Description
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the comforting flavors of classic cinnamon rolls with the moist, fruity goodness of banana bread. Soft dough enriched with ripe bananas is rolled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a luscious cream cheese icing. Perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack, these rolls offer a delightful twist on two beloved treats.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (approximately)
- 1/2 tsp salt
Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup softened butter
Icing
- 4 oz (120g) cream cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp milk (to adjust icing consistency)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the dough: Add the mashed bananas, egg, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead this dough for 8 to 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Cover the dough and place it in a warm spot to rise for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the rolls: Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Evenly spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle the brown sugar and ground cinnamon mixture on top. Roll up the dough tightly into a log and slice it into 12 equal rolls.
- Second rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover them, and allow to rise again for 30 to 40 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top.
- Make the icing: Beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk until the icing is smooth and spreadable.
- Serve: Spread the cream cheese icing over the warm banana bread cinnamon rolls and enjoy them fresh.
Notes
- Make sure milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Adjust flour quantity as needed to achieve a soft but manageable dough.
- You can prepare the rolls the night before baking by refrigerating after the second rise and baking in the morning.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
