The Caramel PecanBon from Cinnabon features a soft, warm cinnamon roll generously coated with rich caramel sauce and topped with crunchy, toasted pecans, delivering a luscious blend of sweet, nutty, and gooey flavors in every bite.
Equipments
- Oven
- Mixing bowls
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet or baking pan
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Pastry brush
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed (for filling)
- 2½ tablespoons ground cinnamon (for filling)
- 1 cup pecan halves
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (for caramel)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed (for caramel)
- ½ cup heavy cream (for caramel)
- ¼ cup light corn syrup (for caramel)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (for caramel)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for caramel)
When preparing the dough, ensure the warm milk is around 110degF to activate the yeast properly for optimal rise. Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness in both the dough and caramel, enhancing the overall flavor balance. Toast pecan halves lightly before topping to bring out their natural crunch and nuttiness without overpowering the caramel. The caramel sauce requires careful simmering to avoid burning, with light corn syrup preventing crystallization for smooth consistency. You can recreate the indulgent Caramel PecanBon from Cinnabon at home by following these ingredient guidelines for a perfect soft cinnamon roll coated in rich caramel and crunchy pecans.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast; let sit until foamy.
- Add sugar, softened butter, eggs, and salt; mix until combined.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead dough until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size.
- Roll dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread softened butter over dough.
- Combine brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle evenly over butter.
- Sprinkle half the pecans over the sugar mixture.
- Roll up dough tightly, starting from the long edge.
- Cut into even slices with a sharp knife.
- Place rolls on a greased baking sheet or pan.
- Cover and let rise again until doubled in size.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
- While baking, prepare caramel: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add brown sugar, heavy cream, corn syrup, and salt; whisk constantly.
- Bring to a simmer; cook 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat; stir in vanilla extract.
- Remove rolls from oven; let cool slightly on a cooling rack.
- Pour warm caramel sauce over rolls.
- Top rolls with toasted pecans.
- Serve warm.
Substitution
The Caramel PecanBon copycat recipe replicates Cinnabon's signature soft cinnamon roll drenched in a rich caramel glaze and topped with toasted pecans. If pecans are unavailable or if you prefer a different nut, walnuts or almonds can be substituted without compromising texture or flavor. When preparing the caramel sauce, ensure the heavy cream is at room temperature to prevent curdling and achieve a smooth consistency. If you don't have light corn syrup, an equal amount of honey or a simple sugar syrup can be used, although this may slightly alter the caramel's gloss and thickness. For best results, let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free environment to achieve a tender and fluffy roll.
Tips
Ensure your milk is warm, around 110degF, to activate the yeast properly without killing it. When kneading, the dough should be smooth and elastic, indicating the gluten is developed for a soft texture. Use a sharp knife to cut the rolls evenly to prevent squashing and maintain uniform baking. Pour the caramel sauce over the rolls while still warm so it seeps in nicely, enhancing the gooey flavor of your Caramel PecanBon.
Nutritions
The Caramel PecanBon from Cinnabon is high in calories and fats due to its rich caramel sauce, butter, and pecan toppings. Each serving delivers significant amounts of carbohydrates from all-purpose flour and sugars, providing quick energy but also a high glycemic load. Pecans add healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins like vitamin E, which supports your heart health. Moderation is key to enjoying this indulgent treat while balancing its rich nutritional profile with your overall diet.
Storage
Store your Caramel PecanBon in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain its softness and freshness. If you need to keep them longer, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. To reheat, warm in the oven at 300degF (150degC) for 10 minutes or until heated through, then drizzle with additional caramel sauce for the best flavor experience.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to add a nuttier flavor and increase fiber content. Instead of pecan halves, chopped walnuts or almonds offer a different crunch and taste profile. For a gooier texture, drizzle extra caramel sauce on the rolls just before serving or brush them with melted butter before baking to enhance browning. Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar filling introduces a subtle warming spice that complements the caramel and nuts.
Allergies
The Caramel PecanBon contains several common allergens including wheat from all-purpose flour, dairy from butter and heavy cream, eggs, and tree nuts from pecans. Your sensitivity to any of these ingredients could trigger allergic reactions ranging from mild to severe. It's important to check ingredient labels carefully and consult with your healthcare provider if you have known food allergies before indulging in this treat.
Why this recipe?
Caramel PecanBon from Cinnabon combines gooey caramel and crunchy pecans over soft, cinnamon-infused dough, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and texture that appeals to many dessert lovers. The rich flavor profile and distinctive nutty crunch make it a standout choice among Cinnabon's offerings. Making a copycat version allows you to enjoy this indulgent treat fresh at home, customizing ingredients to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Replicating this menu favorite can save money while delivering the same satisfying experience.