Why Make This Recipe
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, blending the flavors of moist banana bread with the sweet and spicy goodness of cinnamon. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet dessert. They are easy to make and are sure to impress your family and friends. With their soft texture and rich flavor, these rolls will quickly become a favorite in your home.
How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup mashed banana (about 2-3 medium bananas)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- In a large bowl, mix warm milk with yeast and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add melted butter, eggs, salt, and mashed banana to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
- Gradually add flour, stirring until the dough comes together. Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- In a bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface into a 20×14-inch rectangle. Spread the filling over the dough and sprinkle with walnuts, if using.
- Roll up tightly from the long side. Cut into 12 rolls and place in a greased baking dish.
- Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over warm rolls.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Serve banana bread cinnamon rolls warm, drizzled with the cream cheese frosting. They pair well with a cup of coffee or tea. For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped walnuts on top before serving. They are great on their own or even as a sweet treat after dinner!
How to Store Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Store any leftover banana bread cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them, where they will last for about a week. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven until heated through.
Tips to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
- Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
- Knead the dough well; this helps develop gluten and gives the rolls their soft texture.
- For a richer flavor, you can add vanilla extract to the dough.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon according to your taste.
- If you like a little extra sweetness, sprinkle a bit more brown sugar on top of the filling.
Variation
You can customize these rolls by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, dried fruits, or switching out walnuts for pecans. For a healthier version, consider using whole wheat flour or adding oats to the dough for added texture.
FAQs
How do I know when the rolls have risen enough?
The dough should double in size. You can also gently poke it; if it holds the imprint, it’s ready.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky, gradually add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it is easy to handle. Be careful not to add too much flour, as it could make the rolls dense.
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk Ensure milk is warm, not hot.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup mashed banana (about 2-3 medium bananas)
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts optional
Frosting Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, mix warm milk with yeast and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add melted butter, eggs, salt, and mashed banana to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
- Gradually add flour, stirring until the dough comes together. Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Filling
- In a bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface into a 20x14-inch rectangle. Spread the filling over the dough and sprinkle with walnuts, if using.
- Roll up tightly from the long side. Cut into 12 rolls and place in a greased baking dish.
Baking
- Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over warm rolls.