Description
These Shortcut Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls combine the convenience of refrigerated cinnamon rolls with a luscious homemade caramel pecan sauce, creating a decadent breakfast or dessert treat. With a caramel base topped with toasted pecans and fluffy cinnamon rolls baked to golden perfection, this recipe offers a quick and indulgent twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel Pecan Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons light corn syrup
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
Cinnamon Rolls
- 2 (17.5-ounce) cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (5 per can; recommended: Pillsbury Grands Flaky Cinnamon Rolls)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set the dish aside for the next step.
- Make Caramel Pecan Sauce: In a small pot over medium heat, combine the butter, heavy cream, light brown sugar, light corn syrup, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously until the butter melts completely. Bring the mixture to a brief boil to ensure all the sugar dissolves smoothly. Once done, pour this warm caramel sauce evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Immediately sprinkle the coarsely chopped pecans evenly over the caramel layer.
- Arrange Cinnamon Rolls: Open the cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and set the icing aside for later. Separate the rolls gently and place them on top of the caramel and pecans in the baking dish. They will not cover the entire dish surface initially but will expand during baking, so some gaps are okay.
- Bake Rolls: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Invert and Serve: Carefully remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes to cool slightly and help the caramel set. To serve, place a large serving platter over the baking dish and invert the entire dish to release the rolls onto the platter, being cautious as the caramel will be hot. Cover your hands with a dish towel to protect from heat while flipping.
- Add Icing and Serve Warm: Drizzle the cinnamon rolls with the reserved icing from the tubes if desired. Serve the caramel pecan cinnamon rolls warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Use caution when inverting the hot baking dish to avoid burns from the warm caramel sauce.
- If you prefer a crunchier pecan topping, lightly toast the pecans before adding them to the caramel sauce.
- The caramel can be made a day ahead and gently reheated before assembling the cinnamon rolls.
- For a variation, try using walnuts or mixed nuts instead of pecans.
- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls shorten preparation time but using homemade dough can add a personal touch if preferred.
