Bake 2.9 Part 2: Honey Caramel Sticky Buns

I am a cinnamon roll aficionado but had never made a sticky bun. These highlighted honey in the bun and caramel which was lovely and I want to stress, turn them out immediately. If it is just too hot for you to turn it out immediately get a friend to help who has hands of steel. I made the mistake of waiting and thinking it would be okay... it wasn't. I ended up having to heat up the caramel again to get it out of the pan. Lesson learned!

 
Ingredients
1 package active dry yeast
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter, softened 
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
2 cups flour (up to 1/4 cup additional if the dough is sticky)

Topping
1 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup chopped pecans, lightly toasted

Filling
4 tablespoons butter, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon flour

Start with the dough. Scald the milk, add with the other ingredients to the bowl and mix until it forms a dough. Knead until a smooth dough is formed. I use the mixer with a dough hook for this. Butter a tub or bowl, place the dough in the bowl, turning to ensure it is coated with the butter. Cover with plastic wrap or the lid and leave to prove until doubled in size.

For the topping: add everything except the nuts to a small saucepan. Heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Spread into the bottom of a greased 8 inch square pan and sprinkle with the nuts. Set aside.
For the filling: Stir the ingredients together to make a spreadable paste.

Once the dough as risen, roll into a 10x12 inch rectangle. Spread with the paste. Starting with one of the long sides, roll tightly. Pinch the seam together. Cut into 9 equal (as you can) pieces and place into the pan. Press to flatten until they are barely touching each other. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled. Toward the end of the rise, preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until they are a deep golden brown. Tent with foil if needed. Remove from the oven and turn out immediately onto a large plate. Allow to cool unless you are keen to burn your entire mouth on the lava of yummy sticky goodness.

YUM!