Caramel Apple Sticky Buns Recipe

This Caramel Apple Sticky Buns recipe is a gooey and soft recipe, which is made with a rich homemade caramel and tart Granny Smith apples. It’s the ultimate fall breakfast, a classic, impressive treat perfect for a special weekend, ready in about 2 hours, plus rising time.

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Caramel Apple Sticky Buns Ingredients

A classic combination for the ultimate decadent breakfast treat.

For the Dough:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 package (2 1/4 Teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder

For the Filling:

• 3/4 cup melted butter
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 4 Tbsp. ground cinnamon

For the Caramel Topping:

• 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter
• 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp. dark corn syrup
• 2 Tbsp. cream
• 2 Tbsp. apple brandy or apple juice (optional)
• 1 whole Granny Smith apple, peeled and finely diced

How To Make Caramel Apple Sticky Buns

A step-by-step guide to these wonderfully gooey and impressive rolls.

1. Make the Dough: In a saucepan, heat the milk, oil, and 1/2 cup of sugar until warm. Let it cool to lukewarm, then sprinkle in the yeast and let it sit for a few minutes. Stir in 4 cups of the flour until a shaggy dough forms. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
2. Finish the Dough: After 1 hour, stir the remaining 1/2 cup of flour, the baking soda, baking powder, and salt into the dough.
3. Make the Caramel Topping: While the dough has its final rest, melt 1 stick of butter, the brown sugar, corn syrup, and cream in a saucepan over low heat until combined. Let it bubble for a few seconds, then remove from the heat.
4. Roll, Fill, and Slice: On a floured surface, roll out half the dough into a large rectangle. Pour on half of the melted butter for the filling, then sprinkle with half of the sugar and cinnamon. Roll it into a tight log, then slice into 1 to 2-inch rolls.
5. Assemble and Second Rise: Spray a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray. Pour half of the prepared caramel topping into the bottom. Sprinkle half the diced apple over the caramel. Arrange the sliced rolls snugly in the pan. Let them rise for another 20 to 30 minutes.
6. Bake and Serve: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, until the tops are golden brown. Immediately invert the hot pan onto a large serving plate or cake pedestal. Let the pan sit for a minute to allow all the caramel to drip down.

Recipe Tips

For the gooiest, most perfect sticky buns every time.

• How to get the richest flavor? The “scalded milk” method for the dough, where you warm the milk with the sugar and oil, creates an incredibly soft and enriched dough that is the hallmark of a great cinnamon roll.
• Why invert the pan while it’s hot? This is the most crucial step! You must flip the pan over while the caramel is still molten. If you let it cool in the pan, the caramel will harden and the buns will be permanently stuck.
• Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! This is a perfect make-ahead breakfast. After you assemble the rolls in the pan (step 5), you can cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and let them do their second rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. The next morning, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed.
• How do I know when the buns are done? The buns are ready when they are a deep golden brown on top and a skewer or thermometer inserted into the center of a roll (not the gooey bottom) comes out clean.

What To Serve With Caramel Apple Sticky Buns

This decadent breakfast treat is a star on its own.

A warm, gooey sticky bun is the ultimate indulgent breakfast or brunch. It’s fantastic served with:

• A hot cup of black coffee or a latte to cut the sweetness
• A cold glass of milk
• A side of crispy bacon or savory sausage links

How To Store Caramel Apple Sticky Buns

Keeping your delicious buns fresh.

• Room Temperature: Sticky buns are best enjoyed on the day they are made. If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Gently rewarm individual buns in the microwave for 15-20 seconds until soft and gooey again.

Caramel Apple Sticky Buns Nutrition Facts

An estimated guide per bun.

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Fat: 19 g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Quick Caramel Apple Fudge Recipe
• Salted Caramel Sauce Recipe
• Caramel Apple Martini Recipe