Introduction
Dive into a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll with these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls! Bursting with gooey sweetness and packed with that irresistible banana flavor, they are the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up. Whip up a batch and enjoy the heavenly combination of soft dough, rich filling, and creamy icing that will have everyone coming back for more.
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 (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
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
Directions
1. Activate the Yeast: Combine warm milk with a pinch of sugar in a bowl. Add yeast; let sit until foamy (5-10 min). 2. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine bananas, remaining sugar, melted butter, and eggs. Add the yeast mixture, then the flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface until smooth (5-7 min). 3. First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and rise in a warm place until doubled (1-2 hours). 4. Prepare the Filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. 5. Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the dough. Roll into a rectangle (1/4 inch thick). 6. Fill and Roll: Spread filling over the dough. Roll tightly from one long edge into a log. 7. Slice and Arrange: Slice into 12 pieces. Place in a greased baking dish with space between each. 8. Second Rise: Cover and let rolls rise in a warm place until nearly doubled (30-45 min). 9. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. 10. Make the Icing: Mix cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. 11. Ice and Serve: Cool rolls slightly, then spread with icing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutritional Information (per roll)
– Calories: 290 kcal – Carbohydrates: 45g – Protein: 5g – Fat: 10g – Saturated Fat: 6g – Cholesterol: 45mg – Sodium: 250mg – Sugar: 20g – Fiber: 2g Get ready to treat yourself to these sweet delights and share the love with your friends! 🍌✨
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Activate the Yeast
Combine warm milk with a pinch of sugar in a bowl. Add yeast; let sit until foamy (5-10 minutes).
Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine bananas, remaining sugar, melted butter, and eggs. Add yeast mixture, then flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface until smooth (5-7 minutes).
First Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and rise in a warm place until doubled in size (1-2 hours).
Prepare the Filling
Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Roll Out the Dough
Punch down the dough. Roll it into a rectangle (1/4 inch thick).
Fill and Roll
Spread filling over the dough. Roll tightly from one long edge into a log.
Slice and Arrange
Slice the log into 12 pieces. Place them in a greased baking dish with space between each roll.
Second Rise
Cover and let rolls rise in a warm place until nearly doubled (30-45 minutes).
Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Make the Icing
Mix cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Ice and Serve
Cool the rolls slightly, then spread with icing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Storage
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months.
Baking Tip
Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results, especially the butter and eggs.
Substitutions
You can use coconut oil instead of unsalted butter for a dairy-free option. Additionally, you may substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
Cook techniques
Activating Yeast
Combine warm milk with sugar and yeast, allowing it to sit until foamy. This step is crucial for the dough’s rise.
Kneading Dough
Mix ingredients until a soft dough forms, then knead on a floured surface until smooth. This develops gluten, giving the rolls their structure.
First Rise
Let the dough rise in a greased bowl until doubled in size. This step allows the yeast to work its magic.
Preparing the Filling
Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to create a sweet, aromatic filling for the rolls.
Rolling Out Dough
After the first rise, punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle, ensuring an even thickness for uniform baking.
Cutting and Arranging
Slice the rolled dough into pieces and arrange them in a greased baking dish, leaving space for them to expand during the second rise.
Second Rise
Cover the arranged rolls and let them rise until nearly doubled. This final rise creates fluffy, tender rolls.
Baking the Rolls
Preheat the oven and bake until the rolls are golden brown for the perfect texture.
Making the Icing
Combine cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla to make a smooth icing that complements the rolls’ sweetness.
FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, as long as they are thawed and mashed, frozen bananas can work well in the dough.
How should I store leftover rolls?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Can I freeze unbaked rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the sliced rolls before the second rise. Thaw and let them rise before baking.
What can I substitute for the cream cheese icing?
You can use a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk as a lighter alternative.
How can I make these rolls healthier?
Consider using whole wheat flour and reducing sugar for a healthier option while still enjoying delicious flavors.
Conclusion
Indulge in these delightful Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls for a unique twist on a classic treat!
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