Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Indulge in the delightful combination of banana bread and cinnamon rolls with this recipe for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. These soft, fluffy rolls are swirled with a rich cinnamon filling and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, making them a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (110F/45C)
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1-2 tbsp milk for desired consistency

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
• Add the remaining sugar, eggs, melted butter, mashed bananas, flour, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
• Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or knead with a stand mixer for 5-6 minutes.
• Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

1. Prepare the Filling:

• In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Set aside the chopped pecans or walnuts for later.

1. Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls:

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 16×12 inches.
• Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along the edges. Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the filling, if using.
• Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces.

1. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls:

• Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll for expansion.
• Cover and let the rolls rise for an additional 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350F (175C) while the rolls are rising.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

1. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Servings: 12 rolls

Variations

• Substitute the pecans or walnuts with chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
• Add a touch of banana extract to enhance the banana flavor in the dough.
• Experiment with different spices in the filling, such as ginger or allspice.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
• To reheat, warm the rolls in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in an oven at 350F (175C) for about 5-10 minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

• Yes, but the texture may be denser. You can mix whole wheat with all-purpose flour for better results.

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

• Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, and then refrigerate it overnight before continuing with the recipe.

1. How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

• The rolls should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

1. Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls?

• Yes, you can freeze unbaked rolls. Place them in the freezer after slicing and let them rise and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

1. What can I use instead of cream cheese in the frosting?

• You can use mascarpone cheese or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

1. How do I keep the rolls from sticking to the baking dish?

• Greasing the dish with butter or non-stick spray will help prevent sticking.

1. Can I add fruit to the filling?

• Yes, chopped apples or berries can be a delicious addition to the filling.

1. What if I don’t have warm milk?

• You can warm the milk in the microwave or on the stove until it reaches about 110F (45C).

1. Is it necessary to use eggs in the dough?

• Eggs contribute to the richness and structure, but you can experiment with egg substitutes if needed.

1. How long do these cinnamon rolls last?

• They can be stored for up to a week in the refrigerator and will remain fresh for 2-3 days at room temperature.

Conclusion

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on two beloved treats. Their soft texture, warm spices, and creamy frosting create a comforting and indulgent experience. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast option or a sweet treat, these cinnamon rolls are sure to impress family and friends alike. With easy variations and simple storage options, they are a versatile addition to any recipe collection. Enjoy the warm, delicious flavors of this unique dessert!

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