The Pecan & Caramel Sticky Bun from Black Bear Diner features soft, fluffy dough loaded with toasted pecans and drenched in a rich, gooey caramel glaze, topped with a sprinkle of crunchy pecan pieces that create a blissful blend of sweet, nutty, and sticky textures.
Equipments
- Stand mixer
- Dough hook
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Rolling pin
- Bench scraper
- Baking pan
- Saucepan
- Pastry brush
- Cooling rack
- Oven
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- ½ cup unsalted butter (for filling)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed (for filling)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for filling)
- 1½ cups pecan halves (for topping)
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (for caramel)
- 1½ cups brown sugar, packed (for caramel)
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Ensure your pecans are freshly toasted to enhance the nutty flavor and maintain their crisp texture in the sticky bun. Use whole milk and unsalted butter to achieve a tender, rich dough while controlling the salt balance in the recipe. Measure your brown sugar packed tightly for accurate sweetness in both the filling and caramel glaze. Active dry yeast must be properly activated to ensure the dough rises fluffy and soft, matching the signature texture found at Black Bear Diner. Your Pecan & Caramel Sticky Bun from Black Bear Diner copycat menu will closely replicate the original's perfect blend of sweet, nutty, and sticky flavors when these ingredient tips are followed.
Instructions
- Warm milk to 110°F.
- Add yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar to warm milk; let sit until foamy.
- In stand mixer bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
- Add eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and yeast mixture to flour.
- Mix with dough hook until smooth and elastic (8-10 minutes).
- Place dough in greased bowl; cover and let rise until doubled in size (~1 hour).
- Toast 1 cup chopped pecans; set aside.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon for filling.
- Turn out dough; roll into rectangle (~12x18 inches).
- Brush with melted butter (½ cup); sprinkle evenly with cinnamon-sugar and chopped toasted pecans.
- Roll dough tightly into a log; pinch seam.
- Cut into 12 even pieces using a bench scraper.
- Grease baking pan.
- For caramel: Melt ¾ cup butter in saucepan; add 1½ cups brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt. Simmer until smooth.
- Pour caramel into baking pan; sprinkle 1½ cups pecan halves over caramel.
- Arrange dough spirals on top of caramel/pecan layer.
- Cover and let rise until puffy (~30-40 minutes).
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool on rack for 10 minutes.
- Invert buns onto serving platter so caramel pecans are on top.
- Serve warm.
Substitution
The Pecan & Caramel Sticky Bun from Black Bear Diner copycat menu can be adapted by substituting whole milk with any plant-based milk like almond or oat for a dairy-free option. You can replace active dry yeast with instant yeast, adjusting proofing times accordingly to maintain dough rise and texture. If toasted pecans are unavailable, walnuts or almonds provide a similar nutty crunch without overpowering the caramel sweetness. When making the caramel glaze, use light brown sugar if dark brown is not on hand, as the flavor differences are subtle but will still complement the sticky bun. Your baking pan size may influence baking time, so monitor the buns for a golden brown finish and adjust oven time as needed.
Tips
You should always ensure the milk is warmed precisely to 110degF to activate the yeast properly without killing it. Knead the dough using a stand mixer with a dough hook for 8-10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic to develop gluten for soft, fluffy buns. Toasting the pecans before adding them enhances their nutty flavor and adds crunch to the filling and topping. When rolling the dough and cutting it into spirals, use a bench scraper for clean, even slices to ensure uniform baking.
Nutritions
The Pecan & Caramel Sticky Bun from Black Bear Diner provides a rich source of calories mainly from sugars and fats due to its caramel glaze and buttery dough. Pecans add healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and protein, contributing to heart health and satiety. The combination of butter, brown sugar, and whole milk increases the content of saturated fats and carbohydrates, which supply quick energy but should be consumed in moderation. Your enjoyment of this indulgent treat can fit within a balanced diet when accounted for alongside other nutrient-dense meals.
Storage
Store your Pecan & Caramel Sticky Buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their soft texture and gooey caramel glaze. For longer storage, wrap individual buns in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before reheating. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven to restore the buttery flavor and toasty pecan crunch.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version that keeps the dough tender. Instead of cinnamon, experiment with cardamom or pumpkin spice as a flavorful twist in the filling. For a quicker rise, increase the yeast quantity slightly and use warm water instead of milk, adjusting butter and sugar accordingly. Using light brown sugar in the caramel sauce can add a milder molasses flavor without overpowering the pecans.
Allergies
The Pecan & Caramel Sticky Bun contains tree nuts, specifically pecans, which can trigger severe allergic reactions in individuals with nut allergies. Dairy products such as whole milk, unsalted butter, and heavy cream are also present, posing a risk for those with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. If you have any food allergies, it's important to avoid this item or consult with the restaurant to ensure your safety.
Why this recipe?
The Pecan & Caramel Sticky Bun from Black Bear Diner is loved for its rich, gooey caramel sauce and perfectly toasted pecans that create a delightful combination of sweetness and crunch. Its soft, fluffy texture contrasts beautifully with the sticky caramel glaze, making every bite irresistibly indulgent. You'll appreciate the balance of flavors and the satisfying aroma that makes this dessert a standout on the menu. Trying a copycat recipe allows you to recreate this comforting treat at home, ensuring fresh, warm sticky buns whenever cravings strike.