| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 35 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 650 | 25g | 11g | 100g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 50g | 4g | 10g | 0.3g |
One recipe that never fails to transport me straight back to my childhood kitchen in the heartland of Nebraska is Sticky Cinnamon Buns. These delectable sweet treats are truly something special: a delightful blend of exceptional flavor, mouth-watering aroma, and satisfying texture. What sets them apart is the addition of fruit into this classic recipe, exemplifying Nebraska’s knack for maximizing farm-to-table freshness.
The Sweet Harmony of Banana and Cinnamon
There’s something incredibly comforting about the combination of bananas and cinnamon. The natural sweetness of bananas plays off beautifully against the warm, slightly spicy note of cinnamon. The chemistry between these two key components is akin to a well-orchestrated symphony, lending a unique character to traditional cinnamon buns. Think of it like a muffin crossed with a cinnamon cookie, but even better.
Healthful Choices Without Compromising Taste
Though these sweet rolls can’t really claim to be health food, they do offer some nutritional benefits over your standard cinnamon buns. Ripe bananas provide a good dose of potassium, vitamin C and B6, and the raisins add a punch of fibre, iron and antioxidants. Opt for nuts like almonds or walnuts for an added bonus of heart-healthy fats. In essence, every bite of these Sticky Cinnamon Buns is a guaranteed deliciously wholesome experience; indulgence with a hint of guilt-free comfort.
These buns are simply a treat on their own, but for a truly decadent dessert, why not couple it with a cold scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream? Or perhaps serve them alongside a strong cup of freshly brewed coffee to balance out the sweet palate. In my experience, they work incredibly well as part of a relaxed breakfast spread too.
Recreating these Sticky Cinnamon Buns in your kitchen is not just about baking. It’s about reawakening cherished memories, joyfully creating new ones and most importantly, celebrating the bond of family and community, much like those Sunday potlucks at my beloved Nebraska church. Once you experience the unadulterated pleasure of these Sticky Cinnamon Buns, I guarantee, just like me, you’ll be falling head over heels in love with them!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (or 2 1/4 teaspoons) dry instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup (half stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup mashed banana, from about 3 medium ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 to 4 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Method
Step One
To get started with your Sticky Cinnamon Buns, gather all your ingredients. You’ll need these ingredients to make the dough: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 packet (or 2 1/4 teaspoons) dry instant yeast, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup warm milk, 1/4 cup (half stick) unsalted butter, softened, 1 large egg, 1 cup mashed banana (from about 3 medium ripe bananas), and 1/2 cup raisins.
Step Two
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, yeast and salt. In another bowl, combine the warm milk, softened butter and egg. Gradually add the milk mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until the dough comes together.
Step Three
Add the mashed banana to the dough and continue mixing until it is fully incorporated. If you want to add extra texture and flavor, you can also add the optional 1/2 cup of chopped nuts at this stage. Once the dough is well mixed, place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel and allow it to rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step Four
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is preheating, prepare the filling for the buns. Combine 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons cinnamon in a bowl.
Step Five
Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough out into a large rectangle and spread the cinnamon filling over the top. Sprinkle the raisins evenly over the filling.
Step Six
Starting from one of the longer sides of the rectangle, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Cut the log into slices and arrange them in a greased baking dish.
Step Seven
Bake the cinnamon buns in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown. While the buns are baking, prepare the icing by mixing together the powdered sugar, milk and vanilla extract.
Step Eight
When the buns are done baking, allow them to cool for a few minutes and then drizzle the icing over the top. Serve the Sticky Cinnamon Buns warm for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy!
