Sticky Buns

Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large bowl. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.

Add 2 ½ cups flour, buttermilk, eggs, 1/4 cup white sugar, 1/4 cup softened butter, baking powder, and salt to yeast mixture; stir until well combined. Stir in remaining 3 cups flour, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Dough should remain soft and slightly sticky. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.

Divide dough in half, then roll each half into a 12x7-inch rectangle. Spread each rectangle with 1 tablespoon softened butter, then sprinkle with 1/4 cup white sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Roll up halves, beginning at a wide side; pinch seams to seal well. Cut each roll into 12 equal slices.

Coat 2 (9-inch) round cake pans, each with 1/4 cup melted butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 of the pecans, and 1/2 of the raisins. Arrange 12 dough slices in each prepared pan, leaving a small space between slices. Cover and let rise until doubled, 30 to 60 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 30 minutes. Invert the pans onto serving plates, lift up the pans to release sticky buns, and serve hot.