If you’re craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing breakfast treat that practically bakes itself overnight, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Overnight Pumpkin Spice Sticky Buns Recipe. Imagine tender, fluffy dinner rolls soaked in a luscious buttery caramel sauce, woven with warm pumpkin pie spice and crunchy pecans, all crowned with rich toffee bits for that irresistible sticky-sweet finish. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with the most comforting aromas and turns an ordinary morning into a festive celebration of fall flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully simple with just a handful of pantry staples and a few special touches, each ingredient playing a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your sticky buns.
- Chopped pecans: Add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor that perfectly complements the pumpkin spices.
- Toffee bits: Bring a buttery, caramel-like sweetness that melts into gooey pockets throughout the buns.
- Frozen dinner rolls: The tender, fluffy base that soaks up all the sticky, sweet sauce beautifully.
- Cook & Serve Vanilla pudding mix: Gives a creamy, custard-like texture and binds the flavors with a subtle sweetness.
- Pumpkin pie spice: The star seasoning that infuses these buns with warm notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Butter: Adds richness and creates that irresistibly sticky caramel sauce when combined with brown sugar.
- Brown sugar: Provides deep, molasses-sweet flavors and helps create the glossy glaze that coats each bun.
How to Make Overnight Pumpkin Spice Sticky Buns Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sticky Base
Start by spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then, sprinkle the chopped pecans and toffee bits evenly over the bottom—this mixture will form the sticky, crunchy layer that crowns your buns once inverted, so don’t skip this step! Next, arrange the frozen dinner rolls tightly in the pan, setting the stage for flavors to mingle overnight.
Step 2: Add the Pumpkin-Spiced Pudding
Mix the vanilla pudding package with the pumpkin pie spice until well combined. Sprinkle this fragrant mixture evenly over and around the rolls. This creamy layer will soak into the dough, bringing a luscious pumpkin flavor that perfectly balances sweetness and spice.
Step 3: Create the Gooey Caramel Sauce
In a small saucepan, bring the butter and brown sugar to a full boil, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar and thicken the sauce. Pour this decadent caramel over the rolls and pudding mixture, ensuring every bite will be dripping with buttery sweetness. Cover the dish loosely with lightly sprayed plastic wrap and let it rise overnight at room temperature — this slow rise gives the rolls their fluffy texture and lets the flavors really develop.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350ºF. Carefully remove the plastic wrap from the pan and bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they’re golden brown and bubbling with sticky caramel goodness. Once baked, invert the pan onto a serving platter so the pecan and toffee topping shines on top, revealing the perfect sticky bun masterpiece to enjoy.
How to Serve Overnight Pumpkin Spice Sticky Buns Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle some chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon sugar over the buns just before serving. A drizzle of cream cheese glaze or a swirl of vanilla icing can add a luscious, tangy contrast that brightens the rich pumpkin spice flavors.
Side Dishes
These sticky buns shine brightest paired with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea. For brunch, serve them alongside fresh fruit salad or a creamy yogurt parfait to balance the sweetness and make a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform these sticky buns into a stunning centerpiece by arranging them on a wooden board or cake stand. You can also pack individual buns in cute boxes or jars to share as edible gifts. For a playful twist, pull apart the buns and serve them as sticky finger-foods at your next fall gathering!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover sticky buns tightly covered at room temperature for up to two days. The buns stay moist and flavorful, perfect for quick breakfasts or sweet snacks.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked buns by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen sticky buns keep well for up to three months — just thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm your sticky buns in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds, or reheat in a 350ºF oven for 10 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked feel. If you want to, add a few extra toffee bits or pecans on top before warming to revive the sticky, crunchy topping.
FAQs
Can I use fresh rolls instead of frozen dinner rolls?
Absolutely! If you have fresh dinner rolls, they will work just as well, although the rise time might be shorter. The frozen rolls provide convenience and consistent texture, but fresh rolls can add their own homemade charm.
Do I have to use the vanilla pudding mix?
The vanilla pudding mix is key for creating the luscious, sticky texture in these buns. If you don’t have it, you might try a homemade custard or thickened vanilla sauce, but the texture and flavor may not be quite the same.
Can I make this recipe without toffee bits?
Yes! The toffee bits add a delightful caramel crunch, but you can omit them or substitute with chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a different twist on the sticky bun topping.
How spicy is the pumpkin pie spice in these buns?
The pumpkin pie spice provides a warm, cozy flavor without overwhelming heat—think cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in perfect harmony. You can adjust the amount to your taste or opt for a homemade blend for a personalized touch.
Is it necessary to bake the buns immediately after the overnight rise?
It’s best to bake them right after the rise to get the perfect fluffy texture and shiny caramel glaze. If you wait too long, the rolls might deflate and the sauce can thicken too much, changing the final result.
Final Thoughts
This Overnight Pumpkin Spice Sticky Buns Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning. It’s easy to prepare, full of rich, comforting flavors, and makes your entire home smell like fall. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday breakfast or just treating yourself to something special, these sticky buns will quickly become a beloved favorite. Give them a try and watch your friends and family swoon with every sticky, spiced bite!
Print
Overnight Pumpkin Spice Sticky Buns Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: About 8 hours and 35 minutes (including overnight rise)
- Yield: 18 sticky buns
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Overnight Pumpkin Spice Sticky Buns are a perfect fall breakfast treat, featuring soft frozen dinner rolls layered with pecans, toffee bits, vanilla pudding, and warm pumpkin pie spice. The sticky, buttery brown sugar glaze melds the flavors together beautifully after an overnight rise and a quick bake.
Ingredients
Sticky Bun Base
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 6 Tbsp toffee bits
- 18 frozen dinner rolls
Vanilla Pumpkin Spice Layer
- 1 (4.6-oz) package Cook & Serve Vanilla pudding
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Brown Sugar Glaze
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Evenly sprinkle chopped pecans and toffee bits over the bottom of the pan. Arrange the frozen dinner rolls closely together on top of the nuts and toffee.
- Add Pudding and Spice: In a small bowl, combine the cook & serve vanilla pudding mix with the pumpkin pie spice. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over and around the frozen rolls in the pan, coating the tops and sides.
- Make and Pour Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the butter and brown sugar to a boil, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Immediately pour this hot glaze evenly over the rolls in the pan.
- Let Rolls Rise Overnight: Loosely cover the pan with lightly sprayed plastic wrap to prevent sticking but allow the rolls to rise. Place the pan in a warm spot and let it rise overnight, allowing the rolls to soften and the flavors to meld.
- Bake the Sticky Buns: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Remove the plastic wrap carefully and bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Serve: Once baked, carefully invert the baking pan onto a serving platter so the pecans, toffee, and glaze are on top as a sticky topping. Serve warm and enjoy your pumpkin-spiced sticky buns!
Notes
- For best results, do not skip the overnight rising step; it allows the rolls to become soft and soak up the sauce flavors.
- If you prefer, you can use fresh dinner rolls, but frozen ones are convenient and work well here.
- Be careful when pouring the hot butter and brown sugar glaze over the rolls to avoid burns.
- Ensure the plastic wrap is only lightly sprayed to prevent it from sticking to the sticky glaze.
- Leftover buns can be stored in an airtight container and reheated gently before serving.
