1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Caramelized Bananas:
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced bananas and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract over the bananas.
- Continue to cook, stirring gently, until the bananas are caramelized and coated in the sugar mixture. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Roll Out the Puff Pastry:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
4. Assemble the Swirls:
- Spread the caramelized banana mixture evenly over the puff pastry.
- Starting from one long edge, tightly roll up the pastry into a log.
- Slice the log into 1-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet, cut side up.
5. Bake the Swirls:
- Brush the tops of the swirls with the beaten egg.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the swirls are golden brown and puffed up.
6. Optional Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm swirls before serving.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the caramelized banana cinnamon swirls warm as a delicious treat for breakfast or dessert.
Tips:
- Be careful not to overfill the puff pastry with the banana mixture, as it may make it difficult to roll up.
- You can customize these swirls by adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the banana filling before rolling.
- Serve these swirls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
These caramelized banana cinnamon swirls are a delightful combination of sweet, sticky bananas and warm, comforting cinnamon, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry. They’re perfect for a cozy breakfast or a special dessert. Enjoy!