These banana bread cinnamon rolls are a warm and tasty treat! They combine soft, fluffy dough with sweet banana and a swirl of cinnamon. Topped with creamy frosting, they’re pure joy!
Honestly, who can resist that delicious blend of flavors? I love enjoying these rolls warm and fresh out of the oven. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack any time! ☕🍌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are a must! Their sweetness and moisture make these rolls extra delicious. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can quickly ripen them by baking them at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for control over saltiness. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
Active Dry Yeast: This helps the dough rise and gets those fluffy rolls. If you have instant yeast, you can use it instead; just mix it directly into the flour without proofing first.
Cream Cheese: If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, you could use mascarpone or a dairy-free cream cheese replacement. The frosting will still be delicious!
How Can I Ensure My Rolls Rise Perfectly?
Getting your dough to rise well is key for fluffy rolls. Here are some tips:
- Make sure your yeast is fresh. It should be active and bubbly when mixed with warm milk; this shows it’s ready to work.
- Keep the dough in a warm place for rising. An oven with just the light on or a warm corner of your kitchen works well!
- Don’t rush the rising time. Letting the dough double in size is crucial; it helps develop flavor and texture.
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 large egg
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of active prep time, plus approximately 2 hours for the dough to rise. Once baked, allow for about 10 minutes of cooling before frosting. Altogether, you can enjoy these delicious rolls within about 2 hours and 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is activated and ready to help your dough rise!
2. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, mix the mashed bananas, melted butter, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, and the egg until well combined. Then, add in the foamy yeast mixture and stir until everything is nicely blended.
3. Add the Flour:
Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue until you have a soft and slightly sticky dough that forms into a ball.
4. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 7-8 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed while kneading.
5. Let the Dough Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap. Place it in a warm spot and let it rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
6. Prepare the Cinnamon Filling:
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside while the dough is rising.
7. Roll Out the Dough:
After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle that is approximately 15×10 inches in size.
8. Add the Filling:
Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top, making sure to cover the buttered area completely.
9. Roll It Up:
Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Once rolled, pinch the seam to seal it. This will keep the filling inside.
10. Cut the Rolls:
Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices. These will be your cinnamon rolls!
11. Arrange the Rolls:
Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, giving them a little space to rise and expand without touching each other.
12. Let Them Rise Again:
Cover the rolls once more and let them rise for an additional 30-45 minutes, until they are puffy and have filled out the pan.
13. Preheat the Oven:
While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
14. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls:
Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.
15. Make the Frosting:
While the rolls are baking, make the frosting by beating the cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Then, gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
16. Frost the Rolls:
Once the cinnamon rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes. Then, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top of the warm rolls.
17. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the rolls warm and enjoy the delightful mix of banana and cinnamon flavors topped with creamy frosting!
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This recipe for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combines the best of both worlds: the moist richness of banana bread and the comforting sweetness of cinnamon rolls, topped with a creamy and luscious frosting. They’re perfect for sharing or enjoying all to yourself!
FAQ for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting
Can I Use Overripe Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! In fact, overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe as they are sweeter and easier to mash, contributing to the overall flavor and moisture of the rolls.
What Should I Do If My Dough Isn’t Rising?
If your dough isn’t rising, check the temperature of your yeast mixture. It should be warm, not hot. If it’s too cold or if the yeast is expired, it will not activate. Try placing your dough in a warmer spot or directly in an oven with just the light on for some warmth.
How Can I Make These Cinnamon Rolls Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the dough and fillings the night before and assemble the rolls in the baking pan. Cover and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, allow them to come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before baking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or oven until heated through.
