Description
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the soft, comforting texture of classic cinnamon rolls with the rich flavor of banana bread. Filled with a cinnamon-sugar and banana mixture, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they make an indulgent breakfast or dessert treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 1 cup lukewarm milk
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 ½ – 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ½ cup mashed banana (about 1 large banana)
Filling
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 2 large bananas, thinly sliced
Topping
- ¼ cup heavy cream, warmed
Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Proof the yeast mixture: Warm the milk slightly and mix it with melted butter and granulated sugar in a bowl. Add the instant yeast and allow it to proof for 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Prepare the dough: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the yeast mixture, incorporating them while kneading until you achieve a smooth dough. Stir in the mashed banana for flavor. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour until it has doubled in size.
- Make the filling and prepare the rolls: Combine the filling ingredients by mixing the softened butter, light brown sugar, and cinnamon. Roll out the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface, spread the filling evenly over it, and then layer the thinly sliced bananas on top.
- Form the rolls: Roll the dough tightly into a log, then slice it into 12 equal pieces. Place each piece cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or greased to prevent sticking.
- Add topping and bake: Pour the warmed heavy cream evenly over the rolls, which helps keep them moist during baking. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 35 minutes, or until the rolls turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Prepare frosting and serve: While the rolls cool slightly, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and spreadable. Frost the warm rolls generously before serving for an indulgent finish.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is lukewarm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Kneading the dough until smooth helps develop gluten for better texture.
- Bananas should be ripe for optimal sweetness and flavor.
- Applying warmed heavy cream before baking adds moisture and richness.
- The rolls are best served warm but can be reheated gently if needed.
- You can substitute cream cheese frosting with a simple glaze if preferred.
