These banana bread cinnamon rolls are a cozy treat! They mix soft, fluffy dough with sweet banana and a swirl of cinnamon. Topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, they’re simply irresistible!
Honestly, who can say no to banana bread in roll form? I can eat these any time of day! A warm roll with that frosting is a hug for your taste buds. So good!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are key for flavor and moisture, so the browner, the better! If you’re out, unsweetened applesauce can be a great substitute for moisture and sweetness.
Yeast: Active dry yeast is perfect here, but if you have instant yeast, you can use that without the need to activate it in warm milk. Just mix it with the dry ingredients.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for the dough and frosting. If you’re looking to cut back on dairy, coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute can work well.
Cream Cheese: For the frosting, if you can’t find cream cheese, you can try ricotta or mascarpone for a different flavor. Just remember that the texture will change slightly.
How Do You Make Sure Your Dough Rises Perfectly?
Creating a fluffy roll starts with dough that rises well. Here are simple tips to ensure success:
- Use warm milk, not hot, to activate the yeast; about 110°F is ideal.
- Let the dough rise in a warm spot, like a turned-off oven with the light on or a warm kitchen. Cover with a damp cloth to keep moisture in.
- Be patient! Allow it to double in size, which usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours.
What’s the Best Way to Roll and Cut the Dough?
Rolling and cutting the dough properly helps form those delightful swirls:
- Roll the dough out evenly into a large rectangle, around 16×12 inches, which allows for more filling and better rolls.
- Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the rolls. Dental floss cuts without crushing them!
- Leave some space between the rolls in the baking dish, as they will expand during the second rise and bake.
Enjoy making these banana bread cinnamon rolls! They’re a fun twist on a classic favorite.
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 ripe bananas (about 1 cup mashed)
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed (110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 25 minutes of prep time and around 1.5 hours for dough rising. Baking will take 25-30 minutes. So in total, you are looking at approximately 2 to 2.5 hours before you can enjoy your warm banana bread cinnamon rolls!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Warm the milk until it’s about 110°F (warm to the touch but not hot). Sprinkle the yeast over the warm milk, stir gently, and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active!
2. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, both sugars (granulated and brown), egg, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well until everything is combined.
3. Combine Everything:
Add the yeast-milk mixture to the banana mixture and stir briefly. Then, gradually add the flour, about 1 cup at a time, mixing until the dough starts to come together.
4. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 7-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If it feels sticky, sprinkle lightly with extra flour as needed.
5. Let the Dough Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
6. Prepare the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined. This will create a gooey filling for your rolls.
7. Roll the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 16×12 inches.
8. Add the Filling:
Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for easy rolling.
9. Create the Rolls:
Starting from the longer side, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. Then using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal rolls.
10. Second Rise:
Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, cover, and allow them to rise again for about 30-45 minutes until puffy.
11. Bake the Rolls:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
12. Make the Frosting:
While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt; beat until creamy and spreadable.
13. Frost the Rolls:
When the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes. Then spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls.
14. Serve and Enjoy:
Dig in and enjoy these warm, decadent treats! They’re perfect for breakfast or as a delicious dessert.
This recipe yields 12 delicious banana bread cinnamon rolls, sure to be a hit with family and friends!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ripe Bananas That Are Overly Brown?
Absolutely! Overly brown bananas are actually perfect for this recipe. They’re sweeter and creamier, which will enhance the flavor of your cinnamon rolls.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
You can easily modify this recipe to be dairy-free by substituting the whole milk with a plant-based milk (like almond or coconut milk) and using dairy-free butter in both the dough and frosting.
How Do I Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. You can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy that warm, gooey goodness again!
Can I Freeze These Cinnamon Rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls before the second rise! Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then allow them to rise before baking as directed. You can freeze baked rolls too—just frost them after thawing!
