Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful fusion of soft, fluffy dough and the sweet, comforting flavors of banana and cinnamon. Topped with a creamy icing, these rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of day.

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 (43°C)
• 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

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
• Add the mashed bananas, granulated sugar, melted butter, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Mix until well combined.
• Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

1. Make the Filling:

• In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.

1. Assemble the Rolls:

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
• Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough.
• Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices.
• Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.

1. Bake the Rolls:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing:

• In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

1. Frost the Rolls:

• Once the cinnamon rolls are baked and slightly cooled, spread the cream cheese icing over the top. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 cinnamon rolls. The preparation time is about 20 minutes, with a cooking time of 25-30 minutes. The total time is around 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 50 minutes, including rising time.

Variations

• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Chocolate Swirl: Add chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolatey twist.
• Different Icing: Experiment with a vanilla glaze instead of cream cheese icing.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas?
   Yes, thawed frozen bananas work well in this recipe.
2. What can I substitute for the eggs?
   You can use flaxseed meal or applesauce as an egg substitute.
3. How do I know when the rolls are done?
   They should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight before rolling out.
5. Can I freeze the rolls?
   Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls. Let them rise and then freeze before baking.
6. What can I serve with these rolls?
   They pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or a side of fresh fruit.
7. Can I add more sugar to the filling?
   Absolutely, adjust the sweetness to your preference.
8. What if I don’t have cream cheese?
   You can use mascarpone or Greek yogurt for a similar icing.
9. How long do they last?
   They are best enjoyed fresh but can last up to a week in the fridge.
10. Can I use whole wheat flour?
    Yes, you can substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

Conclusion

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: the comforting flavor of banana bread and the indulgence of cinnamon rolls. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack, these rolls are sure to please everyone at your table. Enjoy the warmth and sweetness of this delicious recipe!

Print