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Banana Bread Batter Cinnamon Buns Recipe
Ben Carraoli

Banana Bread Batter Cinnamon Buns Recipe

I have to tell you, making these Banana Bread Batter Cinnamon Buns was a total game-changer for me. From the moment I mixed the dough to the first warm bite with that brown butter cream cheese glaze, I was hooked.
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Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour – gives structure to the dough
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour – added later to help form a manageable dough
  • 1 tbsp baking powder – ensures lightness
  • 1 tsp baking soda – balances the banana’s acidity
  • 1 tsp instant yeast – helps the dough rise beautifully
  • ½ cup sugar – adds just enough sweetness
  • ½ tsp salt – enhances all the flavors
  • 1 cup mashed ripe banana – naturally sweet and moist
  • ½ cup vegetable oil – keeps the dough soft
  • 1 cup milk warm – activates the yeast
  • 1 tsp pumpkin spice – optional for a cozy flavor
  • ½ cup brown butter – for the cinnamon filling adds depth
  • ½ cup brown sugar – blends perfectly with cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp cinnamon powder – classic cinnamon flavor
  • Pinch of salt – balances the sweetness
  • 2 sliced bananas – layered inside
  • 1 egg – for the banana bread batter
  • ¼ cup yogurt – adds moisture to the batter
  • ¼ cup butter – richness for the batter
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil – keeps batter soft
  • ½ cup brown sugar – sweetens banana batter
  • 1 tsp vanilla – enhances aroma
  • 1 ½ cups flour – for banana bread batter
  • ½ tsp baking powder – lifts the batter
  • ¼ tsp baking soda – balances batter acidity
  • Pinch of salt – rounds out flavors
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon – optional for extra warmth
  • 2 oz cream cheese – for glaze
  • 2 tbsp brown butter – adds nutty flavor to glaze
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream – makes glaze silky
  • ½ cup icing sugar – sweetens glaze
  • ½ tsp vanilla – fragrance for glaze

Method
 

  1. I started by mixing warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl until foamy. Then I added vegetable oil and mashed banana, followed by 4 cups of flour. The dough was sticky, but that’s okay—it will rise beautifully.
  2. Next, I browned the butter and let it cool. I mixed in brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Then I layered sliced bananas on top for that perfect banana-cinnamon combo.
  3. I blended mashed bananas, egg, yogurt, butter, oil, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. I then folded in flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to make a silky banana bread batter ready to layer.
  4. I rolled the dough into a large rectangle and spread the cinnamon filling first. Then, I layered banana bread batter and sliced bananas evenly. After cutting into 12 strips, I rolled each into a bun and placed them in a greased tray.
  5. I preheated the oven to 180℃, let the buns rise for 30 minutes, then baked for 25 minutes until golden brown. The aroma alone was irresistible!
  6. While baking, I mixed cream cheese, brown butter, heavy cream, icing sugar, and vanilla until smooth. I drizzled the glaze over the buns right out of the oven for a soft, decadent finish.

Notes

  • I always use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture
  • I lightly flour the rolling surface to prevent sticking but avoid over-flouring
  • I let the buns cool slightly before adding glaze to prevent it from melting too much
  • I sometimes toast walnuts and sprinkle on top for an added crunch