Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in less than 30 minutes
Uses soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls for convenience
Rich, gooey caramel and pecan topping
Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or everyday indulgence
No yeast dough to make from scratch

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

½ cup unsalted butter
½ cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
4 tablespoons light corn syrup
⅛ teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped pecans
12-pack Hawaiian sweet rolls

Directions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Prepare Rolls: Cut an ‘X’ into the top of each Hawaiian roll, slicing almost to the bottom.
Make Caramel Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, heavy cream, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Stir until the butter melts and the mixture reaches a boil. Stir constantly to dissolve the sugar fully. Once boiling, turn off the heat and stir until bubbling stops.
Assemble Casserole: Pour the caramel sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the caramel.
Place Rolls: Arrange the Hawaiian rolls, cut side down, on top of the pecans and caramel.
Bake: Bake for 14 to 18 minutes or until the rolls turn golden brown.
Invert and Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for about 5 minutes. Place a large serving platter over the baking dish and carefully invert the rolls onto the platter (be cautious, caramel will be hot). Spoon any remaining caramel and pecans over the rolls, especially into the cuts.
Serve Warm: Enjoy warm for the best gooey texture.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12
Preparation Time: 8 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: About 23 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Wrap leftovers tightly in an airtight container and refrigerate.
They stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts?

Yes, walnuts or almonds work well as substitutes.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready.

Are these rolls suitable for freezing?

You can freeze leftovers and thaw before reheating.

Can I use other rolls?

Soft dinner rolls or brioche buns can be used as alternatives.

How do I avoid caramel sticking?

Use parchment paper and let the caramel cool slightly before inverting.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Substitute butter and cream with plant-based alternatives.

How sweet are these buns?

They are rich and sweet; reduce sugar slightly if preferred.

Can I add spices?

A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the caramel adds warmth.

What to serve with these buns?

Pair with coffee, tea, or a fresh fruit salad.

Are these sticky buns gluten-free?

Not with standard Hawaiian rolls; use gluten-free rolls if needed.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns are an easy, quick way to enjoy a classic sticky bun flavor without the fuss of homemade dough. With gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and soft sweet rolls, these sticky buns make a perfect treat for any occasion.

Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns: Quick and Delectable Sweet Rolls

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Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns are a quick and delicious semi-homemade treat featuring soft sweet rolls topped with gooey caramel and crunchy pecans. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack with minimal prep time.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter
½ cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
4 tablespoons light corn syrup
⅛ teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped pecans
12-pack Hawaiian sweet rolls

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Cut an ‘X’ into the top of each Hawaiian roll, slicing almost to the bottom.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, heavy cream, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Stir until butter melts and mixture boils. Stir constantly to dissolve sugar fully. Turn off heat when bubbling stops.
Pour caramel sauce into the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over caramel.
Arrange Hawaiian rolls, cut side down, on top of pecans and caramel.
Bake for 14 to 18 minutes or until rolls are golden brown.
Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes. Place serving platter over dish and carefully invert rolls onto platter. Spoon remaining caramel and pecans over rolls.
Serve warm for best gooey texture.

Notes

Use walnuts or almonds as nut substitutes.
Assemble ahead and refrigerate before baking.
Freeze leftovers and thaw before reheating.
Soft dinner rolls or brioche buns can replace Hawaiian rolls.
Add cinnamon or nutmeg to caramel for warmth.
Pair with coffee, tea, or fresh fruit salad.
Use gluten-free rolls for a gluten-free version.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 320
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 45mg