Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Sticky Buns (Print Version)

Fluffy pumpkin buns layered with spiced pecan filling and a sweet, nutty maple topping; rich and warmly spiced.

# Ingredients:

→ Dough

01 - 240 ml warm milk (43°C)
02 - 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
03 - 67 g granulated sugar
04 - 500 g all-purpose flour
05 - 120 g pumpkin purée
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 60 g unsalted butter, melted
08 - 1 teaspoon fine salt
09 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 - 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
11 - 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves

→ Filling

12 - 115 g unsalted butter, softened
13 - 150 g brown sugar, packed
14 - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
15 - 0.25 teaspoon ground ginger
16 - 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg

→ Pecan Topping

17 - 170 g unsalted butter
18 - 220 g brown sugar, packed
19 - 60 ml honey or maple syrup
20 - 60 ml heavy cream
21 - 110 g pecans, roughly chopped
22 - Pinch fine salt

# Instructions:

01 - In a small bowl, combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Allow to rest for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, blend flour, pumpkin purée, egg, melted butter, remaining sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and stir until a cohesive dough forms.
03 - Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5–7 minutes until elastic and smooth. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm environment for 60–90 minutes or until doubled in size.
04 - In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Stir until fully melted and smooth. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened, then pour into a greased 23x33 cm baking pan. Scatter chopped pecans evenly over the mixture.
05 - In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg until smooth and uniform.
06 - On a floured work surface, roll the risen dough into a 40x30 cm rectangle. Spread the prepared filling evenly, leaving a border at the edges.
07 - Starting from a long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 12 equal portions. Arrange the buns evenly over the pecan topping in the prepared pan.
08 - Cover the pan and let the shaped buns rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
09 - Preheat the oven to 175°C. Bake sticky buns for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and baked through.
10 - Allow buns to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then invert carefully onto a serving platter so the pecan topping coats the buns. Serve warm for best texture and flavor.

# Notes:

01 - For softest rolls, ensure the dough is not over-floured and allow full rising times. Toasting pecans before adding enhances nutty flavor.