Are you craving a warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible breakfast or dessert? Look no further! This sticky bun recipe with butterscotch pudding takes the classic sticky bun to a whole new level of deliciousness. Imagine the soft, pillowy dough, generously coated in a rich butterscotch pudding and topped with crunchy pecans. Sounds heavenly, right? This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, perfect for both beginner bakers and experienced home cooks looking for a delicious homemade treat. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful creation! This easy recipe is perfect for a weekend baking project or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 ½ - 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Butterscotch Pudding Filling:
- 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant butterscotch pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
For the Sticky Topping:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
Making the Dough:
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and will properly leaven the dough.
- Add wet ingredients: Add the egg and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook until a soft dough forms. If using a stand mixer, knead for about 5-7 minutes. If kneading by hand, knead on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size. This allows the yeast to work its magic and makes the dough fluffy.
Preparing the Butterscotch Pudding and Sticky Topping:
- Make the pudding: While the dough is rising, prepare the butterscotch pudding according to package directions, using 2 cups of cold milk. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the topping: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar until melted and combined. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans.
Assembling and Baking the Sticky Buns:
- Shape the buns: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a 12x18 inch rectangle.
- Spread the filling: Spread the cooled butterscotch pudding evenly over the dough.
- Roll and slice: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices.
- Arrange in the pan: Arrange the sticky bun slices in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Pour the pecan topping evenly over the buns.
- Second rise: Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30 minutes. This ensures that the buns will be light and fluffy.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Let the sticky buns cool in the pan for a few minutes before inverting them onto a serving plate. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use brown butter in the sticky topping.
- Add some spice: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Make it healthier: Use whole wheat flour for a more nutritious option.
- Different nuts: Try using walnuts or almonds instead of pecans.
- Chocolate lovers: Add chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 400-450 Fat: Approximately 20-25g Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-60g Protein: Approximately 5-7g
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
Enjoy your delicious homemade sticky buns! They're perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert any time of day. This easy and delicious recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let us know in the comments how yours turn out!