Description
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the soft, comforting texture of banana bread with the classic swirls and spiced sweetness of cinnamon rolls, topped with a luscious cream cheese icing. Perfect for a decadent breakfast or a delightful snack, the recipe walks you through making a tender banana-infused dough, a cinnamon-sugar filling, and a creamy icing that will melt in your mouth.
Ingredients
Scale
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 to about 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
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface and let it sit undisturbed until foamy, about 5 to 10 minutes. This ensures the yeast is alive and ready for fermentation.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, the remaining granulated sugar, melted butter, and eggs until the mixture is uniform. Add the activated yeast mixture and stir gently. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour and salt, stirring continuously until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 2 hours.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth and well combined. Set aside for spreading later.
- Roll Out the Dough: After the first rise, punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Fill and Roll: Spread the prepared cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from one long side, roll the dough up tightly into a log shape.
- Slice and Arrange: Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, spacing them evenly to allow for rising.
- Second Rise: Cover the arranged rolls and let them rise again in a warm place for 30 to 45 minutes until they puff up and nearly double in volume.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20 to 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Make the Cream Cheese Icing: While the rolls are baking, beat together the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Ice and Serve: Remove the baked rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Spread the cream cheese icing generously over the warm rolls before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure the milk is not too hot when activating the yeast; ideally about 110°F to avoid killing the yeast.
- Kneading the dough develops gluten, which helps achieve a soft yet structured texture.
- Letting the dough rise twice ensures fluffy, tender rolls.
- Use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor infusion in the dough.
- You can prepare the cream cheese icing ahead of time and refrigerate it; bring to room temperature before spreading.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: banana bread cinnamon rolls, banana cinnamon rolls, soft cinnamon rolls, cream cheese icing, breakfast rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls
