These overnight caramel rolls are a crowd-pleaser for a reason. Using just four core ingredients, the recipe delivers warm, gooey, and irresistibly soft rolls with minimal effort. The trick is leveraging frozen dough and a simple caramel sauce made with pudding mix, butter, and brown sugar. This method skips traditional bread-making complexities, making it perfect for busy mornings or special occasions.
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Why This Recipe Works
The popularity of this method stems from its simplicity and reliability. Frozen dough eliminates proofing headaches, while the pudding mix creates a thick, flavorful caramel without requiring precise candy-making skills. This recipe has been a family favorite for generations, proving that delicious results don’t always require hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients and Equipment
To make these rolls, you’ll need:
- Frozen Roll Dough: Rhodes rolls (raw, not pre-baked) are ideal.
- Brown Sugar: Light or dark works equally well, impacting the caramel’s depth.
- Butter: Essential for a rich caramel base.
- Cook & Serve Pudding Mix: Vanilla or butterscotch; instant pudding will not work.
- Optional Additions: Pecans and cinnamon enhance the flavor.
- Bundt or Tube Pan: A tube pan is preferred for containing the caramel, but a Bundt pan works too. Avoid angel food cake pans with removable bottoms.
The Overnight Method: Step-by-Step
- Prep the Pan: Grease your chosen pan thoroughly.
- Arrange the Dough: Place frozen rolls evenly in the pan.
- Layer Flavors: Sprinkle pecans (if using) and pudding mix over the rolls.
- Make the Caramel: Melt butter with brown sugar, whisking until smooth. Drizzle over the rolls.
- Rest Overnight: Cover and let sit at room temperature overnight. This allows the dough to thaw, rise, and infuse with the caramel flavors.
- Bake and Serve: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping out onto a serving dish immediately after removing from the oven. Scrape the remaining caramel from the pan to top the rolls.
Rising Tips for Perfect Rolls
The key to success is managing the dough’s rise. Leaving it overnight can sometimes result in over-risen rolls. If you want more control, consider these alternatives:
- Pre-Freeze: Assemble the rolls and freeze overnight. Thaw on the counter before baking for a longer, controlled rise.
- Thaw First: Thaw frozen rolls in the refrigerator, then assemble and let rise for 2 hours. This allows for more precise timing.
Storing and Final Thoughts
Enjoy these rolls fresh for the best flavor. Leftovers can be refrigerated, but reheat in small increments to avoid a soggy mess. Using vegetable shortening to grease your pan ensures a clean release, especially with intricate Bundt designs. Experiment with pudding flavors for variety – vanilla and cinnamon create a cinnamon roll twist.
These overnight caramel rolls are a simple yet satisfying treat. Whether you’re making them for a holiday breakfast or a cozy weekend brunch, they’re guaranteed to impress.
