Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe

There is truly nothing like waking up to a batch of warm, gooey Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Sticky Buns fresh from the oven. These delightful treats perfectly capture the cozy flavors of autumn with their tender pumpkin-infused dough, swirled with aromatic spices and brown sugar, and crowned by a luscious pecan and caramel glaze that sticks to your fingers in all the right ways. Every bite delivers a comforting hug of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, balanced by the nuttiness of pecans and a rich, buttery sweetness. If you’re craving a fall-inspired twist on a sticky bun classic, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s the pumpkin puree lending moisture and subtle sweetness, the spices building an inviting aroma, or the nuts making every bite perfectly crunchy and satisfying.

• Warm milk (240 ml, 43°C): Activates the yeast and ensures a soft, airy dough texture.
• Active dry yeast (2.25 teaspoons): Makes the dough rise beautifully, giving the buns that light fluffy crumb.
• Granulated sugar (67 g): Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
• All-purpose flour (500 g): The base of the dough, supporting structure and chewiness.
• Pumpkin purée (120 g): Infuses the dough with moisture, a subtle fall flavor, and a lovely orange hue.
• Large egg (1): Binds ingredients together and enriches the dough.
• Unsalted butter, melted (60 g): Enhances tenderness and flavor.
• Fine salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and heightens flavors.
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and spice to the dough.
• Ground nutmeg (0.5 teaspoon): Gives a cozy, slightly nutty spice note.
• Ground cloves (0.25 teaspoon): Adds subtle depth to the spice blend.
• Unsalted butter, softened (115 g): For the luscious filling that melts into every roll.
• Brown sugar, packed (150 g): Sweetens and caramelizes within the filling.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon) for filling: Provides that signature sticky bun flavor burst.
• Ground ginger (0.25 teaspoon): Brings brightness and a little zing to the filling.
• Ground nutmeg (0.25 teaspoon) for filling: Complements the warm spice profile perfectly.
• Unsalted butter (170 g) for topping: Creates the rich, gooey caramel sauce layer.
• Brown sugar, packed (220 g) for topping: Forms the sticky sweet base under the pecans.
• Honey or maple syrup (60 ml): Adds complexity and natural sweetness to the caramel topping.
• Heavy cream (60 ml): Makes the topping luxuriously creamy and smooth.
• Pecans, roughly chopped (110 g): Provide crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the soft buns.
• Pinch of fine salt for topping: Balances sweetness and enhances all those rich flavors.

How to Make Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Sticky Buns

Step 1: Activate Yeast

Start by waking up the yeast. Combine your warm milk, active dry yeast, and a tablespoon of granulated sugar in a small bowl. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it’s frothy and alive—that’s your signal that the yeast is ready to work its magic and make your dough rise perfectly.

Step 2: Mix Dough

In a large bowl, bring together the flour, pumpkin purée, egg, melted butter, the rest of the sugar, salt, and your warming spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Pour in the activated yeast mixture, then stir everything until it forms a cohesive dough. This step gets all those autumn flavors mingling at the heart of your buns.

Step 3: Knead and First Rise

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This kneading develops the gluten, giving your buns that tender chew we all adore. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise somewhere warm for about 60 to 90 minutes, or until it doubles in size. Patience here pays off with soft, airy buns.

Step 4: Prepare Pecan Topping

While the dough is rising, melt butter with brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup), heavy cream, and a pinch of salt over medium heat. Stir until silky and slightly thickened, then pour this sticky, aromatic glaze into a greased baking pan. Scatter your chopped pecans evenly over it for that crunch that will caramelize beautifully during baking.

Step 5: Create Filling

Mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg until smooth and creamy. This luscious filling is what gives the sticky buns their irresistible swirls of spicy sweetness that melt in your mouth with every bite.

Step 6: Roll and Fill

Roll your risen dough out on a floured surface into a 40 by 30 cm rectangle. Spread the spiced filling evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow. This step ensures every bun gets that perfect balance of filling in each bite.

Step 7: Shape Buns

Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into 12 equal portions. Arrange the sliced buns evenly over the pecan topping in your pan, making sure they have space to puff up during their final rise.

Step 8: Second Rise

Cover the pan and let your shaped buns rise for another 30 to 45 minutes, until they’re delightfully puffy and almost ready to bake. This second rest adds an extra level of fluffiness you’ll love.

Step 9: Bake Your Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Sticky Buns

Preheat your oven to 175°C and pop in the sticky buns. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The smell during baking is an irresistible preview of what’s to come!

Step 10: Unmold and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the buns cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully invert the pan onto a serving platter so the glossy pecan topping coats the buns beautifully. Serve warm to enjoy that perfect gooey texture and rich caramel flavor.

How to Serve Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Sticky Buns

Garnishes

While these sticky buns are irresistible on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze can elevate them even further. For a little extra crunch, sprinkle some toasted pecans on top just before serving to highlight the nutty flavors.

Side Dishes

A cup of hot coffee or spiced chai tea pairs wonderfully with these buns, helping balance their sweetness. For a fuller breakfast, serve alongside fresh fruit or yogurt to introduce some refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these buns into a show-stopping brunch centerpiece by arranging them on a tiered serving tray or bundling individual buns tied with twine as charming gifts. You could even turn leftovers into decadent bread pudding or French toast for another creative breakfast adventure.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Sticky Buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them soft and fresh, a quick cover with a slightly damp towel before sealing helps retain moisture.

Freezing

You can freeze baked sticky buns by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. For unbaked rolls, freeze after shaping and rising; thaw overnight in the fridge before baking fresh.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat buns in a preheated oven at 160°C for 8 to 10 minutes, or microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. Adding a tiny splash of water to a plate and covering it lightly helps keep them moist during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for the pumpkin purée?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works wonderfully and is a convenient option that saves time without sacrificing flavor or texture in your Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Sticky Buns.

What if I don’t have pecans? Can I use other nuts?

Yes, feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts according to your taste and what you have on hand. Each nut will bring a slightly different flavor and texture to the topping.

How do I know if my yeast is still active?

If your yeast foams and bubbles after being combined with warm milk and sugar, it’s active and good to use. If it fails to froth, it might be time to try a fresh packet to ensure your dough rises properly.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Definitely! You can prepare the dough, complete the first rise, then refrigerate it overnight. Just bring it back to room temperature before rolling out and assembling the buns for baking.

Are these sticky buns very sweet?

They have a balanced sweetness thanks to the brown sugar, honey, and creamy topping, but the warm spices and pumpkin help keep things from feeling overly sugary. They’re indulgent in the best way!

Final Thoughts

There’s a special kind of joy that comes with making and sharing Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Sticky Buns—every step, from the fragrant dough to that glossy, nutty topping, feels like a celebration of seasonal comfort. Whether you’re treating yourself on a chilly morning or delighting friends at brunch, these sticky buns promise smiles and warm hearts. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it a beloved favorite in your own home!

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