Description
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls: A delicious blend of banana bread and cinnamon rolls. Perfect for ripe bananas, great for any meal!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large)
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup softened butter
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and 1 tsp of the granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, melted butter, remaining sugar, and egg. Mix until well combined.
- Add yeast mixture: Pour the activated yeast mixture into the banana mixture and stir to combine.
- Add dry ingredients: Add salt and 3 cups of flour, one cup at a time, mixing after each addition. The dough will be slightly sticky.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead for 5-8 minutes, adding the remaining 1/4 cup flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Make the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon until well combined.
- Have your softened butter ready for spreading.
Assemble the Rolls:
- Roll out the dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 16×12 inches.
- Add the filling: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the butter.
- Roll and cut: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal pieces, about 1 1/2 inches thick.
- Second rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, until puffy.
Bake and Frost:
- Preheat and bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
- Make the frosting: While the rolls are baking, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until creamy.
- Apply frosting: Let the rolls cool slightly (about 10 minutes) before spreading the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls.
Notes
- Add-ins: For extra texture and flavor, consider adding 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling
- Banana intensity: For more pronounced banana flavor, add 1/4 tsp banana extract to the dough
- Gluten-free option: This recipe can be adapted using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though the texture will be slightly different
- Dairy-free alternative: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese for a dairy-free version
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 320 per roll