These Salted Caramel Banana Crumble Buns combine fluffy homemade banana dough, silky cream cheese custard, buttery cinnamon crumble, caramelized bananas, and rich salted caramel for an irresistible bakery-style treat. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a special weekend breakfast.

Ingredients:

0.5x

1x

2x

4x

 

For the Dough

•   3/4 cup whole milk (warmed)
•   2 tsp active dry yeast
•   1/4 cup light brown sugar
•   1 large egg (room temperature)
•   1/2 cup banana (overripe and mashed)
•   3 cups bread flour
•   1 tsp kosher salt
•   1 tsp ground cinnamon
•   3 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature, cubed)

 

For the Custard Fulling

•   8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
•   2 tbsp heavy cream
•   1 tsp vanilla extract
•   1/2 cup powdered sugar

 

For the Cinnamon Crumble

•   3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
•   1/2 cup all-purpose flour
•   1/2 cup brown sugar
•   1 tsp ground cinnamon

 

For the Banana Topping

•   1 banana (sliced)
•   1 1/2 tbsp brown sugar

 

For Assembly

•   1 large egg (beaten, for egg wash)
•   1/4 cup salted caramel (homemade or store-bought)

Ingredients are subject to availability at local stores. Unavailable items will be automatically substituted at best-effort.

Directions

1. Warm the WHOLE MILK until just warm. Stir in the ACTIVE DRY YEAST and let sit for 5–10 MINUTES until foamy.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the activated yeast mixture, LIGHT BROWN SUGAR, EGG, MASHED BANANA, and VANILLA.
3. Add the BREAD FLOUR, CINNAMON, and KOSHER SALT. Knead with the dough hook for 5 MINUTES.
4. Add the cubed BUTTER one tablespoon at a time while mixing. Continue kneading another 5 MINUTES until smooth and elastic.
5. Cover and allow the dough to rise for 1 HOUR, or until doubled.
6. Meanwhile, beat the CREAM CHEESE until smooth. Add the HEAVY CREAM, VANILLA, and POWDERED SUGAR. Beat until silky, then transfer to a piping bag.
7. Mix together the melted BUTTER, FLOUR, BROWN SUGAR, and CINNAMON to make the crumble.
8. Toss the sliced BANANA with the remaining BROWN SUGAR.
9. Divide the dough into 6 equal balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Press a deep well into the center of each bun.
10. Brush each bun with the beaten EGG WASH.
11. Pipe the CREAM CHEESE CUSTARD into each center.
12. Drizzle with SALTED CARAMEL, top with the sugared BANANAS, then spoon the CINNAMON CRUMBLE around the edges.
13. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 MINUTES, until lightly golden.
14. Cool for 20 MINUTES, then drizzle generously with additional SALTED CARAMEL before serving.

Shop Her Storefront