Salted Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns

Recipe View Bloom the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the yeast, granulated sugar, room temperature water, and room temperature milk. Let sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes. (Estimated time: 5-10 minutes)

Recipe View Prepare the Dough: Mix in the melted butter, lightly beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Gradually stir in the flour and Diamond Crystal® Kosher Salt until the dough comes together. You may need a little more flour to achieve the right consistency. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. (Estimated time: 15-20 minutes)

Recipe View First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with a clean cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. (Estimated time: 90-120 minutes)

Recipe View Prepare the Pans: Generously spray two 9-inch cake pans with cooking spray. This ensures the sticky buns release easily after baking.

Recipe View Make the Caramel Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup butter and the dark brown sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely into the butter. Stir in the heavy cream and Diamond Crystal® Kosher Salt. Mix well, but do not bring to a boil. The sauce will thicken as it cools. Divide the caramel sauce equally between the prepared cake pans. Sprinkle an equal amount of chopped pecans evenly over the caramel sauce in each pan. (Estimated time: 10-15 minutes)

Recipe View Shape the Buns: Divide the risen dough into two equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion into a rectangle approximately 14x6 inches.

Recipe View Add the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling. Brush each dough rectangle evenly with melted butter, then sprinkle generously with the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture. Starting with the longer side, tightly roll up each rectangle into a log. Cut each log into 9 equal portions.

Recipe View Second Rise: Place the rolls, cut-side up, into the prepared cake pans. Cover loosely and let rise until doubled in size, about 30 minutes. (Estimated time: 30 minutes)

Recipe View Bake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake the sticky buns until golden brown and baked through, about 25-30 minutes. (Estimated time: 25-30 minutes)

Recipe View Invert and Serve: Immediately (and carefully, as the sauce will be very hot!) invert the cake pans onto a serving plate. Let the buns sit for a minute or two to allow the caramel to fully release. Serve warm and enjoy!