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Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Pecan Glaze Recipe

4.7 from 55 reviews

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with a luscious Caramel Pecan Glaze. Soft and fluffy rolls infused with ripe banana sweetness, wrapped around a spiced cinnamon-sugar filling, baked to golden perfection and topped with a rich caramel sauce and crunchy pecans. Finished with a smooth vanilla glaze, these rolls make a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 packet instant yeast
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil

Filling

  • 5 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

Caramel Pecan Sauce

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup pecans

Vanilla Glaze

  • 2 cups confectioner’s sugar
  • 35 Tbsp. water
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • Additional pecans for topping

Instructions

  1. Warm Milk and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk and softened butter. Microwave until the butter melts and the mixture reaches about 110°F. If too hot, cool the mixture to maintain the correct temperature.
  2. Activate Yeast: Add the instant yeast to the warm milk mixture, stir gently, and let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
  3. Prepare Banana Mixture: In a stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly. Add the sugar and salt, mixing until fully incorporated.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients: Pour the milk and yeast mixture into the banana mixture. Stir to combine evenly.
  5. Add Flour and Knead: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add flour 1/2 to 1 cup at a time until dough starts to form. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes, incorporating any remaining flour.
  6. First Rise: Place dough in a bowl greased with olive oil, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rise at room temperature for 3 hours or refrigerate overnight if preparing ahead.
  7. Roll Out Dough: After rising, flour a work surface and roll the dough into an 18 by 12-inch rectangle.
  8. Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Spread the filling evenly onto the dough, leaving a 1/2 to 1-inch border around edges.
  9. Form Rolls: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a spiral. Slice the roll into 1 1/2 to 2-inch thick pieces.
  10. Second Rise: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, cover with plastic wrap, and let sit for 20 minutes.
  11. Bake: Bake the rolls for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
  12. Make Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and vanilla. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until the mixture boils. Remove from heat and pour over the cooled rolls.
  13. Add Pecans to Caramel: Sprinkle half the pecans over the hot caramel topping. Chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to set.
  14. Prepare Vanilla Glaze: Whisk confectioner’s sugar with water, adding 1 tablespoon at a time, and vanilla until smooth and pourable.
  15. Finish Glaze and Garnish: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of glaze over each roll. Immediately sprinkle remaining pecans on top while the glaze is still wet.
  16. Serve: Enjoy these delicious banana bread cinnamon rolls with caramel pecan glaze warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Ensure the milk temperature is about 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
  • If preparing ahead, the dough can be refrigerated overnight which enhances the flavor development.
  • Chilling the rolls after adding caramel helps the topping set and avoids messiness.
  • Adjust water quantity in the glaze to achieve desired consistency.

Keywords: banana bread cinnamon rolls, caramel pecan glaze, cinnamon rolls recipe, banana dessert, sweet rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls