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Banana Bread Batter Cinnamon Buns

Three freshly baked Banana Bread Batter Cinnamon Buns generously drizzled with white icing on a white plate.

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A recipe for sweet rolls that combine the flavor of banana bread with the structure of a classic cinnamon bun, featuring a banana-infused dough and a cinnamon swirl.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 large banana)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for dough)
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (for filling)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for filling)
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
  • 1 tablespoon milk (for frosting)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix wet ingredients: Add the granulated sugar, mashed banana, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Stir well.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
  4. Form the dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  5. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. Prepare the filling: While the dough rises, mix the brown sugar, 1/4 cup softened butter, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon until combined into a spreadable paste.
  7. Shape the rolls: Punch down the risen dough. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
  8. Roll and cut: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
  9. Second rise: Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  10. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  11. Make the frosting: While the rolls cool slightly, beat the cream cheese, 1/4 cup softened butter, powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla until smooth.
  12. Frost and serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use very ripe bananas for the best banana flavor and moisture in the dough.
  • If the dough is too sticky after kneading, add flour one tablespoon at a time.
  • For extra banana flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of banana extract to the dough mixture.

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