Beehive Buns with Caramel Topping

A Sweet and Sticky Delight

427 3 minutes read

Soft, fluffy, and irresistibly sweet—beehive buns (also known as honeycomb buns) are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. These pull-apart buns are filled with a delicious filling, arranged in a beehive pattern, and topped with a rich caramel glaze.

Each bite is a heavenly mix of light, airy bread with a sticky, buttery caramel drizzle. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a special dessert, these beehive buns are guaranteed to impress. In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Add the egg, softened butter, salt, and half of the flour. Mix until combined. Gradually add the remaining flour, kneading until a smooth dough forms. This should take about 8–10 minutes. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Set aside. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 16 equal pieces. Flatten each piece slightly and place about 1 teaspoon of the filling in the centre (if using). Pinch the edges to seal and roll into smooth balls.

Arrange the buns in a greased round baking pan, leaving a little space between each. Cover the pan and let the buns rise again for 30–40 minutes until they puff up and fill the gaps. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the tops of the buns with a little milk or melted butter.

Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar until it turns golden brown. Stir occasionally. Carefully add the butter, heavy cream, honey, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened.

Remove from heat. While the buns are still warm, pour the caramel sauce over the top, letting it seep into the crevices. Allow the caramel to set slightly before serving.

Expert Tips for Perfect Beehive Buns;

Soft Dough: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic to ensure fluffy buns.
Warm Place for Rising: Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for best results.
Thicker Caramel: Let the caramel cool for a few minutes before pouring it for a richer, thicker glaze.
Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat slightly before serving.

Customization Ideas and Variations;

Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped almonds or walnuts over the caramel topping for extra texture.
Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Add chocolate chips inside each bun for a melty surprise.
Coconut Delight: Mix shredded coconut into the filling or sprinkle over the caramel glaze.
Spiced Caramel: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the caramel for a warm flavour boost.

Serving Suggestions;

With Tea or Coffee: The perfect sweet treat to pair with your favourite drink.
As a Dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finish.
With Fresh Fruit: Pair with sliced bananas or berries for a fresh contrast.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips;

Storage: Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Warm buns in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping the buns.

These beehive buns with caramel topping are a special treat—soft, sweet, and beautifully golden with a sticky caramel finish.

Whether you’re making them for a gathering or indulging yourself, they will surely be a hit. Try this easy recipe and enjoy a delicious homemade treat.