Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns are a delightful treat that bring comfort and nostalgia in every bite. These sticky buns are sweet, gooey, and perfect for breakfast or dessert. The warm caramel topping, soft dough, and crunchy pecans will have you coming back for more. Baking these buns is not only fun but also fills your home with a heavenly aroma that makes everyone eager to dig in.
why make this recipe
Making Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns is a great way to connect with family traditions. This recipe is tried and tested through generations, ensuring you get the classic sticky bun experience. They are perfect to enjoy on a lazy Sunday morning or to impress guests at brunch. Plus, making them from scratch is so rewarding, and your loved ones will appreciate the effort!
how to make Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns
Ingredients:
- 4 1/2 – 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 packages active-dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup butter (or 1 stick)
- 1 large egg, room temperature, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 cup light corn syrup
- 3/4 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 cup pecans or your favorite nuts, chopped (more if necessary to cover the bottom of your pan)
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, divided
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2-3 tablespoons butter
Directions:
- Start by making the buns. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a saucepan, heat the milk, water, and 1/2 cup of butter until warm.
- Pour the warm mixture into the dry ingredients. Add the beaten egg and mix well.
- Gradually add the remaining flour until you form a soft dough. Knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
- Option 1: While the dough is rising, prepare the caramel by mixing the brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter in a saucepan. Heat until melted and smooth, then pour into a greased baking pan.
- Option 2: Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the caramel in the pan.
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle. Spread melted butter on top, then sprinkle with 1/2 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Roll the dough up tightly and cut it into slices. Arrange the slices in the prepared baking pan.
- Let the buns rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the buns for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
how to serve Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns
Serve these sticky buns warm right from the oven. They are best enjoyed topped with extra caramel sauce and a sprinkle of chopped nuts. You can also serve them with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
how to store Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns
Store any leftover sticky buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze them by wrapping each bun tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They should be good for up to three months. To reheat, warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through.
tips to make Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns
- Make sure your milk and water are warm but not hot to the touch. This helps activate the yeast.
- Knead the dough well to ensure a fluffy texture.
- Don’t skip the second rise; it helps the buns become softer.
- Feel free to add more toppings like chocolate chips or dried fruits for a unique twist.
variation
You can easily make this recipe your own by changing the nuts or adding ingredients like chocolate or dried fruit. For a different flavor, try using pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon and nutmeg.
FAQs
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active-dry yeast?
A: Yes, you can use instant yeast. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients and omit the proofing step.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling it out.
Q: What if I don’t have pecans?
A: You can substitute with any nuts you prefer, such as walnuts or almonds, or even leave them out completely.
Caramel Sticky Buns
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4.5 cups all-purpose flour, divided Use up to 5.5 cups as needed.
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 packages active-dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 3/4 cup milk Warm but not hot to the touch.
- 1/2 cup water Warm but not hot to the touch.
- 1/2 cup butter (or 1 stick)
- 1 large egg, room temperature, beaten
Caramel Topping
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 cup light corn syrup
- 3/4 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 cup pecans or your favorite nuts, chopped (more if necessary to cover the bottom of your pan)
Filling
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, divided
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2-3 tablespoons butter
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a saucepan, heat the milk, water, and 1/2 cup of butter until warm.
- Pour the warm mixture into the dry ingredients. Add the beaten egg and mix well.
- Gradually add the remaining flour until you form a soft dough. Knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
Caramel Preparation
- While the dough is rising, prepare the caramel by mixing the brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter in a saucepan. Heat until melted and smooth, then pour into a greased baking pan.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the caramel in the pan.
Bun Assembly
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle. Spread melted butter on top, then sprinkle with 1/2 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Roll the dough up tightly and cut it into slices. Arrange the slices in the prepared baking pan.
- Let the buns rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the buns for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
