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 sticky buns are perfect for brunches, special occasions, or simply a cozy weekend morning. Their rich caramel topping and soft, fluffy texture make them irresistible. You’ll find that each bite is a sweet reminder of home-cooked goodness and family traditions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these delicious buns.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve them warm for breakfast, as a dessert, or even as a sweet snack at gatherings.
Irresistibly Gooey: The caramel sauce combined with the warm dough creates a wonderfully sticky experience that everyone will love.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or extra spices to tailor the flavor to your liking.
Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch for family and friends; they’ll be asking for seconds!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns, having the right tools will make the process smoother. Here’s what you need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer or handheld mixer
Large mixing bowl
Medium-sized bowl
Small saucepan
Rolling pin
13×9 inch baking pan (or round/square pans)

Importance of Each Tool

Stand Mixer: Makes mixing and kneading dough easier and faster, ensuring a perfect texture.
Rolling Pin: Helps roll out the dough evenly for uniform sticky buns.
Baking Pan: A good quality pan ensures even baking and easy release of the sticky buns.

Ingredients

For the Dough

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

For the Caramel Topping

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)
1/3 cup butter, melted

For the Filling

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

In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt using a stand or handheld mixer. Set aside.
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine milk, water, and butter until melted and warm.
Gradually add the milk mixture to the flour mixture. Beat until smooth.
Add the beaten egg and enough additional flour to create a thick batter (about 3 cups). Beat until smooth again.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Prepare your work surface with flour and place the batter on top.
Knead in remaining flour until you form an elastic dough; you may not need all of it.
Place dough in a well-greased bowl and brush melted butter on top.
Cover with a damp towel and let rise until doubled in size (about 1 hour). Punch down at about 40 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Caramel Topping

In a medium-sized bowl, mix together brown sugar, corn syrup, and room temperature butter using a handheld mixer until smooth.
Grease your baking pan(s) with butter and pour in the caramel mixture evenly across the bottom.
Sprinkle chopped pecans over the caramel layer generously.

Step 4: Shape Your Sticky Buns

Punch down your risen dough again and divide it into three equal pieces on your floured workstation.
Roll out each piece of dough into approximately 20 inches by 10 inches rectangles.
Brush each rectangle with about 2 tablespoons melted butter followed by sprinkling with approximately 3 tablespoons of brown sugar.

Step 5: Add Filling & Roll Up Buns

In a small bowl combine remaining brown sugar with cinnamon and nutmeg; sprinkle this mixture over each rectangle after brushing with butter.
Roll up each rectangle tightly from one longer side like a jelly roll; pinch edges to seal.
Cut rolls into 1-inch slices and place them cut side down into prepared pan(s).
Cover loosely again with damp towels for another rise (45-60 minutes).

Step 6: Bake & Serve

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit during last rise period.
Once risen again, bake rolls for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Allow cooling in pans for at least five minutes before flipping onto parchment paper to cool completely.

Serve warm for an unforgettable treat! Enjoy Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns fresh from your kitchen!

How to Serve Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns

Serving Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns can be a delightful experience for family and friends. The warm, gooey buns are perfect for various occasions and pair well with different accompaniments.

Pairing with Coffee

Rich Brewed Coffee: The deep flavors of coffee enhance the sweetness of the sticky buns.
Espresso: A shot of espresso complements the caramel nicely, offering a bold contrast.

Adding Fresh Fruits

Sliced Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add a refreshing burst of flavor that balances the sweetness.
Banana Slices: Creamy banana slices offer a soft texture that pairs well with the chewy buns.

Serving with Whipped Cream

Homemade Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds an airy touch to each bite.
Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider adding vanilla or cinnamon to whipped cream for extra flavor.

Garnishing with Nuts

Chopped Pecans: Sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top for added crunch and nuttiness.
Walnuts: Walnuts provide a different flavor profile, enhancing the overall taste experience.

How to Perfect Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns

To achieve the best results when making Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns, consider these helpful tips.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature helps in creating a smooth batter.
Knead Thoroughly: Proper kneading develops gluten, giving your buns a light and fluffy texture. Aim for about 10 minutes.
Let Dough Rise Fully: Allowing the dough to rise until doubled in size ensures your buns are airy and delicious.
Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for perfectly cooked buns.
Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on baking progress; you want them golden brown but not overcooked.
Cool Before Serving: Letting the sticky buns cool slightly before serving lets the caramel set, making them easier to enjoy.

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

Pairing side dishes with Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns can elevate your meal. Here are some tasty options:

Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds color and freshness to your brunch spread.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy complement that balances sweetness.
Crispy Bacon Alternatives: Turkey bacon or veggie bacon offers a savory contrast without using traditional pork products.
Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and subtle flavor that pairs well with sweet sticky buns.
Mixed Green Salad: A light salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette can cleanse the palate between bites of sweetness.
Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses rounds out the meal beautifully, adding richness without overwhelming flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for to ensure your buns turn out perfectly.

Ignoring dough rising time – It’s essential to let the dough rise until it has almost doubled in size. Skipping this step can result in dense buns.
Using cold ingredients – Always use room temperature eggs and warm liquids. Cold ingredients can prevent the dough from rising properly.
Overmixing the dough – Mix just until combined to maintain a tender texture. Overmixing can lead to tough buns.
Skipping the pecans – While optional, adding pecans enhances flavor and texture. Make sure to include them for that classic sticky bun experience.
Not measuring ingredients accurately – Baking is a science. Use precise measurements for flour, sugar, and other ingredients to achieve the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover sticky buns in an airtight container.
They will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns

Wrap individual buns tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can last for up to 3 months.

Reheating Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns

Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
Microwave – Heat each bun for about 20-30 seconds on medium power; be careful not to overheat.
Stovetop – Warm on low heat in a skillet with a lid for a few minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns that you might find helpful.

How do I know when my dough has risen enough?

The dough should nearly double in size and feel light and airy. You can gently poke it; if it springs back slowly, it’s ready.

Can I use different nuts in my sticky buns?

Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you can substitute with walnuts or almonds based on your preference.

What if I don’t have active-dry yeast?

You can use instant yeast instead; simply mix it directly with the dry ingredients without needing to activate it first.

Can I make these sticky buns ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and shape the buns, then refrigerate them overnight before baking for fresh morning treats.

How should I store leftover Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Their gooey caramel topping and soft texture make them irresistible. Feel free to customize them with different nuts or additional spices for your personal touch!