Pecan Honey Sticky Buns

Featured in: Sweet Bakes & Desserts

These soft, pillowy buns are swirled with cinnamon sugar and chopped pecans, then baked atop a rich honey caramel sauce. The dough is tender and elastic, rising perfectly before being rolled with a spiced filling. The delicate balance of buttery pecans, warm cinnamon, and sweet honey caramel creates a luxurious texture and flavor. Ideal fresh from the oven, these buns pair wonderfully with coffee or tea, making an exquisite breakfast or dessert option.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 09:39:00 GMT
Golden, glazed pecan and honey sticky buns, fresh from the oven, drizzled with sweet caramel. Save to Pinterest
Golden, glazed pecan and honey sticky buns, fresh from the oven, drizzled with sweet caramel. | vectorgrill.com

Soft, pillowy buns swirled with cinnamon sugar and pecans, baked in a luscious honey caramel sauce for a decadent breakfast or dessert treat.

I have always loved serving these sticky buns for special family breakfasts they never fail to delight everyone at the table

Ingredients

  • Dough: 3 1/4 cups (400 g) all-purpose flour 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast 1/2 tsp salt 3/4 cup (180 ml) whole milk warmed to 110°F/43°C 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter melted 2 large eggs
  • Filling: 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar packed 2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter softened 1 cup (110 g) pecans roughly chopped
  • Honey Caramel Sauce: 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter 1/2 cup (120 ml) honey 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar packed 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream 1/2 tsp salt 1 cup (110 g) pecan halves

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let stand 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2:
Add melted butter, eggs, remaining sugar, and salt. Mix well. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 3:
Knead dough on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Step 4:
Prepare the honey caramel sauce In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add honey, brown sugar, and salt stir until smooth. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in pecan halves. Pour sauce into a greased 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
Step 5:
Punch down risen dough. Roll out on a floured surface to a 16x12-inch (40x30 cm) rectangle.
Step 6:
Spread softened butter evenly over dough. Sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans.
Step 7:
Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces.
Step 8:
Arrange buns, cut side down, over the honey caramel sauce in the baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes until puffy.
Step 9:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake buns for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 10:
Cool for 5 minutes, then invert the pan onto a serving platter so the sticky pecan topping is on top. Serve warm.
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My family always gathers around the table excitedly when these sticky buns come out of the oven creating warm and joyful moments together

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl Measuring cups and spoons Saucepan Rolling pin 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish Sharp knife or dough cutter Stand mixer (optional)

Allergen Information

Contains gluten (wheat), eggs, milk (dairy), tree nuts (pecans) Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens

Nutritional Information

Calories 420 Total Fat 23 g Carbohydrates 50 g Protein 6 g per serving

A close-up of warm, gooey pecan and honey sticky buns, perfect for a cozy breakfast with family. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of warm, gooey pecan and honey sticky buns, perfect for a cozy breakfast with family. | vectorgrill.com

These sticky buns will become a cherished favorite adding sweetness to any breakfast or dessert occasion

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do I achieve a soft and fluffy bun texture?

Ensure the dough is kneaded well to develop gluten, and allow it to rise until doubled in a warm place. This creates an airy texture.

Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?

Yes, walnuts make a great alternative if you prefer a different nutty flavor or texture.

What is the best way to warm the milk?

Gently warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast without killing it for proper rising.

How should I store leftover buns?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or gently reheat before serving.

Can I add spices to the filling for extra flavor?

Absolutely, a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg enhances the warm cinnamon notes beautifully.

Pecan Honey Sticky Buns

Pillowy buns with cinnamon, pecans, and honey caramel for a sweet, indulgent treat.

Prep Time
30 mins
Time to Cook
30 mins
Overall Time
60 mins
Created by Chloe Moore


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type American

Makes 12 Portions

Dietary Info Vegetarian-Friendly

What You’ll Use

Dough

01 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
04 1/2 tsp salt
05 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
06 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
07 2 large eggs

Filling

01 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
02 2 tsp ground cinnamon
03 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

Honey Caramel Sauce

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter
02 1/2 cup honey
03 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
04 1/2 cup heavy cream
05 1/2 tsp salt
06 1 cup pecan halves

How-To

Step 01

Activate yeast: Combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar in a large bowl. Let sit 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.

Step 02

Prepare dough mixture: Add melted butter, eggs, remaining sugar, and salt to yeast mixture. Stir well. Gradually incorporate flour until soft dough forms.

Step 03

Knead dough: Knead dough on a floured surface for 6 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in greased bowl, cover, and allow to rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 hour.

Step 04

Make honey caramel sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add honey, brown sugar, and salt; stir until smooth. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and fold in pecan halves. Pour sauce into greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 05

Roll out dough: Punch down risen dough and roll on floured surface into a 16x12-inch rectangle.

Step 06

Add filling: Spread softened butter evenly over dough. Sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans.

Step 07

Shape buns: Roll dough tightly from long side into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces.

Step 08

Arrange and proof: Place buns cut side down over caramel sauce in baking dish. Cover and let rise until puffy, about 30 minutes.

Step 09

Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake buns for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 10

Serve: Cool buns for 5 minutes, then invert pan onto serving platter so sticky pecan topping is on top. Serve warm.

What You’ll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Saucepan
  • Rolling pin
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Sharp knife or dough cutter
  • Stand mixer (optional)

Allergy Info

Look over each item for allergens and check with your doctor if unsure.
  • Contains gluten (wheat), eggs, dairy, and tree nuts (pecans). Check labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition Breakdown (per portion)

Nutrition data is for learning only—not a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 420
  • Fats: 23 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Proteins: 6 g