My obsession with sticky buns began during my culinary training in Vermont, where I first experienced the magic of pure maple syrup paired with toasted pecans. Creating individual sticky buns was a weekend ritual until my sister’s chaotic household (with four kids under 10!) challenged me to develop a more efficient approach. This casserole version was born from love and necessity – all the gooey, caramelized delight of traditional sticky buns but designed to feed a crowd with minimal morning effort.
Maple Pecan Sticky Bun Casserole
Pillowy biscuits baked in maple-caramel sauce with toasted pecans create an irresistible pull-apart breakfast casserole.
Toast the Pecans
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until fragrant and slightly darkened. Remove from oven and set aside to cool. Leave the oven on if proceeding with baking immediately.
Prepare Baking Dish
Generously grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Make Caramel Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.
Add Pecans to Sauce
Stir toasted pecans into the caramel sauce, then pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
Prepare Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Prepare Biscuit Dough
Remove biscuits from cans and cut each biscuit into quarters. Place the melted butter in a bowl.
Coat Biscuit Pieces
Dip each biscuit piece into the melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Arrange the coated pieces over the pecan caramel layer in the baking dish, spacing them evenly.
Refrigerate Overnight
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or at least 8 hours. This allows the biscuits to absorb flavors and ensures even baking.
Prepare for Baking
When ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the Casserole
Remove plastic wrap and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the biscuits are puffed and golden brown and the caramel is bubbling around the edges. If the top browns too quickly, tent with aluminum foil.
Serve Warm
Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes, then place a large serving platter over the baking dish and carefully invert to release the casserole. Scrape any remaining caramel and pecans from the dish onto the casserole. Serve warm, allowing guests to pull apart individual portions.
Maple Pecan Sticky Buns | Sally's Baking
These maple pecan sticky buns are soft, flaky, and drenched in maple-caramel goodness. Perfect for special breakfast occasions!
This genius recipe transforms a typically labor-intensive breakfast into an effortless morning treat by utilizing refrigerated biscuit dough and an overnight soak. Simply assemble it the evening before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning for fresh-from-the-oven flavor without the dawn wake-up call. The casserole format eliminates the fussiness of individual rolls while creating more of the caramelized edges that everyone fights over. Plus, it scales beautifully for anything from an intimate family breakfast to a holiday brunch for a dozen.
Each spoonful delivers the perfect texture contrast – a soft, tender center gives way to chewy, caramelized edges studded with buttery toasted pecans. The maple-infused caramel sauce cascades over the warm biscuits, creating pools of sweet, amber goodness in every bite. The aroma that fills your kitchen combines the comforting scents of yeasty bread, warm cinnamon, toasted nuts, and the distinctive woodsy sweetness of maple that instantly signals a special occasion breakfast.
While delicious on its own, this casserole becomes truly extraordinary with thoughtful accompaniments. Serve with fresh berries to cut through the richness, or offer a side of crisp bacon for those who appreciate the sweet-savory contrast. Leftover portions (though rare!) can be reheated in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to refresh the texture. With its irresistible pull-apart design and make-ahead convenience, this sticky bun casserole may just replace traditional cinnamon rolls as your signature breakfast offering.
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