Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Imagine the comforting aroma of freshly baked banana bread mingling with the sweet, spicy scent of cinnamon rolls. This delightful combination is what you get with Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls, a heavenly fusion that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Combining the moist, tender crumb of banana bread with the soft, gooey texture of cinnamon rolls, this recipe brings together the best of both worlds. It’s the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the classic flavors of banana and cinnamon. The rolls are filled with a rich cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, making each bite a sweet, decadent experience. Plus, this recipe is a great way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. Whether you’re serving these rolls to family, friends, or just treating yourself, they’re sure to become a new favorite. Ready to bake up something extraordinary? Let’s dive into the recipe and create these irresistible Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls!

Ingredients

• For the Dough:
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• For the Filling:
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, mashed bananas, egg, and melted butter. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 16×12 inches). Spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top.
3. Assemble the Rolls: Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
4. Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Prepare the Frosting: While the rolls are baking, make the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
6. Frost and Serve: Once the rolls are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy the gooey, sweet goodness.

How to Prepare

To prepare these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls, begin by making a soft dough with mashed bananas, warm milk, and active dry yeast. After kneading and allowing the dough to rise, roll it out and fill it with a rich cinnamon-sugar mixture. The rolled dough is then sliced into individual rolls, placed in a baking dish, and left to rise again before baking. Once baked, the rolls are topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent.

Preparation Time

• Dough Preparation and Rising: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Roll Assembly and Second Rise: 40 minutes
• Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Servings

• Makes 12 cinnamon rolls

FAQs

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Just skip the step of dissolving it in warm milk, and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

2. What if my bananas aren’t very ripe? For the best flavor, use very ripe bananas. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, you can speed up the process by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or two.

3. Can I make these rolls ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls up to the point of the second rise, then cover and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.

4. How should I store leftovers? Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

5. Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls? Yes, you can freeze the baked rolls without the frosting. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, warm them up, and then frost.

Conclusion

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect way to elevate your baking game, combining two classic flavors into one irresistible treat. The softness of the banana-infused dough, paired with the warm, spiced sweetness of the cinnamon filling, and topped with creamy frosting, makes these rolls a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making them for a special brunch, a holiday breakfast, or simply to enjoy with a cup of coffee, these rolls are sure to impress. Plus, they’re easy to make and a great way to use up overripe bananas. So why not give this recipe a try? Your taste buds will thank you for the sweet, comforting goodness of these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls.

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