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Perfect Maple Pecan Sticky Bun Rolls Recipe Easy Homemade Bourbon Caramel Sauce

maple pecan sticky bun rolls - featured image

These maple pecan sticky bun rolls with bourbon caramel sauce are a warm, indulgent treat perfect for cozy mornings and special occasions. The recipe features a slow-risen buttery dough, crunchy toasted pecans, and a rich homemade bourbon caramel sauce blended with maple syrup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
  • 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups (150g) chopped pecans, toasted
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter (for caramel sauce)
  • 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar, packed (for caramel sauce)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) pure maple syrup (grade B or darker)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream, warmed
  • 2 tbsp bourbon (or vanilla extract as substitute)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt (for caramel sauce)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm whole milk (about 110°F/43°C) with granulated sugar and instant yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Mix with the dough hook or a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Knead for about 8-10 minutes by hand on a floured surface or 5-7 minutes with a stand mixer until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. Add a tablespoon of flour at a time if too sticky.
  4. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the filling: While the dough rises, mix the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter in a bowl until well combined. Toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet until fragrant, then chop roughly.
  6. Roll out the dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12 inch (41×30 cm) rectangle. Spread the cinnamon-butter mixture evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with the chopped pecans.
  7. Form the rolls: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice into 12 equal pieces (about 1 1/2 inches or 4 cm thick).
  8. Prepare the pan and second rise: Pour the bourbon caramel sauce evenly into the bottom of the greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the rolls cut-side down over the sauce, leaving a little space between each. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  9. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and caramel sauce is bubbling around the edges. Tent with foil if they brown too quickly.
  10. Cool and serve: Let the buns cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then invert onto a serving tray or individual plates so the caramel sauce coats the tops. Serve warm.

Notes

Do not rush the rising times to develop flavor and texture. Use a serrated knife to slice rolls to avoid squishing. Warm the cream before adding to caramel sauce to emulsify better. Adjust bourbon amount to taste or substitute with vanilla extract. Let rolls cool slightly before inverting to set caramel sauce.

Nutrition

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