Anabelle McLean Pioneer Woman’s Sticky Bun Crinkle Cake is a delicious twist on the classic sticky bun, combining the flavors of caramel, cinnamon, and pecans into a crinkly, layered cake. This dessert is indulgent, featuring a sticky, gooey topping that makes every bite a decadent treat. It’s perfect for brunch, holiday gatherings, or whenever you crave something sweet and comforting.
What is Pioneer Woman Sticky Bun Crinkle Cake?
Pioneer Woman’s Sticky Bun Crinkle Cake is a unique cake inspired by sticky buns, made with layers of buttery, flaky pastry dough baked with caramelized sugar, cinnamon, and pecans. It’s finished with a gooey caramel glaze that creates a crinkly texture on top, making this cake both visually appealing and incredibly tasty.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Sticky and indulgent: The caramel glaze and cinnamon layers make this cake rich and satisfying.
- Perfect for gatherings: This dessert is a hit at brunches, holiday parties, or family dinners.
- Fun texture: The crinkle effect on the top adds a unique twist and a pleasing crunch.
- Simple ingredients: Uses basic ingredients that come together for an impressive result.
- Customizable toppings: Add more nuts or different spices to suit your taste.
Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Sticky Bun Crinkle Cake
For the Cake:
- 2 cans crescent roll dough (or puff pastry for a flakier texture)
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
For the Sticky Glaze:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Sticky Bun Crinkle Cake
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Layer the crescent dough: Open one can of crescent roll dough and unroll it, pressing it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Stretch the dough slightly to fit the pan and pinch any seams together.
- Add filling and pecans: Brush half of the melted butter over the crescent dough. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough, then add half of the chopped pecans.
- Add second layer: Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place it on top of the filling, pressing it down gently to cover. Repeat with the remaining melted butter, cinnamon-sugar mixture, and chopped pecans.
- Bake the cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is cooked through.
- Make the sticky glaze: While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring until the mixture is smooth. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Add the glaze: When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the warm glaze over the top, allowing it to soak into the cake and create the sticky, crinkly effect.
- Cool and serve: Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Sticky Bun Crinkle Cake
- Coffee or tea: A hot cup of coffee or tea balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Vanilla ice cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast.
- Fresh berries: Garnish with strawberries or raspberries for a pop of freshness.
- Nuts: Sprinkle extra chopped nuts on top for additional crunch.
Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Sticky Bun Crinkle Cake
- Use crescent dough for ease: Crescent roll dough provides a buttery, flaky texture that works well with the sticky glaze.
- Press seams together: If using crescent rolls, press the seams together to prevent the filling from leaking.
- Pour glaze immediately: Pour the glaze over the cake while it’s hot to help it soak in and create a sticky, crinkly texture.
- Customize the filling: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a spiced variation.
- Serve warm: This cake is best served warm, as the glaze is gooey and the layers are soft and tender.
Variations of Pioneer Woman Sticky Bun Crinkle Cake
- Apple Sticky Bun Crinkle Cake: Add a layer of thinly sliced apples between the dough layers for an apple pie flavor.
- Maple Pecan Crinkle Cake: Substitute maple syrup for the vanilla in the glaze for a maple-flavored treat.
- Chocolate Chip Crinkle Cake: Add chocolate chips between the dough layers for a chocolatey twist.
- Raisin Sticky Bun Cake: Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the filling for a fruity touch.
- Pumpkin Spice Crinkle Cake: Add 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a fall-inspired version.
Storing Pioneer Woman Sticky Bun Crinkle Cake: Best Practices
- Room temperature: Store leftover cake at room temperature, covered, for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate: For longer storage, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm before serving.
Reheating Pioneer Woman Sticky Bun Crinkle Cake: Best Practices
- Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes to keep the crust crispy.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, but the texture may be softer.
- Air fryer: For a quick reheat, use an air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for 3-5 minutes for a warm and slightly crisp result.
Final Words
Pioneer Woman’s Sticky Bun Crinkle Cake is a wonderfully indulgent dessert with layers of buttery dough, caramelized sugar, and crunchy pecans. The sticky, crinkly glaze makes this cake unique and utterly delicious, making it perfect for holidays or any special occasion.
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Pioneer Woman Sticky Bun Crinkle Cake
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Pioneer Woman’s Sticky Bun Crinkle Cake is a unique cake inspired by sticky buns, made with layers of buttery, flaky pastry dough baked with caramelized sugar, cinnamon, and pecans. It’s finished with a gooey caramel glaze that creates a crinkly texture on top, making this cake both visually appealing and incredibly tasty.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2 cans crescent roll dough (or puff pastry for a flakier texture)
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
For the Sticky Glaze:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Layer the crescent dough: Open one can of crescent roll dough and unroll it, pressing it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Stretch the dough slightly to fit the pan and pinch any seams together.
- Add filling and pecans: Brush half of the melted butter over the crescent dough. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough, then add half of the chopped pecans.
- Add second layer: Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place it on top of the filling, pressing it down gently to cover. Repeat with the remaining melted butter, cinnamon-sugar mixture, and chopped pecans.
- Bake the cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is cooked through.
- Make the sticky glaze: While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring until the mixture is smooth. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Add the glaze: When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the warm glaze over the top, allowing it to soak into the cake and create the sticky, crinkly effect.
- Cool and serve: Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
