sticky bun
noun
plural sticky buns
: a cinnamon roll that is baked on top of a sugary mixture (as of caramel and pecans or other nuts) and inverted after baking
The dough for sticky buns is rolled out and topped with a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes raisins or even more nuts. The dough is then carefully rolled into a cylinder and sliced into individual portions. These slices are nestled in the pan on top of the caramel sauce. After baking, the buns are inverted onto a serving platter, revealing their glorious, caramelized tops.—Molly Harris
The basic MO [=modus operandi] for sticky buns starts with a sugary glaze mixture that is put into a baking dish. … The buns are set on top of the glaze mixture, allowed a second rise, then baked, inverted, and devoured.—Dawn Yanagihara
Cite this Entry
“Sticky bun.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sticky%20bun. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.
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