Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Introduction

If you’re looking for a sweet, indulgent treat that combines two beloved baked goods—banana bread and cinnamon rolls—then these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the recipe you need. I stumbled upon this recipe one lazy Sunday morning, and after just one bite, I was hooked. The light, fluffy dough with a hint of banana flavor is perfectly complemented by the rich cinnamon filling. Topped with a velvety cream cheese icing, these rolls offer the best of both worlds: the comfort of banana bread and the decadence of cinnamon rolls. My family loved them, and they disappeared so quickly I had to make another batch the very next day! Whether you’re making them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are sure to be a hit. Here’s how to make them.

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!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 12
• Calories per serving: 320
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours (including rise time)

How to Serve

• Serve the cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven for a warm, melt-in-your-mouth treat.
• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or brunch.
• Serve as a dessert after a hearty meal for a sweet finish.
• For an extra indulgent breakfast, drizzle some maple syrup on top.
• Garnish with extra sliced bananas or chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.

Additional Tips

1. Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
2. Let the dough rise in a warm area. If your kitchen is cold, consider turning on your oven for a few minutes and then turning it off to create a warm environment for the dough to rise.
3. Use dental floss to slice the dough into rolls evenly and without squishing them. Simply slide the floss under the dough log and cross it over the top to cut cleanly.
4. If you prefer a gooey cinnamon roll, let them bake for a slightly shorter time (20 minutes), but if you like them crispier, bake a little longer (25 minutes).
5. For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese and butter in the icing with plant-based alternatives.

Recipe Variations

• Vegan Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls: Substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter and use a plant-based milk like almond milk. Swap the eggs with flaxseed meal or an egg replacer.
• Chocolate Chip Banana Cinnamon Rolls: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the dough or sprinkle them on top of the cinnamon filling for a chocolatey twist.
• Nutty Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for a crunchy texture.
• Banana Nutella Rolls: Spread Nutella on the dough before adding the cinnamon filling for a rich, chocolate-hazelnut flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• With Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of fresh berries or sliced tropical fruits like pineapple or mango.
• With Yogurt: Pair the cinnamon rolls with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.
• For a Party: Serve these banana bread cinnamon rolls as part of a brunch buffet alongside other pastries, scrambled eggs, and fresh juices.
• With Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert, serve these warm rolls with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing Unbaked Rolls: If you want to make these rolls ahead of time, you can freeze the unbaked rolls. After slicing them, place them on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. Then transfer the rolls to a ziplock bag or airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as usual.
• Storing Baked Rolls: Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or oven until soft and warm.
• Freezing Baked Rolls: These rolls freeze well. After they’ve cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw and reheat in the microwave or oven.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use ripe bananas from the freezer?
   Yes, frozen bananas work well. Just thaw them before using them in the recipe.
2. How can I make these rolls lighter and fluffier?
   Make sure to knead the dough long enough for it to develop elasticity, which will help achieve a light and airy texture.
3. What can I use instead of active dry yeast?
   You can use instant yeast, which doesn’t require proofing in warm liquid. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
4. How do I know when the rolls are done?
   The rolls should be golden brown on top, and when you tap them lightly, they should sound hollow. You can also use a toothpick to check the center.
5. Can I make the cream cheese icing ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the icing ahead of time and refrigerate it. Let it come to room temperature before spreading it over the rolls.
6. Can I use a stand mixer to make the dough?
   Yes, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook to mix and knead the dough.
7. **Can I skip the second rise?

**
While it’s important for the rolls to rise, if you’re in a rush, you can reduce the second rise to 20 minutes, though the texture might be slightly denser.

8. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but make sure it contains xanthan gum to help with structure.
9. Can I add nuts to the filling?
   Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans work beautifully in the filling for extra texture.
10. How can I store leftover icing?
    Leftover icing can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can use it on other baked goods like cupcakes or cakes.

Conclusion

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the best of both worlds—banana bread and cinnamon rolls—into one indulgent, irresistible treat. Soft and fluffy with a rich, cinnamon-sugar filling, and topped with a creamy icing, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to enjoy on a lazy weekend morning, these rolls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The recipe is relatively simple, and the results are nothing short of amazing. Enjoy these warm, soft rolls with a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate comfort food experience!

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