Description
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the rich flavors of banana bread with the gooey, sweet delight of classic cinnamon rolls. Soft and fluffy, filled with a spiced cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, these treats make a perfect breakfast or indulgent snack.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 egg
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (if needed)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast and Prepare Dough: Combine warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add mashed bananas, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Gradually incorporate flour, salt, and ground cinnamon, kneading the dough until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Cover the dough with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare Filling: Mix together brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and optional ground nutmeg in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Shape Rolls: Roll the risen dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture across the surface. Roll the dough tightly from one long edge into a log shape. Cut the log evenly into 12 rolls.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Cover and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, allowing them to puff up.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Frosting: Beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk as needed to reach the desired consistency.
- Frost and Serve: Allow the rolls to cool for about 10 minutes after baking. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the warm rolls and serve.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor in the dough.
- Ensure the milk is warm (not hot) to properly activate the yeast.
- Do not skip the second rise; it ensures soft, fluffy rolls.
- The nutmeg in the filling is optional but adds a nice depth of spice.
- You can adjust the frosting consistency with milk depending on how thick or runny you prefer it.
