These King’s Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns are sweet, soft, and just the right amount of gooey. Made with fluffy rolls and a caramel topping, they’re irresistible for breakfast or dessert!
Trust me, once you pull these sticky buns out of the oven, the sweet smell alone will make you want to eat them all. They’re an absolute treat for sharing—if you can resist that temptation! 😄
I love how easy they are to whip up with pre-made rolls, just mix, pour, and bake. Enjoy them warm with coffee, or make them a fun family treat on weekends. Enjoy the sticky goodness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
King’s Hawaiian Rolls: These rolls are soft and sweet, perfect for sticky buns. If you can’t find them, try using any soft, sweet dinner rolls or brioche. Just look for something that will soak up the gooey goodness!
Unsalted Butter: If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can swap it with salted butter. Just reduce the added salt to taste, as salted butter will add extra flavor.
Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar works here. Dark brown sugar has more molasses, which gives a richer flavor. If you need a substitute, coconut sugar or white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses can work in a pinch.
Maple Syrup: For a more intense flavor, use pure maple syrup. If it’s not available, honey or agave syrup is a great alternative, but it will slightly change the taste.
Pecans: These add a great crunch. If you have allergies or prefer a different nut, walnuts or almonds can be substituted. You could also skip nuts for a nut-free version!
Cinnamon: The cinnamon is optional, but it adds warmth and flavor. If you’re not a fan, you could leave it out or replace it with nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a twist.
How Do I Get The Perfect Sticky Texture?
Achieving the perfect sticky texture comes from making the right sauce. You want it bubbly and well-mixed to coat the rolls effectively. Follow these steps:
- Start by melting the butter on medium heat, making sure it doesn’t brown too much.
- Combine the brown sugar and maple syrup with continuous stirring. This keeps the sugar from crystallizing.
- Let it bubble for about a minute before removing from heat. It should be slightly thickened.
- Pour it into the baking dish immediately; if it cools too much, it will harden.
These steps will ensure your sticky buns are gooey and perfect every time! Enjoy!
How to Make King’s Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sticky Buns:
- 12 King’s Hawaiian rolls
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- A pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to bake. So, you can have warm, gooey sticky buns ready in about 35 minutes—perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your sticky buns bake evenly and get that lovely golden brown color.
2. Make the Sticky Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s completely melted, stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Keep stirring until the mixture is bubbling and well combined. This should take a couple of minutes!
3. Add Flavors:
Once your mixture is bubbly, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and, if you like, the ground cinnamon. Mix it all well for that delicious aroma that fills your kitchen.
4. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Pour the sticky mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish so that it covers the surface nicely.
5. Add Pecans:
Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the sticky sauce in the dish. These will add crunch and flavor, making your sticky buns even more delightful!
6. Place the Rolls:
Carefully arrange the King’s Hawaiian rolls on top of the sauce and pecans in the baking dish. Make sure they’re evenly spaced for even baking.
7. Bake:
Slide the baking dish into the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they turn golden brown and are warm all the way through. Your kitchen should smell amazing by now!
8. Cool and Invert:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully invert the baking dish onto a serving platter so the sticky buns come out face-up and the pecan topping is beautifully displayed.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
These sticky buns are best served warm. Enjoy the delightful flavor of caramel mixed with maple syrup and crunchy pecans. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you want a sweet treat!
Feel free to modify the ingredients or enhance the recipe to suit your taste! Enjoy your baking adventure!
Can I Use Different Types of Rolls for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While King’s Hawaiian rolls add a sweet and soft touch, you can use any soft dinner rolls or even cinnamon rolls as a delicious substitute. Just be mindful that baking times may vary based on the type of rolls you choose, so keep an eye on them in the oven.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make these sticky buns vegan, substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use maple syrup or agave syrup instead of honey. Make sure to check the ingredients of your rolls to ensure they’re egg and dairy-free!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This will help retain their gooey texture!
Can I Add Other Toppings or Fillings?
Definitely! Feel free to enhance these sticky buns with additional toppings like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or crushed nuts of your choice. You can even layer in some cream cheese or Nutella between the rolls for an extra indulgent treat!
