Caramelized Banana Sticky Buns

(Courtesy of heatherchristo.com)

Ingredients:
1/2 c. milk
1 Tbsp. sugar
2 pkts. yeast
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. milk
1/2 c. butter
1 tsp. salt
1 c. banana puree
2 large eggs
6 1/2 c. flour
FILLING:
1/2 c. butter, softened
2 c. brown sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 c. pecans
2 bananas, thinly sliced
FROSTING:
1/2 c. butter
2 c. brown sugar
1 c. cream
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1 c. powdered sugar

Directions:
In a small saucepan over low heat, heat the 1/2 c. milk and the 2 Tbsp. sugar until the sugar has disintegrated.  Transfer to a small bowl.  When the milk cools to 110 degrees, sprinkle in the yeast.  Set aside for about 20 minutes, for the yeast to activate.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the 1 c. sugar, salt and 1/2 c. milk, butter and salt.  Cook, stirring until everything is melted and well combined, about 5 minutes.  Remove from the heat and transfer to the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the dough hook.

With the mixer on low speed, add in the banana and mix until well incorporated.  Add the eggs and mix well  Then add in the yeast mixture.

With the mixer running on low speed, add the flour, 1 cup at a time.  After you have added all the flour, increase the speed to medium and keep mixing until you have a smooth dough, about 3-4 minutes.

Grease a large mixing bowl and transfer the dough to the bowl.  Cover the top of the bowl with plastic wrap and put the bowl in a warm place.  Let the dough rise for at least 1 hour and up to 3 hours.

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.  Rub the butter over the surface of the dough.

Sprinkle with the 2 c. brown sugar, cinnamon and pecan pieces.  Spread the bananas evenly over the dough.

Carefully roll the dough into a huge round log.  Slice into desired size (typically this will make 12 rolls).  Put them on a sheet pan and let them rise while the oven heats up (about 15-20 minutes).

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Bake the rolls for about 40 minutes or until barely golden on top and baked through.

For caramel frosting: in a small saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, cream and salt.  Cook over medium heat until melted.  Stir together and cook until simmering for about 3 minutes.

Pull the pan off of the heat and whisk in the powdered sugar.

Spread the frosting over the warm rolls and serve.

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