely if you prefer a nut-free version. Just be sure to adjust the quantity of other ingredients accordingly.
Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a bread machine for the dough cycle. Just add the ingredients in the order recommended by the manufacturer. After the dough has risen, shape the buns and proceed with the recipe 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).