Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns

Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns are a delightful treat that brings warmth and nostalgia to any gathering. These luscious caramel pecan rolls offer a perfect blend of cinnamon sweetness and gooey goodness, making them an ideal addition to breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Whether you are sharing them with family or enjoying them solo, these sticky buns are sure to impress with their rich flavors and comforting aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can bake these delicious sticky buns without any hassle.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From weekend brunches to holiday gatherings, these buns bring joy to every table.
• Customizable Options: Enjoy them with or without nuts, allowing you to tailor the recipe to your preferences.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.
• Great for Sharing: These sticky buns yield 12 servings, making them perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns efficiently, you’ll need a few essential tools in your kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Rolling pin
• Baking dish

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl is essential for combining your ingredients seamlessly.
• Baking dish: Using the right baking dish ensures even cooking and allows the sticky buns to rise properly.

Ingredients

To make Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns, gather the following ingredients:

Dough 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

Topping Ingredients

• 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)

Additional Ingredients

• 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

How to Make Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by combining the warm milk and water in a mixing bowl. Add the active-dry yeast and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together 4 cups of all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and nutmeg.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Add beaten egg and melted butter. Mix until combined. Gradually add more flour until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about an hour).

Step 5: Prepare the Topping

While the dough rises, melt the remaining butter for topping. In a separate bowl, mix light corn syrup with brown sugar until well combined.

Step 6: Roll Out Dough

Once risen, punch down the dough. On a floured surface, roll it out into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Brush melted butter over it.

Step 7: Add Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

Combine remaining brown sugar with cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough.

Step 8: Form Sticky Buns

Starting from one end, tightly roll up the dough into a log shape. Cut into equal pieces (about 12) using a sharp knife or dental floss.

Step 9: Assemble in Baking Dish

Place chopped pecans at the bottom of greased baking dish. Pour corn syrup mixture over pecans and arrange rolled pieces on top.

Step 10: Final Rise

Cover with plastic wrap or cloth again and let rise for another 30-40 minutes until slightly puffy.

Step 11: Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving warm.

Enjoy Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns fresh out of the oven! They are sure to become a favorite at every occasion!

How to Serve Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns

Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply indulging yourself, these sticky buns can be served with a few special touches to elevate the experience.

Classic Serving

• Serve warm, straight from the oven, for the best gooey texture and flavor.

With Fresh Fruit

• Pair with sliced bananas or berries for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.

Drizzled with Extra Caramel

• Add an extra drizzle of warm caramel sauce on top for an indulgent twist.

Creamy Toppings

• A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a rich creaminess that complements the flavors.

Coffee Companion

• Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness and enhance your breakfast or dessert experience.

Brunch Buffet Style

• Place them on a large platter at your next brunch buffet for guests to help themselves, creating a fun and communal atmosphere.

How to Perfect Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns

Perfecting Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns takes some practice, but these tips will help ensure your buns turn out delicious every time.

• Use fresh yeast: Ensure your active-dry yeast is fresh for proper rising and fluffiness.
• Knead well: Kneading the dough until it’s smooth helps develop gluten, which gives the buns their structure.
• Let it rise: Allow enough time for the dough to rise properly; this results in light and airy buns.
• Temperature matters: Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and butter for better incorporation into the dough.
• Cover while baking: Covering the buns with foil during baking prevents over-browning while allowing them to cook through.
• Serve immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve these sticky buns right after they cool slightly from the oven.

Best Side Dishes for Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns

These sticky buns are delicious on their own but pairing them with side dishes can create a more rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the sticky buns.

2. Greek Yogurt Parfait
   Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy contrast that complements the cinnamon flavor.

3. Scrambled Eggs
   Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein that pairs nicely with sweet rolls, making it perfect for brunch.

4. Hash Browns
   Crispy hash browns offer a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with soft sticky buns.

5. Cinnamon Apples
   Sautéed cinnamon apples enhance the cinnamon flavor in the buns while adding warmth and comfort.

6. Smoothies
   A refreshing fruit smoothie can cleanse your palate between bites of rich caramel sticky buns.

7. Sautéed Spinach
   Lightly seasoned sautéed spinach offers a healthy green option that balances out your meal perfectly.

8. Nutty Granola Bars
   A side of homemade granola bars adds crunch and can be a great grab-and-go option alongside your sticky buns.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns can be a delightful experience, but there are a few common missteps that can lead to less-than-perfect results.

• Overworking the dough: Kneading the dough too much can make it tough. Aim for a smooth texture, but stop once it’s well combined.
• Ignoring yeast activation: Not allowing the yeast to activate properly can result in flat buns. Always ensure that your yeast is fresh and bubbly before mixing it into the dough.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or milk can hinder dough rising. Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
• Skipping the proofing step: Rushing this step can lead to dense buns. Be patient and allow your dough to rise until it doubles in size for a fluffy texture.
• Not checking oven temperature: Baking at an incorrect temperature can burn or undercook your sticky buns. Use an oven thermometer for accuracy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns

• Wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• These buns can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the buns on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place one bun on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for about 15-20 seconds or until warmed through.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over low heat, add a little butter and warm each bun, turning occasionally for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns.

What makes Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns so special?

These sticky buns are filled with rich caramel flavors and spices, creating a comforting treat perfect for any occasion.

Can I use different nuts in Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns?

Absolutely! Feel free to replace pecans with walnuts or almonds based on your preference.

How do I know when my sticky buns are done baking?

Your buns should be golden brown on top and feel soft yet firm when gently pressed.

Can I prepare Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the fridge before baking them fresh in the morning.

Final Thoughts

Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns are not only delicious but also versatile enough for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. You can easily customize them by adding different nuts or spices according to your taste. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!