Easy Pecan Sticky Buns
Quick, Gooey, and Absolutely Irresistible
With just 5 simple ingredients and only 20 minutes, these Easy Pecan Sticky Buns are the ultimate treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Gooey, buttery, sweet, and crunchy all in one bite, this recipe is a nostalgic favorite that’s as effortless as it is delicious.
Growing up, these sticky buns were a staple in my house. My mom whipped them up for special weekend breakfasts, and I always looked forward to the sweet, nutty aroma wafting through the kitchen. While I’m not sure what she called them, we’ve dubbed them Easy Pecan Sticky Buns because, well, that’s exactly what they are!
Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just treating yourself to something indulgent, these sticky buns are the perfect “cheater” recipe. They use crescent rolls or biscuits as the base, so you can skip the homemade dough and still get all the gooey goodness. Sometimes shortcuts are the way to go, especially when they taste this good!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Ingredients: Just 5 pantry staples come together to create a foolproof, crowd-pleasing dish.
- Perfect Texture: The combination of brown sugar, butter, and water creates a sticky glaze that’s gooey without being overly hard or chewy.
- Quick & Easy: Using crescent rolls or biscuits makes this recipe fast and accessible, even on busy mornings.
Ingredients
- 1 (8-count) tube crescent rolls (or regular canned biscuits)
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar
- 6 teaspoons water
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup coarsely chopped pecans
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 6-count muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Rolls
Open the crescent roll tube and roll each crescent individually. Cut 6 of the rolls in half and 2 of them into thirds (you’ll use these smaller pieces for the centers). Set aside.
Step 3: Create the Sticky Base
In each well of the muffin tin, add:
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon water
- ½ tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped pecans
Stir lightly to combine, ensuring the mixture is evenly distributed in each well.
Step 4: Assemble the Sticky Buns
Place 2 of the crescent halves (one whole crescent) into each muffin tin, arranging them from the wide end to the tip. Add the smaller crescent pieces to the center of each tin to fill the space.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the sticky buns in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and bubbling.
Remove the pan from the oven and let the buns sit for 1-2 minutes to cool slightly. Carefully turn the buns out onto a plate while they’re still warm (don’t wait too long, or the sticky glaze will harden and make them difficult to remove).
Tips for Success
- Avoid Overcooling: Only let the buns cool in the pan for 1-2 minutes. If they sit too long, the caramel glaze will harden, making them harder to remove.
- Use the Right Dough: Crescent rolls or regular canned biscuits work perfectly. Avoid jumbo biscuits unless you’re using a jumbo muffin tin, as they’ll puff up too much.
- Customize the Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, swap them for walnuts or skip the nuts entirely.
Serving Suggestions
These sticky buns are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, when the glaze is at its gooey peak. Pair them with a cup of coffee for a cozy breakfast or serve them alongside fresh fruit for a balanced brunch spread.
For dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with a little extra caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.
Storage Instructions
Sticky buns can be stored at room temperature for 1-2 days, covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil. However, they’re best enjoyed fresh on the same day. Think of them like donuts—still good the next day, but not quite as magical as when they’re freshly baked.
Variations
- Walnut Sticky Buns: Swap the pecans for chopped walnuts for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Extra Gooey: Add an extra teaspoon of butter to each muffin tin for an even richer glaze.
- Cinnamon Twist: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over the brown sugar mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen biscuits or crescent rolls?
Yes! Just make sure they’re fully thawed before using.
2. What if I don’t have a muffin tin?
You can use a small baking dish instead. Arrange the rolls snugly in the dish, pour the glaze over the top, and bake as directed.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
These buns are best baked fresh, but you can assemble the sticky base and roll the crescents the night before. Store them separately, then assemble and bake in the morning.
4. How do I prevent the buns from sticking to the pan?
Be sure to generously grease your muffin tin with non-stick spray or butter. Removing the buns while they’re still warm also helps.
The Perfect Shortcut Treat
These Easy Pecan Sticky Buns are proof that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something truly special. With their gooey glaze, crunchy pecans, and buttery crescent rolls, they’re the ultimate comfort food for any time of day.
Whether you’re making them for a holiday breakfast, a weekend brunch, or a quick dessert, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. So grab a can of crescent rolls, whip up that sticky glaze, and treat yourself to a batch of these irresistible buns—you deserve it!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 buns
