Indulge in the ultimate breakfast treat with these overnight caramel pecan rolls. Perfect for a special occasion or a weekend brunch, these rolls are gooey, sweet, and packed with the rich flavors of caramel and pecans. Prepare them the night before and wake up to a delightful, freshly baked treat that will impress everyone at the table.
While most of the ingredients for these caramel pecan rolls are common pantry staples, you might need to pick up a few items at the supermarket. Active dry yeast is essential for the dough to rise properly. Corn syrup is used to create the caramel sauce, and chopped pecans add a delightful crunch. Make sure to have these on hand before you start baking.

Ingredients For Overnight Caramel Pecan Rolls
Active dry yeast: A leavening agent that helps the dough rise and become fluffy.
Warm water: Used to activate the yeast.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and helps activate the yeast.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dough and the caramel sauce.
Milk: Provides moisture and richness to the dough.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
All-purpose flour: The main structure of the dough.
Brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness to the filling and caramel sauce.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the filling.
Corn syrup: Helps create a smooth and glossy caramel sauce.
Chopped pecans: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the rolls.
Technique Tip for Perfecting Caramel Pecan Rolls
When dissolving the yeast in warm water, ensure the water is between 105°F and 115°F. Water that's too hot can kill the yeast, while water that's too cold won't activate it properly. This step is crucial for achieving the right dough consistency and ensuring a good rise.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast can be used in the same quantity and does not need to be dissolved in water first.
warm water - Substitute with milk: Milk can add a richer flavor and make the dough softer.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a different sweetness profile and moisture to the dough.
butter, melted - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar texture and flavor.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a good dairy-free alternative that will still provide the necessary liquid and slight sweetness.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and may add a slightly different mineral flavor.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with bread flour: Bread flour has a higher protein content, which can make the rolls chewier and more structured.
butter, softened - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used in the same quantity and adds a slight coconut flavor while keeping the rolls moist.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and provides a similar caramel-like flavor.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with other spices like nutmeg and cloves, adding a more complex flavor.
corn syrup - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a natural sweetness and a unique flavor that complements the caramel.
chopped pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts have a similar texture and nutty flavor, making them a good alternative.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Caramel Pecan Rolls
How to Store or Freeze Your Caramel Pecan Rolls
Allow the rolls to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
For short-term storage, place the rolls in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days.
To keep them fresh for a longer period, store the rolls in the refrigerator. Use an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They will stay fresh for up to a week.
For freezing, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap. This helps to prevent freezer burn and keeps them from sticking together.
Place the individually wrapped rolls in a large, resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
The rolls can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
Alternatively, you can reheat individual rolls in the microwave. Place a roll on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for about 20-30 seconds or until warm.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the caramel pecan rolls on a baking sheet and cover them with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Warm them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until they are heated through. This method will help maintain the caramel topping's gooey texture and the pecans' crunchiness.
Microwave Method: Place a caramel pecan roll on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Microwave on medium power for about 20-30 seconds. Check if it's warm enough; if not, continue to heat in 10-second intervals. This method is quick but may make the pecans less crunchy.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the caramel pecan rolls on a piece of aluminum foil or a small baking tray. Heat for about 8-10 minutes or until warmed through. This method is great for achieving a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and gooey.
Steaming Method: If you have a steamer, place the caramel pecan rolls in the steamer basket. Steam for about 5-7 minutes. This method will keep the rolls moist and soft, preserving the caramel and pecan flavors beautifully.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Place the caramel pecan rolls in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method will give you a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and gooey.
Essential Tools for Making Caramel Pecan Rolls
Small bowl: Used to dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it stand until creamy.
Large mixing bowl: Used to combine the yeast mixture with other ingredients and mix the dough.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out ingredients like sugar, butter, milk, and flour accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities like salt and cinnamon.
Wooden spoon: Used to stir the ingredients together in the mixing bowl.
Lightly floured surface: Used to knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
Damp cloth: Used to cover the dough while it rises.
Rolling pin: Used to roll the dough into a 12x9 inch rectangle.
Greased baking dish: Used to place the cut rolls for baking.
Small saucepan: Used to melt butter and mix it with brown sugar and corn syrup.
Oven: Preheated to 375°F (190°C) for baking the rolls.
Serving platter: Used to invert the rolls onto after baking.
Knife: Used to cut the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Caramel Pecan Rolls
Prepare the dough ahead: Mix and knead the dough the night before, allowing it to rise overnight in the refrigerator.
Use a stand mixer: Save time and effort by using a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough.
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before starting to streamline the process.
Soften butter quickly: Cut butter into small pieces and let it sit at room temperature for faster softening.
Line the baking dish: Use parchment paper to line the baking dish for easy cleanup.
Quick rise method: Place the dough in a slightly warm oven to speed up the rising process.

Overnight Caramel Pecan Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 package active dry yeast
- ¼ cup warm water
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
Filling
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Topping
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup corn syrup
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture with sugar, melted butter, milk, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Stir well to combine. Stir in the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, beating well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
- Lightly oil a large mixing bowl, place the dough in the bowl, and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
- Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a 12x9 inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll up the dough and pinch the seam to seal. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place them cut side up in a greased baking dish.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and corn syrup until smooth. Pour over the rolls. Sprinkle with chopped pecans. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake rolls in preheated oven until golden brown, about 30 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then invert onto a serving platter.
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