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Banana Dirty Chai Cinnamon Rolls

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TikTok cinnamon rolls are all the rage in my feed, and for good reason. These easy, fun hacks turn a basic package of rolls into something special. But I wanted to create my own version inspired by the changing season and my constant craving for banana bread.

Putting these flavors together has been a huge hit. Sweet, ripe bananas are mashed into a purée with warming chai spices and a little cacao, then tucked into soft cinnamon spirals and finished with silky chai icing. Add the optional espresso for a dirty chai twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing (I used Pillsbury)
  • 2 ripe bananas
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground Saigon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon chai spice powder
  • 1 tablespoon cacao powder
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder, optional (omit to avoid added caffeine)
  • 1 tablespoon chai spice powder (for icing that comes with cinnamon rolls)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven and tray. Preheat the oven and prepare your baking tray or pan according to the cinnamon roll package directions. Set the included icing aside.
  2. Make the chai banana purée. Peel the bananas and mash thoroughly or blend until smooth, without adding liquid. Stir in the cinnamon, chai powder, cacao powder, and optional espresso powder.
  3. Gently unroll the cinnamon rolls, keeping their existing cinnamon filling intact. Spread a thin, even layer of chai banana purée over the dough, leaving a small border at the edges. Roll them back up. If you have extra purée, reserve it rather than overfilling.
  4. Bake. Place the rolls on the prepared tray or pan, spacing them according to the package directions. Bake at the package temperature, using the listed baking time as a starting point. The added filling may require a few extra minutes; the dough in the center should be baked through.
  5. Make the chai icing. While the rolls bake, stir 1 tablespoon of chai powder into the included icing until silky smooth. If it becomes too thick, add water or milk a few drops at a time.
  6. Ice and serve. Let the rolls to cool slightly, then spread the chai icing over the warm rolls.

Notes

For less caffeine, omit the espresso and choose a tea-free chai spice blend. Cacao naturally contains a small amount of caffeine. 

 

For more nourishing recipes and rituals to support your whole self, preorder my next book, Nourish Your Inner Light: Adaptogenic Recipes and Wellness Rituals to Soothe Stress and Support Your Whole Self.

  • Author: Shannon Kaiser