Giant Upside-Down Pecan Rolls

Total Time

Prep: 35 min. + rising Bake: 35 min.

Makes

6 rolls

Updated: Oct. 16, 2022
I like to keep a baked batch of these extra-large sweet rolls in the freezer to surprise my family on weekends. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, wrap in foil and bake at 350° for 20 to 30 minutes or until heated through.

Ingredients

  • 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
  • 1-3/4 cups sugar, divided
  • 2/3 cup warm whole milk (110° to 115°)
  • 3/4 cup butter, softened, divided
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 4-3/4 to 5-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • BROWN SUGAR-NUT SYRUP:
  • 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • EGG WASH:
  • 1 large egg white
  • 1 teaspoon water

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add 3/4 cup sugar, milk, 1/2 cup butter, salt, egg, egg yolk and 3 cups flour. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
  2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1-1/2 hours.
  3. Punch dough down. Turn onto lightly floured surface. Roll into a 24x18-in. rectangle. Melt remaining butter; brush over dough. Combine cinnamon and remaining sugar; sprinkle to within 1/2 in. of edges. Sprinkle with pecans. Roll up, jelly-roll style, starting with a short side; pinch seam to seal. Cut into six slices.
  4. For syrup, combine brown sugar, butter and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil; boil and stir for 1 minute. Pour into a greased 13x9-in. baking. Arrange pecan halves, flat side up, over syrup. Place rolls, cut side down, over pecans. Press down gently. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
  5. Beat egg white and water; brush over rolls. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately invert onto a serving platter.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 1084 calories, 38g fat (8g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 509mg sodium, 176g carbohydrate (96g sugars, 7g fiber), 16g protein.