Description
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful fusion of two beloved baked goods, bringing the moist, sweet flavors of banana bread together with the spiced, gooey richness of cinnamon rolls. This recipe offers a step-by-step guide to creating these irresistible rolls from scratch, complete with a homemade cream cheese icing.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
1 cup warm milk
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup mashed banana (about 2-3 medium bananas)
For the Filling:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Icing:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
In a large bowl, mix warm milk with yeast and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Add melted butter, eggs, salt, and mashed banana. Mix well.
Gradually add flour, stirring until the dough comes together. Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
For the filling, combine butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl.
Roll out dough on a floured surface into a 20×14-inch rectangle. Spread the filling over the dough and sprinkle with walnuts, if using.
Roll up tightly from the long side. Cut into 12 rolls and place in a greased baking dish.
Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
For the icing, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over warm rolls.
Notes
- Yeast Activation: Make sure your milk is warm (about 110°F) to properly activate the yeast without killing it. The mixture should become foamy after a few minutes, indicating the yeast is active.
- Banana Ripeness: Use overripe bananas for the dough. They are sweeter and mash more easily, adding moisture and flavor to the rolls.
- Dough Consistency: The dough should be tacky but not overly sticky. If it’s too wet, add flour one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Rolling the Dough: Aim for an even thickness when rolling out your dough to ensure consistent baking and texture in every roll.
- Second Rise: Don’t skip the second rise after shaping the rolls. This is crucial for achieving fluffy, light cinnamon rolls.
- Baking: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking your rolls a few minutes before the recommended baking time ends to prevent overbaking.
- Storing: These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
