Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re a fan of both banana bread and cinnamon rolls, then this recipe is the perfect blend of the two! These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the moist, rich flavor of ripe bananas with the classic, gooey sweetness of cinnamon rolls. The result is a decadent treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. With a soft, fluffy dough, a sweet cinnamon filling, and a creamy cream cheese icing, these rolls are sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

For the 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

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Activate the Yeast:

• In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and a pinch of the granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the surface and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.

2. Prepare the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, remaining granulated sugar, melted butter, and eggs until well combined.
• Add the activated yeast mixture to the banana mixture and stir to combine.
• Gradually add the flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms.
• Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

3. First Rise:

• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

4. Make the Filling:

• In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined. Set aside.

5. Roll Out the Dough:

• Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.

6. Fill and Roll:

• Spread the prepared filling evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
• Starting from one long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log.

7. Slice and Arrange:

• Using a sharp knife or a piece of dental floss, slice the rolled dough into 12 equal-sized pieces.
• Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.

8. Second Rise:

• Cover the baking dish with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the cinnamon rolls rise in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffed and nearly doubled in size.

9. Bake:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated, bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

10. Make the Cream Cheese Icing:

• While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese icing. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

11. Ice and Serve:

• Once the cinnamon rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
• Spread the cream cheese icing over the warm cinnamon rolls.
• Serve the Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls warm and enjoy the irresistible combination of banana, cinnamon, and cream cheese icing!

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

• Warm and Fresh: These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are best served warm, straight out of the oven. The cream cheese icing melts into the rolls, creating a gooey, delicious treat.
• Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy these rolls with a hot cup of coffee or tea. They also make a great addition to a brunch spread, paired with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or a smoothie.

Storage Tips:

• Room Temperature: Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To maintain freshness, wrap the rolls individually in plastic wrap before placing them in the container.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the cinnamon rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: If you’d like to keep them even longer, freeze the cinnamon rolls. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Reheating: To reheat, microwave individual rolls for about 15-20 seconds, or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. If reheating from frozen, bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until warmed through.

These tips will help you savor your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls whenever you’re ready to enjoy them!

Variations:

1. Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls:

• Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the filling mixture. The chocolate will melt into the cinnamon filling, adding a sweet, rich flavor.

2. Nutty Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls:

• Mix 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds) into the cinnamon filling. The nuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the banana and cinnamon.

3. Maple Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls:

• Substitute the granulated sugar in the dough with 1/4 cup of maple syrup. You can also add 1/4 cup of maple syrup to the cream cheese icing for a sweet, maple-infused twist.

4. Cream Cheese Filling:

• For an extra creamy filling, blend 4 oz of cream cheese with the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. This adds a tangy richness to the cinnamon rolls.

5. Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls:

• Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the filling mixture for a seasonal twist. You can also mix a bit of pumpkin puree into the dough for added moisture and flavor.

6. Coconut Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls:

• Incorporate 1/2 cup of shredded coconut into the filling. For an extra tropical touch, sprinkle some toasted coconut on top of the cream cheese icing.

7. Caramel Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls:

• Drizzle caramel sauce over the rolls before adding the cream cheese icing. You can also swirl some caramel sauce into the filling for an extra layer of sweetness.

8. Berry Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls:

• Add 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen berries (like blueberries or raspberries) to the filling mixture. This adds a fruity, tart contrast to the sweetness of the cinnamon and banana.

9. Orange Zest Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls:

• Add 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the dough or the cream cheese icing for a citrusy twist. The orange flavor pairs well with the banana and adds a refreshing note.

10. Peanut Butter Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls:

• Mix 1/4 cup of peanut butter into the cream cheese icing for a creamy, nutty flavor. You can also swirl some peanut butter into the filling for added richness.

FAQs:

1. Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
   • Yes, overripe bananas are ideal for this recipe as they are sweeter and more flavorful. Just make sure they are well-mashed for the best texture.
2. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
   • Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. However, the rolls may be denser. You might need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. After the first rise, punch it down, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature and complete the second rise before rolling out and baking.
4. How do I know when the cinnamon rolls are done baking?
   • The cinnamon rolls are done when they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C). They should also be firm to the touch and not doughy in the center.
5. Can I use a stand mixer to make the dough?
   • Absolutely. You can use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook to mix and knead the dough. Start on low speed to combine the ingredients, then increase to medium speed and knead until smooth and elastic.
6. Can I freeze the rolls before baking?
   • Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls. After slicing and placing them in the baking dish, cover them tightly and freeze. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise for about 1-2 hours before baking.
7. What can I use instead of cream cheese for the icing?
   • If you prefer not to use cream cheese, you can make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and milk or a vanilla glaze using butter and powdered sugar.