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Upside down banana monkey bread on a white plate, topped with sliced bananas and caramel glaze

Upside Down Banana Monkey Bread

This banana monkey bread combines gooey cinnamon sweetness, ripe bananas, and a caramelized glaze for the best banana monkey bread recipe. Perfect for a decadent breakfast or dessert!
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, divided
  • 1 cup warm 2% milk (110° to 115°)
  • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 5-1/4 to 5-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons banana extract (optional)
  • 2/3 cup packed brown sugar For the glaze
  • 1/2 cup half-and-half cream For the glaze
  • 6 tablespoons butter, cubed For the glaze
  • 3/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted For the coating
  • 6 tablespoons butter, melted For the coating
  • 1-1/4 cups sugar For the coating
  • 2-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon For the coating
  • 1 large banana, sliced For the coating

Instructions
 

  • Dissolve yeast and 1 tablespoon brown sugar in warm milk. Let sit until frothy, about 5-10 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, combine bananas, egg, melted butter, yeast mixture, salt, cinnamon, 1-1/2 cups flour, and remaining brown sugar. Add banana extract if desired. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
  • Gradually add the remaining flour until a sticky dough forms. Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, covering to let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  • Prepare the glaze by combining brown sugar, half-and-half, and cubed butter in a saucepan. Heat gently until melted and smooth. Reserve 1/4 cup for topping and pour the rest into a greased 13x9-inch pan. Sprinkle toasted pecans over the glaze.
  • Mix the cinnamon and sugar for the coating in one bowl, and melt butter in another. Punch down the dough and divide into 48 small balls. Dip each ball in melted butter, roll in the sugar mixture, and arrange in the prepared baking pan.
  • Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise again for 30 minutes until nearly doubled. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
  • Top with sliced bananas and drizzle the reserved glaze over the top. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Optional recipe notes or tips.