Is there anything better than warm, gooey Old Fashioned Sticky Buns fresh from the oven? These soft, pull-apart cinnamon sticky buns are a nostalgic family favorite—rich with caramel flavor and tender rolls. One bite and you’ll be reaching for more.
About this recipe
These Old Fashioned Sticky Buns come from my great-grandma’s kitchen and have been served at holidays and family breakfasts for generations. Back then she used frozen loaves and would tear them apart, giving the buns a rustic, pull-apart texture. This recipe recreates that same comforting, old-fashioned feel using frozen yeast dinner rolls for convenience without sacrificing flavor.
They work beautifully as a holiday side, a centerpiece for a decadent brunch, or an easy weekend baking project. If you love cinnamon and caramel, these sticky buns are a simple, crowd-pleasing treat that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.
Recipe Ingredients
- Frozen yeast dinner rolls (15) – Find these in the frozen bread section. Use yeast rolls, not pre-baked buns.
- Light brown sugar (3/4 cup) – Adds a deep caramel flavor. Coconut sugar can be substituted if desired.
- Dry vanilla pudding mix (1 package) – Use a dry vanilla pudding mix (not instant gelatin mix). This helps thicken the caramel sauce into a glossy coating.
- Butter (6 tbsp) – Melted to form the caramel base. Substitute vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
- Cinnamon (1 tbsp) – Essential for that warm, classic cinnamon flavor.
- Milk (1 1/2 tbsp) – A small amount of milk (unsweetened almond milk works well for dairy-free) to smooth the caramel sauce.
See the recipe section below for exact measurements, prep and cook times, and step-by-step instructions.
How to Make This Recipe
1. Prepare the frozen yeast dinner rolls so they rise, following the package directions. Do not bake them yet. An easy method is to preheat the oven to 200°F, then turn it off and place the greased baking dish with rolls inside the warm oven. Let rise for about 2 hours.
2. While the rolls rise, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the light brown sugar, cinnamon, and milk until smooth and combined.
3. Remove the sauce from heat and whisk in the dry vanilla pudding mix. Stir until the pudding powder dissolves and the sauce becomes thick and caramel-like.
4. Once the rolls have risen, remove them from the oven and gently pour the caramel sauce over the rolls, trying to coat as evenly as possible. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, until the tops are golden and the caramel is bubbling. Let cool slightly, then serve warm.
Recipe
Prep: 10 mins Cook: 40 mins Total: 2 hrs 50 mins Servings: 15 sticky buns
Soft dinner rolls coated in a brown sugar syrup and baked until caramelized. This version uses frozen rolls and simple pantry ingredients for an easy, comforting result.
Ingredients
- 15 frozen yeast dinner rolls
- 1 1/2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk)
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1 package dry vanilla pudding mix (NOT instant gelatin)
- 6 tbsp butter (3/4 stick)
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the frozen dinner rolls to rise per package instructions. Do not bake. To speed and control rising, heat the oven to 200°F, turn it off, and place the greased pan of rolls inside for about 2 hours.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in brown sugar, cinnamon, and milk until combined and smooth.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the dry vanilla pudding mix until dissolved. The sauce will thicken into a glossy, caramel-like texture.
- Carefully remove the risen rolls from the oven and pour the caramel sauce evenly over them.
- Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, until the rolls are golden and the sauce is bubbly.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.
Recipe FAQs
Can you freeze Old Fashioned Sticky Buns?
Yes. If they last long enough, store cooled buns in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw and warm in the microwave for 50–60 seconds or thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Can I make these gluten free or dairy free?
For gluten free, substitute gluten-free dinner rolls. For dairy free, use vegan butter and check your rolls for any dairy ingredients.
Can I prep these in advance?
Yes. For morning serving, skip the initial rise and pour the caramel over unrisen rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, place the pan in a cold oven and set to 350°F; bake for 40–50 minutes. The rolls will rise as the oven heats.
Nutrition (per bun)
Calories: 242 kcal | Carbohydrates: 39 g | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 9 g | Saturated Fat: 4 g | Sodium: 293 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 9 g
Notes
Use a dry vanilla pudding mix (not instant gelatin). If you prefer, swap coconut sugar for brown sugar or use almond milk for a dairy-free variation. These sticky buns are best served warm and can be reheated briefly before serving to refresh the caramel texture.
I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments—what you liked or any tweaks you made. Enjoy baking and sharing these Old Fashioned Sticky Buns with family and friends.