Can I make these rolls the night before and bake them in the morning?

While you can prepare the caramel sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, I don't recommend assembling the entire dish the night before. The unbaked refrigerated cinnamon rolls can absorb too much moisture from the caramel, resulting in a soggy bottom. Instead, make the caramel sauce in advance, warm it slightly in the microwave in the morning, and then proceed with the recipe for the freshest results.

My caramel hardened after flipping. What went wrong?

This typically happens when the caramel cools too much before flipping. Try reducing the cooling time to just 3-4 minutes next time. If you've already flipped them and the caramel has hardened, place the entire platter in a warm (200°F) oven for 5 minutes to soften the caramel back to its gooey state.

Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough instead of refrigerated?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite cinnamon roll recipe, you can certainly use that instead. Prepare the dough through the first rise and shaping, then place the rolls on top of the caramel mixture. Allow for a second rise before baking, and you might need to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Are there any nut-free alternatives for this recipe?

If you need to avoid nuts, simply omit the pecans for a classic caramel roll. For added texture without nuts, try using granola (check ingredients for nut content), toasted coconut flakes, or even crushed graham crackers sprinkled over the caramel layer.

Shortcut Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Description

Shortcut Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls are a quick and easy dessert or breakfast option, combining fluffy cinnamon rolls, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans for a rich and decadent treat that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

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Caramel 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

Topping & Cinnamon Rolls

1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
2 (17.5-ounce) cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (5 per can) (Recommended: Pillsbury Grands Flaky Cinnamon Rolls)

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Instructions

Prepare the 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 the caramel sauce: In a small pot over medium heat, combine the butter, cream, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Stir until the butter has melted completely. Bring the mixture to a brief boil to ensure the sugar has dissolved. Pour the caramel mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish and evenly sprinkle the chopped pecans over it.
Arrange the cinnamon rolls: Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and set the icing aside. Separate the cinnamon rolls and arrange them in the baking dish on top of the caramel and pecans. It’s okay if there are gaps; the rolls will expand during baking.
Bake the cinnamon rolls: Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes to cool slightly.
Invert the rolls: Place a large serving platter over the baking dish. Carefully invert the dish and transfer the cinnamon rolls onto the platter. Be cautious as the caramel will still be very hot. You can use a large dish towel to protect your hands while flipping.
Add icing and serve: Drizzle the cinnamon rolls with the reserved icing from the cans, if desired. Serve the caramel pecan cinnamon rolls warm.

Notes

Use a glass or ceramic baking dish for the best results, as these retain heat evenly.
If you prefer, you can use different brands of refrigerated cinnamon rolls, but Pillsbury Grands Flaky Cinnamon Rolls are recommended for their texture and flavor.
Allow the dish to cool slightly before inverting to avoid burns from the hot caramel.
Any gaps between the cinnamon rolls will fill in as they expand during baking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 420
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 54g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg