Gluten-Free Easy Caramel Sticky Rolls

Prep: 10 minCook: 25 min6 servingsmedium
Easy Caramel Sticky Rolls with Pecans and Cinnamon

These irresistible sticky rolls transform refrigerated breadstick dough into a bakery-style treat with minimal effort. The rolls bake over a rich caramel base made from brown sugar and heavy cream, creating a gooey, buttery coating that caramelizes beautifully. Chopped pecans add crunch while cinnamon sugar spiraled through the dough provides warm spice in every bite. Perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or when you need an impressive dessert that comes together in under 30 minutes. The upside-down baking method ensures each roll gets completely coated in the luscious caramel sauce.

VegetarianGluten-Free

Ingredients

6 servings
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup whipping cream, heavy
  • ¼ cup pecans, chopped
    walnuts1:1nut

    same crunch, different flavor

    Full guide →
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 can refrigerated Pillsbury Original Breadsticks, 11 oz, 12 count
    cinnamon rolls1:1convenience

    already has cinnamon, omit cinnamon sugar

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat oven to 350°F

  2. 2

    Mix brown sugar and whipping cream in ungreased 8-inch round pan

  3. 3

    Sprinkle with pecans

  4. 4

    Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in small bowl

  5. 5

    Unroll breadstick dough but do not separate into breadsticks

  6. 6

    Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture over dough

  7. 7

    Roll up dough from short end

  8. 8

    Separate at perforations

  9. 9

    Place coiled dough in pan

  10. 10

    Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown

  11. 11

    Cool 1 minute

  12. 12

    Place heatproof serving plate upside down onto pan

  13. 13

    Turn plate and pan over

  14. 14

    Let pan remain 1 minute so caramel can drizzle over rolls

Tips

Tip 1

Use a heatproof serving plate when inverting to prevent cracking from the hot caramel

Tip 2

Let the pan sit for a full minute after flipping to allow all the caramel to drizzle down onto the rolls

Tip 3

Serve immediately while warm for the best gooey texture and maximum caramel coating

Good to Know

Storage

Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days, reheat gently in microwave

Make Ahead

Can assemble in pan, cover and refrigerate overnight, then bake in morning

Serve With

Serve warm directly from the plate while caramel is still gooey

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip the 1-minute cooling time or caramel will be too hot and runny

Watch

Use a heatproof plate to avoid cracking when inverting the hot pan

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

heavy cream→
half-and-half1:1dairydairy-free

slightly less rich but still creamy

Full guide →

General Alternatives

pecans→
walnuts1:1nut

same crunch, different flavor

Full guide →
breadsticks→
cinnamon rolls1:1convenience

already has cinnamon, omit cinnamon sugar

Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make these without nuts?

Yes, simply omit the pecans or substitute with extra cinnamon sugar for more sweetness without the crunch.

What if I don't have heavy cream?

Half-and-half works but creates a slightly less rich caramel. Avoid milk as it won't create the proper thick caramel base.

How long do these keep?

Best served fresh and warm. Store covered in refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat gently in microwave before serving.