Big Fat Pecan Sticky Buns 

These "Big Fat Pecan Sticky Buns" from Modern Crumb are oversized, gooey, cinnamon-swirled rolls baked in a rich caramel pecan sauce. Each bun is soft and fluffy on the inside, slathered with melted brown sugar and butter, and topped with a decadent blend of caramel and pecans. Once flipped out of the pan, the sticky topping covers every swirl edge—pure indulgence in every bite. A cozy, labor-of-love treat perfect for fall mornings or special brunches. 

Ingredients

Sticky Bun Dough

• 1 ½ cups warm milk
  
  

• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
  
  

• ½ tsp white sugar (for yeast bloom)
  
  

• 3½ cups all‑purpose flour
  
  

• 1 tsp salt
  
  

• ¼ cup white sugar
  
  

• 4 Tbsp softened butter
  
  

Pecan Caramel Sauce Topping

• 8 Tbsp butter
  
  

• 1 cup brown sugar
  
  

• ½ tsp vanilla extract
  
  

• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  
  

• ¼ cup heavy cream
  
  

• Pinch of salt
  
  

• 1 cup chopped pecans
  
  

Filling

• 4 Tbsp melted butter
  
  

• ½ cup brown sugar
  
  

• ½ cup white sugar
  
  

• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  
  

Directions

1. Make the dough: In warm milk, dissolve yeast and a bit of sugar. Let sit until frothy. Combine the dry ingredients in a mixer, add the yeast milk, then knead in softened butter until dough is smooth and elastic.
   
   

2. Let the dough rise in a greased bowl until doubled.
   
   

3. Prepare filling: Mix melted butter, sugars, and cinnamon. Roll out dough, spread filling evenly, then roll into a log. Slice into 8 large rolls.
   
   

4. Make pecan sauce: Melt butter with brown sugar over low heat, stir in cream, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and pecans. Spread mixture in the bottom of a baking pan.
   
   

5. Place cut rolls on top of sauce with swirled side down. Let rise a second time until puffy.
   
   

6. Bake at ~350 °F (~175 °C) for ~25 minutes, until rolls are golden and sauce is bubbling.
   
   

7. Flip while warm—turn the pan over to invert the rolls so the caramel pecan topping coats the buns completely.

Nutrients

Calories: ~747 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~99 g
Protein: ~9 g
Fat: ~37 g
Fiber: ~3 g
Sugar: ~52 g
Sodium: ~527 mg