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Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 16 reviews

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a delicious fusion of two beloved classics—banana bread and cinnamon rolls. These soft, fluffy rolls feature a moist, banana-infused dough swirled with a warm cinnamon and brown sugar filling, then topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy treat, this recipe combines nostalgic flavors with a tender texture and a gooey finish that will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

  • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)
  • 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3 1/4 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy to ensure the yeast is activated and ready to leaven the dough.
  2. Mix Dough Ingredients: Add the mashed ripe bananas, granulated sugar, melted unsalted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully combined.
  3. Add Flour and Knead: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, about 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once a soft dough forms, knead by hand or with a stand mixer for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  4. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
  5. Prepare Filling: While the dough rises, combine softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Mix well to form a smooth, spreadable filling.
  6. Shape Rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a 16 by 12-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
  7. Roll and Slice: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Using unscented dental floss or a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 equal rolls.
  8. Second Rise: Place the rolls into a greased 9 by 13-inch baking dish, spaced slightly apart. Cover and let them rise again for 30 minutes until puffy.
  9. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 22-25 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
  10. Prepare Frosting: While the rolls are baking, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, mixing until creamy.
  11. Frost and Serve: Once the rolls are slightly cooled but still warm, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Ensure milk is warm (about 110°F) but not hot to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Try slicing rolls with dental floss for neat, even pieces without squashing the dough.
  • Letting the rolls rise twice results in a fluffier, lighter texture.
  • For vegan variations, substitute dairy and egg ingredients with plant-based alternatives and flax egg.
  • Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate for up to 4 days; warm before serving.
  • These rolls can be shaped and refrigerated overnight; bake fresh in the morning for convenience.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana bread cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls, banana cinnamon rolls, breakfast rolls, cinnamon roll recipe, banana bread recipe, cream cheese frosting

Find it online: https://kitchenwithkai.com/banana-bread-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/