The moist, fragrant richness of banana bread and the sweet, oozy delight of cinnamon rolls come together in Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. These rolls are ideal for any time of day as a sweet treat or for breakfast or brunch. 🍌
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix the sugar, melted butter, mashed bananas, vanilla extract, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Assemble the Rolls:
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough.
- Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12-15 equal pieces.
- Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spacing them slightly apart. Cover and let them rise for an additional 20-30 minutes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. Add milk as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
- Frost and Serve:
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
- Ripe Bananas: Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness in the dough.
- Soft Dough: The dough should be soft but not too sticky. Adjust the flour amount as needed to achieve the right consistency.
- Rising Time: Ensure the dough rises in a warm place. If your kitchen is cool, you can place the bowl in a slightly warmed oven (turned off) or use the proofing function if available.
With the addition of the rich, moist flavor of banana bread, Banana Bread Cinnamon buns are a lovely twist on classic cinnamon buns. These rolls are likely to be a hit with family and friends and are ideal for any occasion. Savor the deliciousness of these sweet, cinnamon-filled rolls with their creamy frosting! 🍌