When I set out to make these Cinnamon buns, butter tart flavor was what I was after. And although I used all the same ingredients that I use in my other butter tart recipes, for some reason, they didn’t turn out that way.
And in the end, I really didn’t even know how to describe what they actually tasted like or what to even call them, except DELICIOUS! So, I am calling them Overnight Sticky Cinnamon Buns because they are part sticky bun and part cinnamon roll. Either way, they are really easy, yummy and perfect for bringing along to a breakfast potluck or holiday brunch!
Difference Between Sticky Buns and Cinnamon Rolls
This recipe is a hybrid because it’s not really a cinnamon roll, nor is it a sticky bun! Typically, a sticky bun has a caramel glaze and nuts and after baking, the pan is inverted so the glaze is on top (like it is in this recipe). The big difference is that cinnamon buns/rolls are generally placed directly into a baking dish, and a cream cheese glaze is drizzled on top after baking. Typically, cinnamon rolls do not contain nuts and sticky buns don’t have raisins. So there you have it – a true hybrid! You can read more about the differences between sticky buns and cinnamon rolls HERE.
Land of Nod Buns
If you’ve heard of Best of Bridge’s “Land of Nod Buns” then you will be familiar with this method, as this recipe was adapted from it. Frozen dough, in the form of frozen dinner rolls (unbaked) are topped with yummy stuff, left to rise overnight, then baked in a bundt pan in the morning. It’s an easy and convenient way to get delicious, fresh tasting sticky cinnamon buns without very much effort!
Overnight Cinnamon Buns
Although I’m a morning person, sometimes it’s nice to just sit, drink coffee and not worry about putting together breakfast. This is especially helpful if you have to go to a breakfast or brunch. We have a lot of breakfast potlucks at work and that’s why I love make-ahead breakfasts like these Overnight Cinnamon Buns!! When I have to be out the door by 7 am, there isn’t much time for prepping and cooking, so doing most of it the night before is ideal. I have also made these a day in advance. They do reheat quite nicely.
Although I wasn’t successful in making these guys butter tart flavored, I have had other butter tart successes, including this Butter Tart Bundt Cake and these Butter Tart Thumbprint Cookies. So be sure to check them out if you also LOVE butter tarts!
And I still have some other butter tart ideas up my sleeve (stay tuned)… But if I don’t succeed, hopefully the result will be as delicious as these Cinnamon Sticky Buns!
Happy Brunching!
Overnight Cinnamon Sticky Buns
Equipment
- bundt pan
Ingredients
- 20 frozen (unbaked) dinner rolls
- 1 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup butterscotch instant pudding powder
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 1/4 cup whipping cream
- 1/4 tsp maple extract
- 1/2 tsp butter extract
- 3/4 cup raisins * or substitute almonds or pecans
Instructions
- Spray a 10 inch bundt pan generously with non-stick cooking spray and add frozen rolls.
- Sprinkle lemon zest over rolls.
- Then sprinkle on the butterscotch pudding powder, cinnamon and brown sugar.
- Mix melted butter, vinegar, extracts and whipping cream together and pour over buns. Then sprinkle on raisins or almonds or pecans.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let sit at room temp overnight.
- In the morning, preheat oven to 350Â F and bake for 25 mins.
- Let sit for 5 minutes, then turn onto a plate or platter to remove buns from bundt pan.
Garnish (optional)
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
More make-ahead breakfast potluck ideas:
Baileys Overnight French Toast
This recipe is part of The Country Cook Weekend Potluck!
Sticky bun, or cinnamon bun, who cares when they look this delicious! Sometimes a hybrid is the best, and this looks like one of them. They look amazing, Terri!!
Thank you, Colleen! Yes, sometimes mistakes are meant to be! 🙂
This is such a clever shortcut recipe. I love the idea of using butterscotch pudding in the base, even if it didn’t achieve the buttertart flavour you were hoping for. Pinning these to try out over the holiday break!
Thanks, Isabelle! I hope you like thm!
I love how convenient this recipe is. Whether they’re sticky buns or cinnamon rolls, they’re sure to be a hit!
Thanks, Andrea!
Oh my, I know what I’m making for Christmas breakfast!! I love how delicious these look and that they are make ahead!
Thanks- I hope you enjoy them! They are so easy 🙂
I love sticky buns and your recipe is so good!
Thanks, Erica!
This is such a great recipe, I love the sound of this!
These are so good! Just like my grandma used to make!
Wow, these really are easy! I have never thought of using premade dough but with the yummy, luscious flavourings, these are the bomb! Great recipe 🙂
Thanks, Sabrina!
You had me at sticky buns, Terri! They look so good!! The fragrance of these overnight sticky buns baking must be Wonderful! I will try them over the holiday season. Thanks so much for sharing.
Well, this will work 🙂 My family always asks for cinnamon rolls for Christmas breakfast. And I appreciate that this recipe uses frozen dough. Saves me so much time.
I and my friends were going through the nice, helpful tips from the blog then the sudden came up with an awful suspicion I never expressed respect to the website owner for those secrets.
I hope you enjoy it!
I hope you try some recipes!