I had a few ripe bananas that were ready to be used, and instead of turning them into another loaf, I wanted to work them into something with a little more going on. These buns bring together a soft yeast dough, creamy filling, sliced bananas, homemade caramel, and a simple cinnamon crumb topping. Each component is easy to prepare, but together they make a more substantial bake.
The buns have a soft center with creamy cheesecake-like filling, tender banana slices, and a sweet caramel layer underneath the crumb topping. The cinnamon crumbs add a little texture once baked. If you enjoy banana-based bakes, Biscoff Banana Bread Cookies and Banana Chocolate Chip Muffin are two more recipes to try.
Banana Caramel Buns Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine the warm water and yeast in a bowl and let it sit for a few minutes until the yeast becomes active.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the yeast mixture and mix until a rough dough forms.
- Then cover the bowl and let the dough rest for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size and add sugar.
- Add the remaining flour and mix until incorporated.
- Lightly flour a work surface and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- For the cream cheese filling, combine the cream cheese and heavy cream in a bowl.
- Add the whole milk and sugar, then mix until smooth and creamy.
- For the caramel, cook the sugar in a saucepan until melted and golden. Add the butter and warm cream, then stir until smooth. Add the vanilla and salt.
- For the crumb topping, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix until coarse crumbs form.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal portions, about 76 g each, and shape them into buns.
- Place the buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Press a hole into the center of each bun using the bottom of a glass, then let them rest for another 15–20 minutes.
- Fill the center of each bun with the cream cheese mixture.
- Arrange banana slices over the cream cheese filling.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the banana slices.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping over each bun.
- Bake at 390°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow the buns to cool slightly, then serve and enjoy.
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!These buns are a useful way to turn ripe bananas into something beyond the usual quick bread. The combination of yeast dough, cream cheese filling, banana, caramel, and cinnamon crumbs gives each portion several layers of texture and flavor without requiring a separate cake or loaf. Since the recipe makes 12 individual buns, they can be served straight from the baking sheet once they have cooled slightly.
I’ve always found joy in the kitchen. Since I was seven, cooking has been my favorite way to learn, create, and unwind. From baking sweet treats to exploring global flavors and brewing coffee, I’m always chasing my next delicious discovery.