Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Pecan Glaze Recipe
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.
- Author: Clara
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes (including rising time)
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- 3–5 Tbsp. water
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- Additional pecans for topping
- 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.
- Activate Yeast: Add the instant yeast to the warm milk mixture, stir gently, and let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
- 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.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Pour the milk and yeast mixture into the banana mixture. Stir to combine evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- Roll Out Dough: After rising, flour a work surface and roll the dough into an 18 by 12-inch rectangle.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake: Bake the rolls for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
- 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.
- Add Pecans to Caramel: Sprinkle half the pecans over the hot caramel topping. Chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to set.
- Prepare Vanilla Glaze: Whisk confectioner’s sugar with water, adding 1 tablespoon at a time, and vanilla until smooth and pourable.
- 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.
- 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