A Sticky Bun Casserole is everything you love about classic sticky buns—rich caramel sauce, warm cinnamon flavor, and soft, tender dough—transformed into an easy, irresistible breakfast bake. Instead of individually rolling dough and shaping buns, this casserole delivers the same decadent taste in a simple, no-fuss format perfect for busy mornings or special family gatherings.
Sticky Bun Casserole:
This dish is especially ideal for holidays, brunches, or weekend indulgence. It features layers of biscuit or cinnamon roll dough drenched in a buttery caramel mixture made with brown sugar, cinnamon, and pecans. The casserole bakes into a gooey, sweet, pull-apart delight that fills the kitchen with a warm, comforting aroma and brings everyone rushing to the table.
History:
Sticky buns trace their roots to German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania in the 18th century, bringing their tradition of baking sweet, yeasted pastries with caramelized nuts. Over time, American home cooks simplified the recipe using shortcut doughs and baking it as a casserole instead of individual rolls. The Sticky Bun Casserole honors the original flavors while embracing modern convenience.
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Sticky Bun Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated biscuits or cinnamon rolls
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional but traditional)
- Maple syrup, powdered sugar, or icing (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Cut biscuits or cinnamon rolls into quarters.
- Spread dough pieces evenly in the baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans on top if using.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly; serve warm with syrup, icing, or powdered sugar.
Notes
- Cinnamon roll dough results in a sweeter, more dessert-like casserole.
- For extra gooey texture, add ¼ cup heavy cream to the caramel mixture.
- Pecans can be replaced with walnuts or omitted entirely.
- Bake uncovered for a crisp top, or cover halfway for a softer texture.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave or air fryer.
Tips for Sticky Bun Casserole:
- Add a sprinkle of raisins for a traditional bakery-style touch.
- Use dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor.
- For richer caramel, simmer the butter and sugar for 2–3 minutes before pouring.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream for a dessert version.
- Make ahead: assemble the night before and bake in the morning.
FAQ’s for Sticky Bun Casserole:
Q1. Can I prepare Sticky Bun Casserole ahead of time?
Yes—assemble, cover, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh the next day.
Q2. Can I use frozen biscuit dough?
Yes, thaw it first so it bakes evenly.
Q3. Do I have to add nuts?
No, it tastes great with or without them.
Q4. Can I make this healthier?
Use reduced-fat biscuits and cut back on sugar, though the texture may change.
Q5. Why is my casserole not gooey enough?
Use more butter or add heavy cream for a richer caramel sauce.
Conclusion:
The Sticky Bun Casserole is a deliciously indulgent breakfast or brunch treat that delivers all the classic flavors of sticky buns with none of the complicated prep. Perfectly sweet, gooey, buttery, and crowd-pleasing, it’s the ideal dish for holidays, weekend mornings, or anytime you’re craving warm comfort in a baking dish.