Description

These Shortcut Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls offer a deliciously easy twist on a classic breakfast treat, featuring flaky refrigerated cinnamon rolls baked atop a rich caramel and pecan sauce. Perfect for a quick yet indulgent morning or brunch, this recipe combines the convenience of store-bought dough with a homemade buttery caramel topping for irresistible flavor and texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Caramel Pecan Sauce

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
4 tablespoons light corn syrup
Pinch of salt
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans

Cinnamon Rolls

2 (17.5-ounce) cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (5 per can; Pillsbury Grands Flaky Cinnamon Rolls recommended)
Icing that comes with cinnamon rolls (optional for drizzling)

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Instructions

Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
Make Caramel Sauce: In a small pot over medium heat, combine butter, heavy cream, light brown sugar, light corn syrup, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the butter melts completely. Bring the mixture to a brief boil to ensure all sugar dissolves smoothly. Pour this hot caramel sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the coarsely chopped pecans over the caramel layer.
Arrange Cinnamon Rolls: Open the cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and set the accompanying icing aside for later use. Separate the rolls and place them on top of the caramel and pecans in the baking dish. The rolls will not cover the entire dish initially but will expand during baking. A few gaps are perfectly fine.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cinnamon rolls turn golden brown. Once baked, remove from oven and let rest for about 5 minutes to cool slightly.
Invert and Serve: Place a large serving platter over the baking dish, then carefully invert the pan so the rolls come out onto the platter with the caramel and pecans on top. Use caution as the caramel will be very hot. Using a dish towel over the top of the pan can help protect your hands when flipping. Drizzle the reserved icing over the cinnamon rolls if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

Use a glass or ceramic baking dish to allow even heat distribution and prevent caramel burning.
Be very careful when inverting the baking dish as the caramel will be extremely hot and could cause burns.
Using flaky refrigerated cinnamon rolls ensures a tender, buttery texture that complements the rich caramel sauce perfectly.
For a nuttier flavor variation, try toasting the pecans before adding them to the caramel layer.
The icing provided with the cinnamon rolls can be replaced or supplemented with cream cheese frosting for extra richness.