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Butter Pecan Cinnamon Rolls are topped with a luscious caramel cream cheese frosting and made super easy with a cake mix. These gooey rolls are packed with nutty flavors and swirled with cinnamon goodness. The creamy caramel frosting takes them over the top, making them the perfect treat for brunch or dessert!

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Below you will find tips, tricks and helpful hints for making this recipe including step by step instructions with pictures. If you would like to go directly to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card or tap “Jump to Recipe” at the top of the page.

About Butter Pecan Cinnamon Rolls

You’re going to fall head over heels for these butter pecan cake mix cinnamon rolls with caramel cream cheese frosting! They’re super easy to whip up, thanks to the cake mix base, which means less hassle and more deliciousness.

Imagine biting into soft, gooey rolls loaded with rich pecan flavor and sweet cinnamon swirls—it’s like a warm hug in dessert form! And let’s not forget that creamy caramel cream cheese frosting drizzled on top; it’s the perfect finishing touch that takes these rolls to a whole new level of yum!

Cinnamon Roll Ingredients

*Ingredient amounts are located in the recipe card at the end of this post.

• Yeast: Essential for making the rolls fluffy and light. Active dry yeast works best; you can substitute it with instant yeast for a quicker rise.
• Warm Water: Activates the yeast. Make sure it’s warm (not hot) to encourage yeast growth. If you don’t have water, warm milk can be a great alternative.
• Butter Pecan Cake Mix: This is the star of the show! It adds flavor and sweetness. You can swap it with any other cake mix flavor if you’re feeling adventurous, but butter pecan gives that rich, nutty taste.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps to give structure to the rolls. If you want a gluten-free version, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness. For an egg-free option, you can use unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness. If you’re watching your sodium intake, you can reduce the amount or omit it.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a lovely aroma and depth of flavor. Feel free to use almond extract for a different twist.
• Softened Butter: Makes the dough rich and helps with the texture. You can substitute with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
• Brown Sugar: Sweetens the cinnamon filling and adds moisture. You can use granulated sugar if you’re out of brown sugar, but the flavor will be a bit different.
• Cinnamon: The classic spice for that warm, cozy flavor. If you want to mix it up, try adding nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist!
• Chopped Pecans: Added for a nutty crunch and also for the topping.

Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

• Softened Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth texture. You can use unsalted butter for better control over the frosting’s saltiness, or substitute with vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
• Softened Cream Cheese: Gives the frosting a creamy texture and tangy flavor that balances the sweetness. For a lighter version, you can use Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but a similar taste.
• Caramel Ice Cream Topping: This is what makes the frosting truly decadent and sweet. If you want to make your own caramel, a homemade caramel sauce works great too!
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the frosting. You can swap it with almond extract for a different twist, but keep in mind it will alter the taste.
• Salt: A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavors. If you prefer a sweeter frosting, you can reduce the amount or skip it altogether.
• Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the frosting and gives it a smooth consistency. If you need a sugar-free version, you can use a powdered sugar substitute, though the texture might vary slightly.

How to Make Cake Mix Butter Pecan Cinnamon RollsDirections

[Step 1] Combine the warm water with the yeast and set aside while preparing the dry ingredients.

[Step 2] Place the cake mix, flour, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer and mix to combine.

[Step 3] Add the yeast mixture, beaten eggs and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and knead in the stand mixer for 4-5 minutes.

[Step 4] Place the dough in a greased bowl and loosely cover with plastic wrap. Let the dough rise until double in size, about 45-60 minutes.

[Step 5] Punch down the dough and place it on a floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the softened butter over the entire surface of the dough and sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans.

[Step 6] Roll up the dough tightly into a large roll. Cut the roll into 24 cinnamon rolls. Place the rolls on a 9×13 greased baking dishes.

[Step 7] Bake the cinnamon rolls at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

[Step 8] Frosting: Beat softened butter with a stand mixer or hand mixer until fluffy. Add the softened cream cheese and beat on low until combined. Pour the caramel sauce, vanilla and salt into the bowl and mix. Add the powdered sugar, a little at a time, and beat until combined.

[Step 9] Spread the frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls and sprinkled with chopped pecans. Enjoy!

How to Store & Reheat Leftover Cinnamon Rolls

To keep your butter pecan cinnamon rolls with caramel cream cheese glaze fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or pop them in the fridge for up to five days.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat the rolls in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm them in the oven at 325°F for 8-10 minutes until they’re soft and gooey again. Enjoy that freshly baked taste with just a quick reheat!

More Cinnamon Roll Recipes

• Mickey Mouse Cinnamon Rolls
• Heavy Cream Cinnamon Rolls
• Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
• Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
• Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake
• Orange Rolls with Orange Glaze

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