Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe
These Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Sticky Buns combine the warmth of autumn spices with the rich flavors of pumpkin and pecan. Soft, fluffy yeast dough is rolled with a spiced pumpkin filling, topped with a gooey caramel pecan glaze, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for holidays or cozy weekend brunches.
- Author: Mia
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sticky buns 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dough
- 240 ml warm milk (43°C)
- 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 67 g granulated sugar
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 120 g pumpkin purée
- 1 large egg
- 60 g unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves
Filling
- 115 g unsalted butter, softened
- 150 g brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon ground ginger
- 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pecan Topping
- 170 g unsalted butter
- 220 g brown sugar, packed
- 60 ml honey or maple syrup
- 60 ml heavy cream
- 110 g pecans, roughly chopped
- Pinch fine salt
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, pumpkin purée, egg, melted butter, remaining sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and stir until a cohesive dough forms.
- Knead and First Rise: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 60–90 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Pecan Topping: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Stir frequently until everything is melted and smooth. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened. Pour this mixture into a greased 23×33 cm baking pan and scatter the chopped pecans evenly over the top.
- Create Filling: In a separate bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg thoroughly until a smooth, even filling forms.
- Roll and Fill: On a floured surface, roll the risen dough into a 40×30 cm rectangle. Spread the prepared spiced butter filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Shape Buns: Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal portions and arrange the buns snugly over the pecan topping in the prepared pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the pan and let the buns rise for 30–45 minutes until they become puffy.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Bake the sticky buns for 25–30 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Unmold and Serve: Allow the buns to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then carefully invert the pan onto a serving platter so that the pecan topping coats the buns beautifully. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Ensure milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- You can substitute maple syrup for honey in the pecan topping for a vegan alternative.
- These buns are best served warm but can be reheated in a low oven or microwave.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sticky bun (approx. 120 g)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 2.5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: pumpkin sticky buns, pecan sticky buns, spiced pumpkin rolls, fall desserts, yeast buns, autumn breakfast, sticky buns recipe