Single Serving Pecan Sticky Bun

If you’ve got a quiet moment to yourself and a craving for something sweet, why not treat yourself to a homemade pecan sticky roll? This recipe is perfect for those times when you want to enjoy a little single serving baking without leftovers. And it makes just one single sticky bun!

It combines the nutty crunch of pecans with a soft, fluffy dough to create a satisfying single serving treat. This recipe is great for the perfect breakfast or a sweet end to your day. This single serving Pecan Sticky Bun is also naturally vegan which is great if you are cooking for one since our recipe uses all pantry ingredients and no eggs or softened butter.

A cup of coffee on a saucer next to a single serving pecan sticky bun and a French press, with scattered pecans and a cloth napkin on a light surface.

Homemade Sticky Buns vs. Cinnamon Buns: What’s the Difference?

While both pecan sticky buns and cinnamon rolls are beloved for their sweet, doughy goodness, they each have their unique charms. Here’s a quick breakdown:

A pecan sticky bun topped with pecans on a white plate, a cup of coffee, and scattered pecans and cinnamon sticks on a light background.
  • Filling: Cinnamon rolls are all about the cinnamon sugar, swirled generously throughout soft dough. Pecan sticky buns take it up a notch with a richer filling that includes pecans, adding a delightful crunch and depth of flavor.
  • Topping: After baking, cinnamon rolls are often drizzled with a simple icing or cream cheese frosting. Pecan sticky buns, however, bake with their topping—typically a caramel-like mixture with pecans—that infuses into the bun for a gooey, sticky finish.
  • Texture and Presentation: Cinnamon rolls are fluffy and perfect for pulling apart, while pecan sticky buns are denser, thanks to the gooey caramel and nuts. When served, pecan sticky buns are inverted to show off their glossy, nut-studded topping, giving them a more decadent look and feel.

This recipe covers the pecan sticky bun, perfect if you’re seeking something a bit richer and more textured than a classic cinnamon roll. Whether for a fancy breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack, this single serving treat is just the right size for enjoying without leftovers.

Ingredient Notes

In this recipe, we’re working with ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, making it convenient and straightforward to whip up anytime the craving hits. Here’s what you’ll need to create your own pecan sticky roll:

Overhead view of neatly arranged baking ingredients in clear bowls on a white surface, including flour, nuts, sugars, and spices for a single serving pecan sticky bun.

Ingredients you’ll need for this recipe

  • All-Purpose Flour: A staple in most kitchens, it forms the base of our dough.
  • Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents help our roll puff up beautifully as it bakes.
  • Dark Brown Sugar: It adds a rich, caramel sweetness that’s crucial for both the dough and the filling.
  • Coconut Milk: This dairy-free option brings a creamy texture and subtle sweetness to our dough and filling. It also makes this recipe naturally vegan by nature!
  • Coconut Oil: A versatile oil that contributes moisture.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens the filling, ensuring it’s deliciously gooey.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Provides a warm spice that complements the pecans perfectly.
  • Crunchy Pecans: These add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor, essential for the filling.

Each of these ingredients works together to create a treat that’s delicious and also simple to put together with what you may already have on hand. 

Let’s gather these ingredients and get started on our scrumptious single serving pecan sticky roll!

Equipment Needed 

For this single serving pecan sticky roll, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools that help make the preparation smooth and the baking perfect. Here’s a list of equipment you’ll want to gather before you get started:

  • Medium Bowl: For mixing your dough and combining your filling ingredients.
  • Saucepan: Needed for cooking the sticky filling to just the right consistency.
  • Springform Tin or Small Baking Tin: A 5-inch springform tin is ideal for this recipe, as it helps shape your roll and keeps everything neatly contained.
  • Rolling Pin: Essential for rolling out your dough into the perfect rectangle.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key in baking, so be sure to measure your ingredients precisely. You can also use a kitchen scale here to be even more accurate!
  • Parchment Paper (optional): For lining your baking tin, making cleanup easier and ensuring your sticky roll releases smoothly.

Tools You’ll Need

Fox Run Springform Pan, Tin-Plated Steel, 5-Inch

French Rolling Pin (17 Inches) –WoodenRoll Pin for Fondant, Pie Crust, Cookie, Pastry, Dough –Tapered Design & Smooth Construction - Essential Kitchen Utensil
Parchment Paper Sheets, 9x13 In Non-Stick Precut Baking Parchment for Baking, Grilling, Air Fryer, Steaming, and More (Unbleached) - Quarter Sheet Size, Perfect for Bread, Cakes, Cookies, 120PCS

As an Amazon Affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchase from our affiliate links, at no additional cost to our readers

With these tools, you’re all set to create a delicious, freshly-baked treat that’s perfectly portioned for one. Let’s get everything ready and move on to making our sticky roll!

A plate of a single serving pecan sticky bun beside a cup of coffee and a French press on a marble countertop.

Step-By-Step to Make This Homemade Sticky Bun

Let’s walk through the process visually to create your delicious single serving pecan sticky roll. Follow these straightforward steps, and you’ll have a warm, inviting treat in no time!

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir these until well combined to ensure an even distribution throughout your dough.

Overhead view of ingredients needed to make a single serving pecan sticky bun. A glass bowl with flour and a small amount of brown sugar, accompanied by smaller bowls with ingredients for the recipe on a white surface.

Step 2: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

To the dry mixture, drizzle in the melted coconut oil. Stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the coconut milk and mix until a dough forms.

Glass bowl with flour and eggs on a white surface, accompanied by measuring spoons and a spatula for making a single serving pecan sticky bun.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it 5-7 times until smooth. Cover the dough and let it rest for 15 minutes to relax the gluten, which will make the dough easier to roll out.

Dough in a glass bowl with a black spatula beside it, surrounded by small bowls of flour on a white surface for making a single serving pecan sticky bun.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir these together to mix well. Over medium-low heat, add the coconut milk to the pan, stirring constantly until smooth. 

Stainless steel skillet with a single serving pecan sticky bun, viewed from above on a white surface.

Add the coconut oil and continue stirring until the mixture reaches a boil and thickens to a sticky consistency. Stir in the finely chopped pecans and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

A pot of melted brown sugar and pecans.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking once your roll is assembled.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll the rested dough into a rectangle about 4 inches by 10 inches. This shape will help in rolling the dough evenly.

Dough for a single serving pecan sticky bun on a floured, brown silicone baking mat.

Step 7: Apply the Filling

Spread the slightly cooled filling evenly across the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent the filling from leaking out.

A pecan sticky bun with an unfinished crust rests on a maroon silicone baking mat dusted with flour.

Step 8: Shape the Roll

Start at one of the long edges and tightly roll up the dough into a log. Cut the log in half lengthwise, then twist the two strands together, keeping the cut sides facing up. Coil the twisted dough into a round shape, tucking in the ends to secure.

Uncooked pecan sticky bun dough on a scratched brown baking mat.
A pecan-filed pastry on a brown cutting board with visible flour dusting and a single serving pecan sticky bun.

Step 9: Bake

Place the shaped dough in a greased or parchment-lined baking tin. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the dough feels set when lightly touched.

Homemade pecan sticky bun on a cutting board twisted in a braid.
A single serve pecan sticky bun in a spring foam pan.

Step 10: Cooling

Let the sticky roll cool in the tin for at least 10 minutes. This resting period helps it set and makes it easier to remove from the tin without breaking.

A pecan sticky bun on a white background ready for the oven.

Step 11: Enjoy

Following these steps, you’ll make a perfect pecan sticky roll that’s ideal for enjoying a moment of delicious solitude.

A pecan sticky bun topped with pecans and syrup on a white plate, beside a cup of coffee and scattered pecans, with a striped cloth in the background.

Find the measurements and full recipe below in the recipe card!

Serving Suggestions

Once your pecan sticky roll is freshly baked and slightly cooled, it’s time to think about how to serve it. From enjoying this for breakfast or as a snack, here are some perfect pairings that go perfectly:

  • Coffee or Tea: A hot cup of coffee or tea complements the sweet and nutty flavors of the sticky roll. Choose a bold espresso to cut through the sweetness or a soothing herbal tea for a relaxing treat.
  • Scrambled Eggs: For a hearty breakfast, serve your sticky roll alongside some fluffy scrambled eggs. The protein-rich eggs balance the sweetness of the roll, making for a satisfying morning meal.
  • Bacon or Sausage: Add some savory center cut bacon or a few pieces of sausage patties to your plate. Their salty and smoky flavors contrast with the sweetness of the pecan sticky roll.
  • Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh fruit adds a refreshing and light complement to the rich flavors of the sticky roll. Go for berries, sliced apples, or orange segments for a burst of freshness.
A single serving pecan sticky bun served on a white plate with scattered pecans and cinnamon sticks around, accompanied by a black coffee cup.

Let’s Make This Single Serving Pecan Sticky Bun Recipe

This single serving sticky bun recipe is a wonderful way to add a little sweetness to your day. It’s easy and perfect for those moments when you want a treat without any leftovers. With everyday pantry items and a few simple kitchen tools, you can create a warm, delicious breakfast or dessert that’s just for you. This recipe is sure to please. So why not treat yourself to a little baking adventure? 

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A pecan sticky bun topped with pecans and syrup on a white plate, beside a cup of coffee and scattered pecans, with a striped cloth in the background.

Single Serving Pecan Sticky Bun

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  • Author: The Solo Spoon
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Rest Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 20
  • Total Time: 45
  • Yield: 1
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Oven

Description

Craving something sweet but not the extra leftovers? Whip up our Solo Pecan Sticky Bun—a single-serving delight that’s perfectly sized for one.


Ingredients

Units

Dough:

  • 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp/68g all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp/2g baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp/1g baking soda
  • 1 tsp/4g brown sugar
  • Pinch salt
  • 2 1/2 tbsp/38ml coconut milk (or other non-dairy milk)
  • 1 tbsp/15ml melted coconut oil

Filling:

  • 1 tbsp/15ml coconut oil
  • 3 tbsp/40g brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 tbsp/23ml coconut milk (full fat)
  • 1 tsp/3g cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp/1g ground cinnamon
  • Pinch salt
  • 1/3 cup/40g finely chopped pecans

Instructions

Make dough:

  • In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Stir to distribute.
  • Drizzle in the coconut oil and stir until crumbles form.
  • Stir in the milk until a dough forms.
  • In the bowl, knead the dough 5-7 times until smooth. Cover and set aside for 15 minutes for the gluten to relax.

Make the filling:

  • In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, corn starch, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to distribute.
  • Add in the coconut milk, stirring until smooth. Place over medium-low heat and add the coconut oil.
  • Bring to a boil, stirring regularly, until sticky.
  • Add the chopped pecans and stir. Cook for an additional 30 seconds.
  • Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Assemble:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F/175 C. Grease or line a small baking tin with parchment. 
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a rectangle about 4” x 10”/10cm x 25cm.
  • Spread the filling into an even layer over it, reaching almost to the edges.
  • Roll into a spiral starting on a long edge.
  • Once rolled, cut in half lengthwise and twist the two pieces together, keeping the cut open edges mostly up.
  • Twist dough back on itself so that the ends are tucked in, and it forms a round. Place in the lined baking tin (we are using a 5″ inch springform round tin.
  • Baking for 20 minutes until the edges of the dough are golden brown and it holds its shape when poked.
  • Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before eating.

Notes

  • This recipe is best made and eaten on the same day.
  • This recipe is demonstrated in a 5”/12.5cm springform round tin, but can be made in something larger, though is best with something to support the sides and contain any leaking filling.

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