In the vast calendar of culinary celebrations, National Sticky Bun Day stands out with its sweet, gooey, and delightfully indulgent appeal. Every year on February 21st, this delicious holiday tempts us to break our diets and indulge in one of America’s favorite comfort foods. But what’s behind this day, and how did sticky buns become such a beloved treat? Let’s delve into the history, traditions, and ways to celebrate National Sticky Bun Day.
The origins of the sticky bun trace back to the German settlers who brought their traditional “Schnecken” to the United States, particularly in Pennsylvania, where it evolved into what we now know as the sticky bun. This delightful pastry is made from rolled pieces of leavened dough that contain brown sugar and cinnamon. Before baking, the dough is placed atop a glaze of butter, sugar, and sometimes nuts, resulting in a bottom that becomes the top when the bun is inverted after baking, revealing a sticky, caramelized exterior.
National Sticky Bun Day is more than just an excuse to indulge in a sweet treat; it’s a celebration of culinary history and tradition. Sticky buns have become a symbol of comfort and home, a reminder of family gatherings, and a staple at coffee shops and bakeries across the nation. They represent the blending of cultures and the evolution of traditional recipes into new forms, embodying the spirit of American innovation in the culinary world.
Celebrating National Sticky Bun Day can be as simple or elaborate as you choose. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Bake Your Own: There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked sticky buns filling your kitchen. Numerous recipes range from traditional cinnamon to modern variations with pecans, raisins, or even chocolate chips. Baking your own allows you to customize them to your taste.
- Visit a Local Bakery: Support your local bakeries by purchasing their sticky buns. Many bakeries prepare special versions of this treat just for National Sticky Bun Day, giving you the perfect excuse to try something new.
- Host a Sticky Bun Potluck: Invite friends or family over for a sticky bun-themed gathering. Encourage guests to bring different types of sticky buns, from homemade to bakery favorites, and enjoy tasting and comparing them.
- Learn About the History: Take some time to research the origins of the sticky bun and its journey from German “Schnecken” to American kitchens. Sharing these tidbits of history with others can add an educational twist to the day.
National Sticky Bun Day is a testament to the simple pleasures that can bring us joy and comfort. It’s a day to appreciate the rich tapestry of culinary traditions that contribute to our shared culture. Whether you’re baking at home, enjoying a sticky bun from your favorite bakery, or exploring the history behind this beloved treat, February 21st is the perfect time to embrace the sweet, sticky delight of sticky buns.
Classic Sticky Bun Recipe
Indulge in the sweet, gooey goodness of homemade sticky buns. This classic recipe combines the soft, tender dough with a caramelized topping for the ultimate comfort food experience. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat, these sticky buns are sure to delight everyone at your table.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 45°C)
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup raisins or chopped nuts (optional)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional)
Directions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, instant yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add the eggs, melted butter, salt, and gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, and honey. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour this mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle with chopped nuts if using.
- Roll and Shape the Buns:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a 18×14 inch rectangle.
- Spread the softened butter over the dough, leaving a small margin at the edges. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle this over the butter. Add raisins or nuts if desired.
- Starting with the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log
Gourmet Sticky Buns with Caramel-Pecan Glaze
Elevate your breakfast or brunch with this gourmet sticky buns recipe, featuring a rich, brioche dough and a luxurious caramel-pecan glaze. These sticky buns combine the tender, buttery texture of brioche with the deep, caramelized sweetness of a homemade glaze, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Brioche Dough:
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warm (110°F or 45°C)
- 3 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
For the Filling:
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup toasted pecans, finely chopped (optional)
For the Caramel-Pecan Glaze:
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup toasted pecans, whole or roughly chopped
- A pinch of sea salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Brioche Dough:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add the eggs and beat until well mixed. With the mixer on low, gradually add the flour and salt. Increase the speed to medium and knead until the dough starts to come together.
- Add the softened butter, a tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once all the butter is incorporated, continue to knead on medium speed for about 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
- Prepare the Caramel-Pecan Glaze:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, heavy cream, and honey. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for an additional minute, then remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, toasted pecans, and a pinch of sea salt.
- Pour the glaze into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Set aside.
- Shape the Buns:
- Once the dough has doubled, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a 16×12 inch rectangle.
- Spread the softened butter over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg together and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the butter. Sprinkle with chopped pecans if using.
- Starting with the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices and arrange them, cut side down, over the caramel-pecan glaze in the baking dish.
- Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, until puffy.
- Bake the Sticky Buns:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the buns for 30-35 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the caramel is bubbling around the edges.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully invert the buns onto a serving platter so the caramel-pecan glaze is on top.
- Serve:
- Serve the sticky buns warm, allowing the caramel to drizzle down the sides.
Enjoy the decadent blend of flavors and textures in these gourmet sticky buns, perfect for a special morning or as a luxurious treat to share.
Keto Sticky Buns with Pecan Glaze
These keto sticky buns are a delicious low-carb alternative to the traditional sweet treat. With a tender almond flour dough and a sugar-free caramel-pecan glaze, these sticky buns ensure you can indulge without breaking your keto diet. Perfect for a decadent breakfast or a sweet dessert, they’re sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/3 cup coconut flour
- 1/4 cup granulated erythritol or another keto-friendly sweetener
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup granulated erythritol
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Caramel-Pecan Glaze:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup brown erythritol or golden monk fruit sweetener
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or pie dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut flour, granulated erythritol, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the eggs, melted butter, almond milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more almond flour.
- Make the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix together the erythritol and cinnamon for the filling. Set aside.
- Prepare the Caramel-Pecan Glaze:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter for the glaze. Add the brown erythritol and heavy cream, whisking until the sweetener is dissolved. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until thickened slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, chopped pecans, and a pinch of salt.
- Spread the glaze evenly over the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Assemble the Buns:
- Place the dough between two pieces of parchment paper and roll out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-erythritol mixture.
- Starting with the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 8 equal pieces.
- Arrange the bun slices, cut side up, on top of the caramel-pecan glaze in the pan.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the buns are set.
- Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate so the caramel-pecan glaze is on top.
- Serve:
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your keto sticky buns with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful low-carb treat.
These keto sticky buns are a fantastic way to enjoy a classic favorite without the carbs. The combination of a moist, flavorful dough with a rich, gooey glaze makes for a truly indulgent experience.
Not Your Grams Kitchen 