Description
Banana bread cinnamon rolls bring together the best of two worlds: the moist, tender richness of banana bread and the sweet, gooey decadence of cinnamon rolls. This recipe uses ripe bananas to add a natural sweetness and moist texture to the dough, while a traditional cinnamon-sugar filling gives it that classic cinnamon roll flavor. Topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting (or a vegan alternative), these rolls make for the perfect breakfast treat or dessert. Whether you’re a banana bread lover or a cinnamon roll enthusiast, these banana bread cinnamon rolls are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
– 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup milk, warmed to about 110°F
– 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
– 2 large eggs
– 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
– 1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
– 4 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast:
– In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and a pinch of the granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the surface and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
2. Prepare the Dough:
– In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, remaining granulated sugar, melted butter, and eggs until well combined.
– Add the activated yeast mixture to the banana mixture and stir to combine.
– Gradually add the flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms.
– Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise:
– Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Make the Filling:
– In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined. Set aside.
5. Roll Out the Dough:
– Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
6. Fill and Roll:
– Spread the prepared filling evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
– Starting from one long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
7. Slice and Arrange:
– Using a sharp knife or a piece of dental floss, slice the rolled dough into 12 equal-sized pieces.
– Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
8. Second Rise:
– Cover the baking dish with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the cinnamon rolls rise in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffed and nearly doubled in size.
9. Bake:
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated, bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
10. Make the Cream Cheese Icing:
– While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese icing. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
11. Ice and Serve:
– Once the cinnamon rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
– Spread the cream cheese icing over the warm cinnamon rolls.
– Serve the Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls warm and enjoy the irresistible combination of banana, cinnamon, and cream cheese icing!
Notes
- Bananas in the Dough: Bananas not only add flavor but also extra moisture, making the rolls soft and tender. Make sure to use ripe bananas for the best results.
- Yeast Activation: For perfect rolls, ensure your yeast is active by using warm milk (105-110°F). If the milk is too hot, it may kill the yeast, and if too cold, the dough won’t rise.
- Texture Adjustments: The dough should be slightly sticky but not unworkable. If too sticky, gradually add more flour during kneading until it becomes smooth and tacky. Over-flouring may result in dense rolls.
- Filling Options: Feel free to add sliced bananas or chopped nuts to the cinnamon-sugar filling for added texture and flavor.
- Frosting Variations: You can stick to the traditional cream cheese frosting or try alternatives like a maple glaze or peanut butter frosting for a unique twist.
- Make-Ahead Option: These rolls can be prepped the night before and stored in the fridge for a slower rise. Just bring them to room temperature before baking in the morning.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free Alternatives: Use plant-based butter and cream cheese for a vegan version, and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for gluten-sensitive bakers. Adjust rising time and flour amounts accordingly for the best results.