Pumpkin Sticky Buns Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Pumpkin Sticky Buns Recipe with you because it’s hands-down one of my favorite fall treats to bake — and eat! These buns have this irresistibly soft dough infused with cozy pumpkin and warm spices that just scream autumn comfort. Plus, the gooey, buttery caramel topped with pecans is what really makes it feel like a special occasion even if it’s a regular weekday morning.

I discovered this recipe when I was looking for something to shake up my usual cinnamon roll routine, and honestly, it blew me away. You’ll find that these pumpkin sticky buns bring a wonderful balance of sweet, spicy, and nutty flavors, and they make your kitchen smell like heaven while they bake. Whether you’re making these for a lazy weekend brunch or a festive holiday gathering, this Pumpkin Sticky Buns Recipe is absolutely worth the effort!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Pumpkin Sticky Buns Recipe uses ingredients that not only bring rich flavor but also work together to create that irresistible sticky bun texture you want. A few pantry staples and fresh pumpkin puree are the stars here, so make sure to choose good quality butter and fresh spices for the best results.

• Whole milk: Using whole milk adds richness and helps keep the dough tender.
• Yeast (instant or active dry): The magic behind the buns’ airy, fluffy rise—make sure it’s fresh for an active rise.
• Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
• All-purpose flour: The sturdy base for the dough; sprinkle extra for dusting to prevent stickiness.
• Pumpkin puree: Adds moisture and that perfect fall flavor without overpowering sweetness.
• Egg: Helps bind ingredients and contributes to the dough’s richness and color.
• Ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves: Warm spices that give this recipe its cozy profile.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and strengthens dough structure.
• Unsalted butter: Used both in the dough and for the caramel topping—always room temp for easier mixing.
• Brown sugar: Key for that deep, caramel flavor in the filling and topping.
• Honey: Adds a natural sweetness and sticky texture to the caramel.
• Pecan halves: Toasted nuts add crunch and a lovely nutty flavor to the sticky topping.

Variations

I love that this Pumpkin Sticky Buns Recipe is flexible enough to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Over time, I’ve played around with tweaking the filling and toppings to keep things interesting or accommodate what’s on hand in my kitchen.

• Nut-Free Option: I swapped pecans for toasted pumpkin seeds once, and it was a hit for my nut-allergic guests without compromising the crunch factor.
• Vegan Version: Using vegan butter and a flax egg worked surprisingly well — the buns were just as soft and flavorful.
• Extra Spiced: Sometimes I bump up the ginger and nutmeg for a more robust autumn spice flavor when I’m feeling adventurous.
• Maple Syrup Caramel: Replacing honey with pure maple syrup gives a lovely twist with a slightly different caramel note.

How to Make Pumpkin Sticky Buns Recipe

Step 1: Activate the yeast and combine the wet ingredients

Start by warming your whole milk to about 95-104°F (35-40°C) — comfortably warm to the wrist, not boiling! Pour it into your mixer bowl, sprinkle the yeast and granulated sugar on top. If you’re using active dry yeast, let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it gets nice and foamy; this means it’s alive and ready to go. If you have instant yeast, you can skip the waiting step and move on.

Step 2: Mix the dough ingredients

Add the flour, salt, pumpkin puree, warmed spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves), and egg to the yeast mixture. Attach your dough hook and start mixing on low until a rough dough forms. Then, add in the softened butter bit by bit and increase speed to medium — keep mixing for about 10 minutes. You want a soft, smooth dough that pulls away cleanly from the bowl sides.

Step 3: First rise

Shape the dough into a smooth ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a lid or plastic wrap and let it rise somewhere warm until it doubles in size — about an hour, depending on your kitchen’s temperature. If you’re prepping ahead, pop it in the fridge for up to 16 hours instead. Trust me, this slower rise develops even better flavor!

Step 4: Prepare the filling and caramel topping

While the dough rises, whisk together brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling. Roughly chop pecans for the caramel topping and set them aside. Then, melt butter, brown sugar, honey, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until it all melds into a luscious caramel. Pour this into a parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan and spread gently, then sprinkle pecans evenly on top.

Step 5: Shape and fill your buns

Punch down the dough gently and turn it out onto a floured surface. If it’s cold from the fridge, let it sit for about 10 minutes to soften just a bit, which makes rolling easier. Roll the dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly across the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling generously. Starting from the long side, roll it up tightly into a log. Using unflavored dental floss or a serrated knife, slice into 12 equal rolls.

Step 6: Final rise and bake

Place your sliced buns on top of the caramel and pecans in the baking pan. Cover and let rise again in a warm spot until doubled — usually another hour. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the sticky buns for 25-27 minutes until they’re deep golden brown. If you notice they’re browning too quickly, tent them loosely with aluminum foil. When done, carefully invert the pan onto a parchment-lined tray so the caramel and nuts become the sticky, glossy topping. Let cool for about 20 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Pumpkin Sticky Buns Recipe

Garnishes

I personally love a light dusting of powdered sugar over these buns just before serving because it adds a touch of sweetness and looks so inviting. Sometimes I sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds or extra chopped pecans on top if I really want to amp up the crunch factor for a crowd. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple glaze can also make them feel ultra-indulgent.

Side Dishes

These sticky buns pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for breakfast. For brunch, I often serve them alongside fresh fruit salad or a simple yogurt parfait to balance out the sweetness. If you’re making these for a holiday spread, some scrambled eggs or a savory quiche work beautifully too.

Creative Ways to Present

One year I baked these in individual mason jars for a charming gift idea, which was a total hit! You can also arrange the buns on a festive platter lined with fall leaves or place them in small decorative boxes with a ribbon for party favors. For a cozy night in, serving them warm out of the oven with bowls of ice cream on the side makes for a truly decadent dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pumpkin sticky buns keep wonderfully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. I find storing them in a single layer with parchment paper between layers prevents sticking and keeps the caramel intact without making a mess.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these buns successfully either before the second rise or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap the shaped buns tightly with plastic wrap and foil then thaw overnight in the fridge before allowing a final rise and baking. For baked buns, freeze cooled buns individually wrapped and thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, I like to pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes to get a fresh-baked feel. This helps restore that sticky gooey texture and just-warm softness that feels like you just pulled them from the oven.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Sticky Buns Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen — it’s the kind of baking that fills your home with festive warmth and truly brings people together. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying this style of enriched dough for the first time, I promise you’ll find joy in every step (and every bite). So grab your ingredients, put on some cozy music, and give this recipe a try — your family or guests will be asking for seconds before you know it!

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