Overnight sticky buns

By Hapemom

Part of our traditional Christmas breakfast. I also give pans to friends and neighbors on Christmas Eve, for them to bake for their family in the morning. I first had this at a baby shower brunch for a friend, 25 years ago. I think I've had it every Christmas morning since. My husband and kids (and mother and sisters) wouldn't have it any other way.

Ingredients

• BASE:
• 2 loaves frozen bread dough
• 1 stick butter
• 1 c. chopped pecans
• TOPPING:
• 1 stick butter, melted
• 1 c. brown sugar
• 1 lg. pkg instant vanilla (or butterscotch) pudding mix
• 2 t. cinnamon
• 2 T. milk

Preparation

Step 1

Thaw bread dough (about two hours), but do not let rise. I use round cake pans (makes 2), but can also use a 9x13 pan. I find the middle gets down better using round pans.

Slice into 1" slices, then cut each slice into four pieces.

Melt butter in pan, sprinkle with chopped pecans, then layer the dough pieces over top. There should be only small spaces between each piece.

Mix together remaining butter, brown sugar, pudding mix, milk and cinnamon. Mix well and spread over bread dough, all the way to edges.

Options - either cover and place in refrigerator overnight, then let rise in the morning, or let rise first before placing in refrigerator. Basically you just want it to rise to the top of the pan (about 30 minutes to an hour should do it).

IMPORTANT - place foil on shelf below pan. Sometimes the butter mixture overflows - you don't want smoke alarms on Christmas morning.

Bake at 400 degrees for 20-30 minutes.

Immediately invert onto heat-proof tray.