Description
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the moist, sweet flavors of ripe bananas with the warm, spicy touch of cinnamon in a soft, fluffy roll. Topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese icing, this recipe offers a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 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
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Icing Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the surface and let sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes, to ensure the yeast is active and will help the dough rise.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, the remaining granulated sugar, melted butter, and eggs until well combined to create the flavorful base of the dough.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the activated yeast mixture to the banana mixture and stir. Gradually add the flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic, which develops the gluten necessary for good texture. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. This will provide the sweet, spiced center for the rolls.
- Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air. On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick, preparing it for filling.
- Fill and Roll: Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log to form the rolls.
- Slice and Arrange: Cut the rolled dough into 12 even pieces. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving space between each to allow for rising.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes until they are puffed and nearly doubled, which results in light and fluffy rolls after baking.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Make the Cream Cheese Icing: While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy to create a delicious, tangy topping.
- Ice and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly so the icing does not melt completely. Spread the cream cheese icing generously over the warm rolls and serve to enjoy the full flavor experience.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is at the right temperature (around 110°F) when activating yeast; too hot can kill the yeast, too cold will not activate it properly.
- The second rise is important for fluffy rolls; do not skip or shorten it significantly.
- You can substitute brown sugar in the filling with coconut sugar for a healthier option.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.
- Reheat rolls lightly in the microwave to warm before serving if stored.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: banana bread cinnamon rolls, banana cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls recipe, banana dessert, cream cheese icing cinnamon rolls
