Description
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the moist, sweet flavor of ripe bananas with the classic cinnamon swirl and cream cheese icing, perfect for a delightful breakfast or indulgent snack. Soft, fluffy rolls filled with a rich cinnamon-butter mixture and topped with a smooth cream cheese glaze make these rolls an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
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 warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the surface and let sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes. This step ensures the yeast is active and ready to help the dough rise.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, the remaining sugar, melted butter, and eggs until well combined. This mixture forms the base flavor and moisture for the dough.
- Add Yeast and Flour: Stir the activated yeast mixture into the banana mixture. Gradually add flour and salt, stirring continuously until a soft dough forms. The flour creates structure for the dough.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. This develops gluten for a soft yet sturdy roll.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours. This fermentation produces the soft texture and flavor.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth and well combined. This sweet, spiced filling adds classic cinnamon roll flavor.
- Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick, preparing it for filling.
- Fill and Roll: Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a border on one side. Carefully roll the dough tightly from one long edge into a log shape, sealing the border.
- Slice and Arrange: Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces with a sharp knife or dental floss. Place the rolls into a greased baking dish, leaving space between each for expansion.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise again in a warm place for 30-45 minutes until puffed and nearly doubled in size, enhancing their fluffiness.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Baking finalizes texture and flavor.
- Make the Cream Cheese Icing: While the rolls bake, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This icing provides a rich, tangy finish.
- Ice and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Spread the cream cheese icing generously over warm rolls, then serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the milk used to activate the yeast is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Kneading the dough properly is key to achieving soft, fluffy rolls.
- Allowing the rolls to rise fully before baking results in lighter texture.
- The cream cheese icing can be substituted with a simple powdered sugar glaze if preferred.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: banana bread cinnamon rolls, banana cinnamon rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, sweet rolls, cream cheese icing
