Sticky Buns with Apricot and Pistachio are soft, buttery rolls filled with sweet apricot preserves and topped with a golden pistachio caramel glaze. This delicious twist on a classic breakfast treat is perfect for brunch or special occasions.
Author:Laura
Prep Time:30 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:3 hours
Yield:12 sticky buns
Category:Breakfast, Brunch
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
1 cup whole milk, warmed
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1/2 cup apricot preserves or jam
1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
1 tsp orange zest (optional)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (for topping)
2/3 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup chopped pistachios (roasted and unsalted)
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Add warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Mix and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1–1.5 hours.
For the topping, melt butter in a saucepan. Add brown sugar, honey, and cream. Stir until smooth and bubbling. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle with chopped pistachios.
Punch down the dough and roll into a large rectangle (about 12×16 inches). Spread apricot preserves evenly over the surface, then sprinkle with chopped dried apricots, cinnamon, and orange zest if using.
Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 12 equal pieces. Place cut-side up over the sticky pistachio topping in the pan. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
Cool for 5 minutes, then carefully invert onto a platter to reveal the sticky pistachio topping. Serve warm.
Notes
Refrigerate shaped buns overnight to bake fresh in the morning.
Chop dried apricots finely for even distribution.
Use roasted, unsalted pistachios for best flavor balance.
Invert the buns while still warm to avoid sticking.
Buns freeze well without topping; reheat and add glaze before serving.