Description: These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the comforting flavors of banana bread with the irresistible delight of cinnamon rolls. Soft, fluffy dough enriched with ripe bananas, a sweet cinnamon filling, and a luscious cream cheese glaze make these rolls a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave a cozy, homemade indulgence.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 – 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- ½ cup mashed bananas (optional, for extra banana flavor)
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation:
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This step is essential to ensure the yeast is active and will properly leaven the dough. The foamy mixture indicates that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
- Add the melted butter, eggs, mashed bananas, sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until everything is well combined. The melted butter adds richness and tenderness to the dough, while the eggs provide structure and emulsify the fats and liquids. The mashed bananas contribute moisture, flavor, and natural sweetness. The sugar feeds the yeast and enhances the overall taste, and the salt balances the sweetness and strengthens the gluten.
- Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 5–7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. The flour provides the structure for the dough. Adding it gradually prevents over-mixing and ensures a tender crumb. Kneading develops the gluten, creating a smooth and elastic dough that will rise properly and have a pleasant chew.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is a crucial step that allows the yeast to ferment and produce carbon dioxide, which leavens the dough and gives it its airy texture. The rising time may vary depending on the temperature of your environment.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. This simple mixture creates the classic cinnamon roll flavor. Brown sugar adds a warm, caramel-like sweetness that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the excess air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 16×12 inches). Punching down the dough redistributes the yeast and creates a more even texture. Rolling it out into a rectangle provides a uniform surface for spreading the filling.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the butter. Add the mashed bananas and nuts, if using. The butter helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere to the dough and adds richness to the filling. The mashed bananas and nuts provide extra flavor and texture.
Step 3: Roll and Cut
- Tightly roll the dough up from the long edge, creating a log. Rolling it tightly ensures that the rolls will hold their shape during baking.
- Slice the log into 12 rolls and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. A sharp knife or a piece of unflavored dental floss can be used to slice the rolls evenly.
- Cover the baking dish and let the rolls rise for another 30–45 minutes. This second rise allows the rolls to become even more puffy and light.
Step 4: Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheat for at least 15 minutes to ensure accurate temperature.
- Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a roll. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 5: Make the Glaze
- While the rolls are baking, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Softened cream cheese and butter are essential for a smooth and lump-free glaze.
- Add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and pourable. Adjust the amount of milk to achieve the desired consistency.
Step 6: Glaze & Serve
- Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cinnamon rolls.
- Serve fresh and enjoy! The warmth of the rolls will melt the glaze slightly, creating an irresistible topping.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Comforting Flavors: The combination of banana bread and cinnamon rolls is a match made in heaven. The warm, familiar taste of banana bread complements the sweet and spicy notes of cinnamon, creating a truly comforting treat.
- Soft and Fluffy Texture: The enriched dough results in rolls that are incredibly soft, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Easy to Customize: This recipe is highly adaptable. You can easily add different nuts, spices, or even chocolate chips to the filling. The glaze can also be customized with different extracts or citrus zest.
- Perfect for Sharing: These banana bread cinnamon rolls are perfect for sharing with family and friends. They are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any brunch, breakfast, or gathering.
- Uses Ripe Bananas: It’s a great way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Enjoy as a special breakfast or brunch treat.
- Bring to a potluck or bake sale.
- Warm up leftover rolls in the microwave for a quick and easy snack.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Tips:
- Make sure your milk is warm (about 110°F) to activate the yeast properly.
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture. The riper, the better!
- Don’t over-knead the dough. Knead just until it is smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for the best results.
- Be careful not to overbake the rolls. They should be golden brown and cooked through.
- For extra flavor, toast the chopped nuts before adding them to the filling.
- If you don’t have time to make the glaze, you can dust the rolls with powdered sugar instead.
- You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time. Store the dough in the refrigerator overnight and let it come to room temperature before rolling and baking.
Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 25-30 minutes Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including rising time)
Nutritional Information: (Per roll, approximate)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 200mg
Conclusion:
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on a classic treat. With their soft, fluffy texture, comforting flavors, and customizable options, they are sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a special breakfast, a sweet treat, or a crowd-pleasing dessert, these rolls are the perfect choice.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing them.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time. Store the dough in the refrigerator overnight and let it come to room temperature before rolling and baking. You can also bake the rolls ahead of time and freeze them. When ready to serve, thaw them completely and warm them up in the oven.
- Can I use a different type of flour? While all-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, you can try using bread flour for a slightly chewier texture. However, avoid using cake flour, as it will result in a less structured dough.
- What if I don’t have cream cheese for the glaze? If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute it with mascarpone cheese or even a simple powdered sugar glaze made with milk and vanilla extract.
- Can I add chocolate chips to the filling? Absolutely! Chocolate chips would be a delicious addition to the filling. You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips.
