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Delicious Overnight Sticky Buns

Featured in: Sweet Desserts

Turn simple frozen dough into amazing sticky buns with this overnight method. The magic works while you're sleeping as the dough puffs up in a sweet blend of butterscotch pudding, brown sugar, and melted butter. Just bake them for 25 minutes in the morning for gooey, caramel-coated breakfast treats. Add nuts for extra crunch if you want, and let the butterscotch pudding do the work creating that rich caramel coating. It's practically hands-off cooking that looks super impressive, perfect for busy families wanting something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
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punchofyummy
Updated on Sat, 29 Mar 2025 21:43:32 GMT
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. | pinchofyummy.com

The perfect mix of soft bread, sticky caramel, and crunchy pecans, these gooey buns turn ordinary frozen rolls into a mouthwatering treat that makes your house smell amazing. This make-ahead recipe lets you enjoy hot, fresh buns in the morning without any hassle.

I stumbled on this gem during a crazy-busy Christmas season, and now it's my favorite for family get-togethers. I'm still blown away by how the butterscotch pudding works its magic to create that dreamy caramel coating.

Must-Have Ingredient Breakdown

  • Frozen Rolls: Pick high-quality dough balls since they form the base of everything.
  • Butterscotch Pudding: Don't grab instant - you need the cook and serve version for this to work.
  • Brown Sugar: Go for dark brown for a richer, deeper sweetness.
  • Butter: Stick with unsalted to keep control of the flavor balance.
  • Pecans: Get them fresh and toast them first if you can for extra nuttiness.

Step-By-Step Baking Guide

Step 1: Setting Up Your Pan
Grease that bundt pan like your life depends on it - any dry spots will make the buns stick. Spread pecans across the entire bottom so they'll end up on top when flipped. Layer everything carefully so the caramel coats all the rolls evenly.
Step 2: Getting The Perfect Rise
Find a spot away from drafts for overnight sitting - too hot and they'll puff up too much, too chilly and they won't rise enough. Your dough should expand to twice its size and fill the pan - this usually happens in 8-12 hours based on how warm your kitchen is.
Gooey cinnamon rolls dripping with rich caramel sauce and topped with buttery pecans. Pin it
Gooey cinnamon rolls dripping with rich caramel sauce and topped with buttery pecans. | pinchofyummy.com

During last year's holiday baking, I figured out that putting the bundt pan on a bigger cookie sheet doesn't just catch drips - it actually helps everything bake more evenly. This tiny change made a huge difference in how perfectly they turned out.

Fluffy sticky buns with a tender center and glossy, sweet topping that stretches when pulled apart. Pin it
Fluffy sticky buns with a tender center and glossy, sweet topping that stretches when pulled apart. | pinchofyummy.com

These sticky treats have become an essential part of our weekend family routine. There's something so satisfying about getting them ready the night before, then waking up to that incredible smell and knowing warm, sticky goodness is just minutes away.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why can't I use instant pudding instead?
Cook and serve pudding is a must for the right caramel sauce texture. Instant versions just won't melt down properly.
→ Is there a way to skip the overnight waiting?
You really need the overnight time for frozen rolls to thaw and rise correctly. There's no shortcut here.
→ What's the reason for the foil cover during baking?
The sugary mix browns too fast without foil, which keeps your buns from burning while they finish cooking inside.
→ Can I make these two nights before serving?
Better not - the dough might rise too much and mess up your final texture.
→ Any alternatives if I don't own a bundt pan?
A regular 9x13 baking dish works fine, though you won't get that classic ring look.

Overnight Sticky Buns

These sweet caramel sticky rolls combine frozen dough and butterscotch pudding for a hassle-free morning treat your family won't stop talking about.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Amelia

Category: Sweet Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings (10 gooey buns)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Base

01 20 frozen Rhodes Dinner Rolls
02 1/2 cup crushed pecans (skip if you want)

→ Topping

03 1 package (3.5 ounce) butterscotch pudding mix (cook and serve type, never instant)
04 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
06 1/2 cup melted butter, unsalted

Instructions

Step 01

Coat a bundt pan with butter or cooking spray and toss in crushed pecans if you're using them. Place your 20 frozen Rhodes rolls around the pan.

Step 02

Dump about half the butterscotch pudding powder on top of the frozen rolls, then dust with cinnamon.

Step 03

Melt your butter completely and stir in the brown sugar until it's all mixed up. Drizzle this sweet mixture all over the rolls.

Step 04

Put a wet cloth over the pan and let it sit on your counter overnight. The next day, bake at 350°F for 25 minutes total. After the first 10 minutes, put foil on top so they don't get too dark.

Notes

  1. Put foil on top halfway through cooking so they don't burn
  2. Needs to sit overnight
  3. Don't grab instant pudding by mistake

Tools You'll Need

  • Bundt cake pan
  • Wet cloth
  • Foil for covering

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Has dairy from the butter
  • Contains wheat in the rolls
  • Has nuts if you add 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