Ingredients
Dough
- 1/4 cup bread flour
- 3/4 cup water
- 3 2/3 cups bread flour (measured as per notes)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/3 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
- 1/3 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
- Tangzhong (prepared from above)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
Filling
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup mashed banana
- 2 cups mini nilla wafers (crushed)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
Vanilla Pudding
- 1/2 teaspoon gelatin
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or extract
Toppings
- Extra nilla wafers (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare Tangzhong: In a small saucepan, whisk together 1/4 cup bread flour and 3/4 cup water. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly for 4-5 minutes until it becomes a paste-like slurry. Scrape into a bowl and set aside to cool while preparing the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a stand mixer bowl, combine 3 2/3 cups bread flour, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons instant yeast, and 1 teaspoon fine sea salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Tangzhong: Add 1/3 cup heavy cream, 1/3 cup whole milk, 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste, and the prepared tangzhong to the dry ingredients. Knead on low speed with the dough hook for about 2 minutes until it forms a rough dough.
- Incorporate Butter: With mixer running on low, add 6 tablespoons softened unsalted butter one tablespoon at a time, making sure each piece is fully incorporated. Continue kneading for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Remove dough from bowl, shape into a smooth ball seam-side down, place back in bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2/3 cup light brown sugar, 1/2 cup mashed banana, 2 cups crushed mini nilla wafers, and 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste. Set aside.
- Roll and Assemble: On a lightly floured surface, roll the rested dough into a 15×21-inch rectangle with the longest side nearest you. Spread the banana mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border at the top edge.
- Cut and Shape Rolls: Using a pizza cutter, slice the dough into twelve 1 3/4-inch strips. Roll each strip away from you and transfer carefully to a parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 325°F (162°C).
- Bake Rolls: Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the internal temperature of the center rolls reaches 185°F. Let cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes after baking.
- Prepare Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon gelatin over 1 tablespoon cold water. Set aside to bloom.
- Make Vanilla Pudding: In a small pot, whisk together 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch. Gradually whisk in 1 cup whole milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream until smooth. Add 2 large egg yolks and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly for 8-10 minutes until thickened and pudding-like consistency.
- Finish Pudding: Remove pudding from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste, and the bloomed gelatin until fully combined. Transfer to a bowl and let cool to room temperature.
- Assemble Final Dessert: Once rolls have cooled for 20 minutes, pour the cooled vanilla pudding over the rolls. Avoid putting pudding on while rolls are hot to prevent splitting.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Sprinkle extra crushed and whole nilla wafers on top for garnish and crunch. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Measuring Bread Flour: For accurate measurement, spoon the flour lightly into the measuring cup and level with a knife rather than scooping directly to avoid compacting.
- Tangzhong Method: Tangzhong helps create a soft, fluffy bread texture by cooking a portion of flour and water into a paste that improves moisture retention.
- Ensure all dairy ingredients and eggs are at room temperature for better dough development.
- Do not apply pudding on hot rolls; wait for them to cool to prevent separation.
- Gelatin can be substituted with agar-agar for a vegetarian option, though texture may vary.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southern