Overnight Cinnamon Sticky Buns

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 Cinnamon Buns

If you’ve heard of Best of Bridge’s “Land of Nod Cinnamon 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.

And, if you are looking for additional make-ahead breakfast potluck ideas, check these out:

Maple Sausage Brunch Bites

Carrot Cake Doughnut Muffins

Baileys Overnight French Toast

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!

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5 from 8 votes

Overnight Cinnamon Sticky Buns

These Overnight Cinnamon Sticky Buns, adapted from the The Land of Nod Cinnamon Buns, use frozen dinner rolls and are prepped the night before. They are baked in the morning so they are a quick and easy breakfast the next day. They are perfect for bringing along to a holiday breakfast/brunch or breakfast potluck!

Course Breakfast, brunch, Snack

Cuisine American, Canadian

Keyword cinnamon buns, land of nod, sticky buns

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Resting/Rising 8 hours

Servings 20 buns

Calories 210kcal

Author Adapted from The Best of Bridge, ACES cookbook, pg 39

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 350 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 Facts

Overnight Cinnamon Sticky Buns

Amount Per Serving

Calories 210 Calories from Fat 72

% Daily Value*

Fat 8g12%

Saturated Fat 4g25%

Cholesterol 13mg4%

Sodium 272mg12%

Potassium 105mg3%

Carbohydrates 33g11%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 9g10%

Protein 4g8%

Vitamin A 147IU3%

Vitamin C 1mg1%

Calcium 90mg9%

Iron 2mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 272mg | Potassium: 105mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 147IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 2mg

This recipe is part ofThe Country Cook Weekend Potluck!