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Easy Overnight Sticky Buns Recipe

Featured in Freshly Baked Comfort.

Transform frozen rolls into irresistible sticky buns with this simple overnight recipe. The magic happens while you sleep as the rolls rise in a sweet mixture of butterscotch pudding, brown sugar, and butter. In the morning, just pop them in the oven for 25 minutes to create gooey, caramel-infused breakfast rolls. The optional pecans add a perfect crunch, while the butterscotch pudding creates an effortlessly rich caramel sauce. It's a nearly hands-free recipe that yields impressive results, making it perfect for busy families who want a special breakfast without the fuss.
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Updated on Wed, 22 Jan 2025 10:40:33 GMT
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Gooey sticky buns with a caramelized topping and soft, buttery dough, perfect for any occasion. Pin it
Gooey sticky buns with a caramelized topping and soft, buttery dough, perfect for any occasion. | tasteofcook.com

A heavenly combination of tender bread, gooey caramel, and toasted pecans, these Sticky Buns transform simple frozen rolls into an irresistible treat that fills your home with the most enticing aroma. This overnight recipe lets you wake up to freshly baked perfection with minimal morning effort.

I discovered this recipe during a busy holiday season, and it's since become my go-to for family brunches. The way the butterscotch pudding creates that perfect caramel sauce still amazes me every time.

Essential Ingredients Selection

  • Frozen Rolls: Choose quality dough rolls - they're the foundation of the recipe.
  • Butterscotch Pudding: Cook and serve type is crucial - instant won't work.
  • Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar provides deeper caramel flavor.
  • Butter: Unsalted allows better control of sweetness.
  • Pecans: Fresh, preferably toasted for enhanced flavor.

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Perfect Pan Preparation
Start with a thoroughly greased bundt pan - any missed spots will cause sticking. Arrange pecans evenly, ensuring they cover the entire bottom surface. This creates that beautiful topped finish when inverted. Layer your ingredients thoughtfully - proper distribution ensures even caramel coating.
Step 2: Mastering the Rise
Place pan in a draft-free spot overnight - too warm and they'll over-rise, too cold and they won't rise enough. The dough should double in size and fill the pan - this usually takes 8-12 hours depending on room temperature.
Sweet and sticky buns loaded with cinnamon and topped with a rich, caramel glaze. Pin it
Sweet and sticky buns loaded with cinnamon and topped with a rich, caramel glaze. | tasteofcook.com

Last Christmas, I learned that placing the bundt pan on a larger baking sheet not only catches any potential overflow but also provides more even heat distribution. This simple adjustment resulted in perfectly uniform baking.

Warm sticky buns with a soft texture and a sweet, gooey topping that melts in your mouth. Pin it
Warm sticky buns with a soft texture and a sweet, gooey topping that melts in your mouth. | tasteofcook.com

These sticky buns have become a cherished part of our family's weekend traditions. There's something magical about preparing them the night before, knowing that morning will bring that incredible aroma and the anticipation of warm, gooey perfection.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why must I use cook and serve pudding?
Cook and serve pudding creates the right consistency for the caramel sauce. Instant pudding won't dissolve properly.
→ Can I make these without overnight rising?
The overnight rise is necessary for the frozen rolls to thaw and rise properly. There's no quick alternative.
→ Why cover with foil while baking?
The sugary topping browns quickly, so foil prevents burning while allowing the rolls to cook through completely.
→ Can I prepare these more than one night ahead?
It's not recommended as the dough may over-rise and affect the final texture.
→ What if I don't have a bundt pan?
You can use a 9x13 baking dish, though the presentation will be different from the traditional ring shape.

Easy Overnight Sticky Buns Recipe

These gooey caramel sticky buns use frozen rolls and butterscotch pudding for an easy overnight breakfast treat everyone will love.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Breads & Rolls

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings (10 sticky buns)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Base

01 20 frozen Rhodes Rolls
02 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

→ Topping

03 1 package (3.5 ounce) cook and serve butterscotch pudding (not instant)
04 1 teaspoon cinnamon
05 1/2 cup brown sugar
06 1/2 cup unsalted butter

Instructions

Step 01

Grease a bundt pan and sprinkle chopped pecans if using. Arrange 20 frozen Rhodes rolls in the pan.

Step 02

Sprinkle half the package of butterscotch pudding mix over the rolls, followed by cinnamon.

Step 03

Melt butter and mix with brown sugar until combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the rolls.

Step 04

Cover with a damp cloth and let rise overnight. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes, covering with foil after 10 minutes to prevent over-browning.

Notes

  1. Cover with foil partway through baking to prevent over-browning
  2. Must rise overnight
  3. Use cook and serve pudding, not instant

Tools You'll Need

  • Bundt pan
  • Damp cloth for covering
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter)
  • Contains wheat (rolls)
  • Contains nuts if using pecans

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 470
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 76 g
  • Protein: 11 g