Irresistible Salted Caramel Sticky Buns to Sweeten Your Day

There’s something utterly enchanting about the moment you pull a batch of Salted Caramel Sticky Buns from the oven—warm, gooey, and drizzled with luscious caramel that captures the light just right. I never expected these sweet treats would become a staple in my home, but one lazy Sunday afternoon, I decided to swap my usual brunch routine for a little adventure in the kitchen. The result? A recipe so mind-blowingly delicious that I found myself making excuses to whip them up again and again.

These sticky buns are not just a feast for the taste buds; they’re also incredibly simple to make, proving that homemade indulgence doesn’t have to be reserved for special occasions. I love how they effortlessly elevate breakfast gatherings or cozy weekend mornings, leaving my friends and family eagerly anticipating the next bite.

Join me as I guide you through the easy steps to create these irresistible Salted Caramel Sticky Buns. You’ll soon discover the joy of homemade goodness that brings warmth to your kitchen and smiles to the faces around your table.

this Recipe

Why are Salted Caramel Sticky Buns so special?

Irresistible warmth fills your kitchen as these buns bake, creating an atmosphere that turns any meal into a cherished moment. Decadent flavor comes from the rich caramel paired with the subtle hint of salt, making each bite an unforgettable experience. Effortless preparation means you don’t need to be a master chef to impress your guests. Perfect for sharing, these sticky buns are a sure way to delight family and friends during breakfast or brunch gatherings. Versatile delight allows you to incorporate various fillings, making it easy to customize based on your preferences. If you’re curious about complementary dishes, don’t miss out on checking my guide on delicious brunch ideas, perfect for pairing with these treats!

Salted Caramel Sticky Buns Ingredients

Get ready to whip up some irresistible Salted Caramel Sticky Buns!

For the Dough

• All-purpose flour – This forms the base of our buns, giving them that perfect fluffy texture.
• Active dry yeast – Essential for rising; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
• Granulated sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory notes.
• Salt – Enhances flavor and strengthens the dough’s structure.
• Milk – Provides moisture and richness; warm it slightly to activate the yeast.
• Egg – For binding and giving the buns a lovely golden hue.
• Butter – Use unsalted and softened for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.

For the Salted Caramel

• Brown sugar – Adds a deep, rich sweetness essential for our caramel.
• Heavy cream – Creates a luscious and smooth texture; don’t skimp on quality!
• Unsalted butter – Enhances the richness of the caramel.
• Sea salt – A pinch here brings out the flavors and compliments the sweetness perfectly.

For the Topping

• Chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) – Add a delightful crunch and extra flavor contrast.
• More caramel sauce – Drizzle it generously once the buns come out of the oven for added indulgence.

Get ready to indulge in the magic of Salted Caramel Sticky Buns!

How to Make Salted Caramel Sticky Buns

1. Grease a large bowl with canola or vegetable oil and set it aside. This will help keep the dough from sticking as it rises.

2. Combine in the bowl of a stand mixer the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and nutmeg. Mix on low speed for about 1-2 minutes until everything is well blended.

3. Add the egg, milk, water, vanilla, and very soft butter while the mixer is still on low. Beat for 3-4 minutes until the dough begins to form a ball and feels slightly tacky.

4. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat for an additional 8 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and shiny, perfect for rolling out later.

5. Transfer the dough to your prepared bowl, turning it to lightly coat it with oil. Cover it with saran wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

6. Simmer in a medium-sized saucepan the butter, brown sugar, honey, and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir constantly until melted and fully dissolved, creating a rich caramel base.

7. Boil the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches 230°F. Once ready, remove it from heat and carefully pour it into a 9×13 inch baking pan.

8. Mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl; set this cinnamon sugar mixture aside for later.

9. Punch down the risen dough to release the air and transfer it to a floured work surface. Roll the dough out into an 18×10 inch rectangle, adding more flour if necessary.

10. Brush the melted butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously on top for that sweet and spicy goodness.

11. Roll the dough tightly from the long side closest to you, like a jelly roll. Pinch the seam to seal it and place it seam side down.

12. Slice the roll into 12 equal pieces using dental floss or a sharp knife. Arrange the buns in the baking pan, nestled into that delicious caramel.

13. Cover the baking dish with saran wrap and set it aside in a warm area for 1 hour, allowing the buns to rise again until doubled in size.

14. Preheat the oven to 375°F about 30 minutes before baking, filling your kitchen with delightful anticipation!

15. Bake the buns for 25-30 minutes until they are golden brown and bubbling, rotating the pan halfway through for even baking.

16. Cool the buns in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a serving platter, caramel side up. Let them cool for another 10 minutes to set the caramel.

17. Beat the cream cheese in a stand mixer until smooth. Add in the vanilla, heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, and salt; mix until fully incorporated and creamy.

18. Spread the icing generously over the warm buns, topping with chopped toasted pecans and extra caramel sauce if desired for a truly decadent finish.

Optional: Drizzle a bit more warm caramel over the top just before serving for extra indulgence.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Salted Caramel Sticky Buns are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following steps 1-12. After you cut the rolls, place them in your prepared baking pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. This allows the dough to slowly rise overnight, developing great flavor. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let the buns rest in a warm spot for about an hour before baking. Preheat your oven and follow the baking instructions as directed. This method not only saves you time but ensures your buns come out just as delicious, ready to wow your family or guests!

Expert Tips for Salted Caramel Sticky Buns

• Use Fresh Yeast: Always check the freshness of your yeast for maximum rise. Stale yeast can lead to dense buns, so ensure it’s active for fluffy results.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your egg and milk are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth dough that mixes together seamlessly, ensuring better texture.

• Perfect Rolling Technique: When rolling the dough, aim for a tight roll but avoid excessive pressure. This helps maintain the lovely swirls that are signature to sticky buns.

• Warm Rising Place: Let your dough rise in a warm draft-free area. Cold environments can hinder the dough’s ability to rise, resulting in less fluffy Salted Caramel Sticky Buns.

• Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the buns while baking. Overbaking can lead to dry texture, so remove them when they’re golden brown and slightly bubbling.

• Generous Caramel Drizzle: Don’t be shy with the salted caramel sauce on top. It not only adds a lavish finish to your buns but also enhances the overall indulgence.

Salted Caramel Sticky Buns Variations

Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize these buns with delightful twists that complement the sweet and salty flavors!

• Nut-Free: Substitute pecans with additional cinnamon sugar for a nutless alternative that still packs flavor.

• Vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil, and use almond or oat milk along with a flax egg to keep it plant-based.

• Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the cinnamon sugar for a surprising heat that perfectly contrasts the sweetness!

• Chocolate Lovers: Mix in semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough or sprinkle on top before icing for an indulgent twist.

• Fruit-Filled: Incorporate fresh or dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apples in the filling for an irresistible tartness.

• Maple Flavor: Substitute honey with maple syrup in the caramel and use maple extract in the dough for a cozy autumn-inspired flavor.

• Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the yeast is gluten-free too for a fabulous alternative.

• Overnight Option: Prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the fridge. Bake in the morning for fresh, warm goodies!

Each variation brings a unique touch to these already scrumptious buns, ensuring there’s a perfect match for every palate!

How to Store and Freeze Salted Caramel Sticky Buns

Room Temperature: Store leftover buns in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain their soft texture.

Fridge: If you prefer, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to restore warmth.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before warming in the oven.

Reheating: To enjoy your sticky buns again, reheat from the fridge or freezer in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and gooey!

What to Serve with Salted Caramel Sticky Buns?

Indulging in these delightful sticky buns opens the door to a world of delicious pairings that will elevate your meal experience.

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits offers a refreshing contrast to the rich sweetness of the buns, enhancing your brunch spread.

• Crispy Bacon: The salty, smoky flavor of bacon creates a savory balance against the sticky sweetness, making each bite a satisfying treat.

• Greek Yogurt Parfait: Creamy yogurt layered with berries and granola provides a creamy texture that complements the sticky buns beautifully while adding a healthy touch.

• Chai Tea Latte: The warm spices in chai tea harmonize wonderfully with the cinnamon in the buns, creating a cozy beverage pairing perfect for chilly mornings.

• Maple Glazed Sausages: These sweet and savory sausages are sure to please, providing a hearty dish that pairs nicely with the light fluffiness of the buns.

• Chocolate Milkshake: For a fun, dessert-like experience, the richness of a chocolate milkshake contrasts brilliantly against the warm caramel, satisfying your sweet cravings.

• Nutty Granola Bars: A crunchy side option offers both texture and earthy flavors, making them an adventurous addition to your breakfast table.

These pairing ideas are sure to transform your Salted Caramel Sticky Buns into a charming and memorable meal that everyone will adore!

Salted Caramel Sticky Buns Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best ingredients for Salted Caramel Sticky Buns?
Absolutely! For the best results, choose high-quality all-purpose flour; it forms the base of your buns. Ensure your yeast is fresh and active; test it by dissolving it in warm water with a pinch of sugar—if it bubbles after 5-10 minutes, it’s good to go! Use room-temperature dairy products, as they mix more thoroughly into the dough, leading to a fluffier texture. Opt for dark brown sugar for the caramel; it adds richness. Fresh pecans will deliver the perfect crunchy topping!

What’s the best way to store leftover Salted Caramel Sticky Buns?
Very! Store your leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain that delightful softness. If you live in a particularly warm area or wish to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to 5 days. Just be sure to reheat them in the microwave for just a few seconds before serving to revive their gooey goodness!

Can I freeze Salted Caramel Sticky Buns?
Absolutely! Freezing these delicious buns is a fantastic way to enjoy them later. Simply wrap each individual bun tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

What should I do if my dough isn’t rising?
Very! If you find your dough isn’t rising as expected, ensure that you’ve used warm water (not hot) and check that your yeast is fresh and active—as mentioned! If it’s too cold in your kitchen, try placing the dough in a slightly warmed oven (turned off) or near a sunny window. You can also try adding a touch of sugar to the warm water when activating the yeast; this boosts its effectiveness.

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Absolutely! For those with allergies, remember that this recipe contains gluten, dairy, and eggs. If you’re baking for someone with dietary restrictions, consider using gluten-free all-purpose flour and plant-based milk to make the dough. For the caramel, you could substitute coconut cream for dairy and coconut sugar for brown sugar. However, ensure that all substitutes are measured accurately to maintain the integrity of the dough and caramel!