These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a tasty twist on two favorites! Soft, sweet rolls are filled with gooey cinnamon and banana goodness, then topped with creamy frosting. Yum!
Who can resist the blend of banana bread and cinnamon rolls? I like to have mine warm with a cup of coffee. It feels like a lovely hug on a plate! ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is essential for giving your rolls a fluffy texture. If you have instant yeast, you can use that instead—just skip the activation step where you dissolve it in water, as it can go straight into the dry ingredients.
Mashed Ripe Bananas: The star of this recipe! Make sure they are very ripe for maximum sweetness. If you’re short on bananas, you can substitute with unsweetened applesauce (3/4 cup) for a similar texture and flavor.
Whole Milk: This helps create a moist dough. If you’re dairy-free, feel free to swap it with almond milk, oat milk, or another plant-based option.
Unsalted Butter: I recommend using unsalted butter for more control over the salt content. You could replace it with coconut oil for a dairy-free version, but this might slightly change the flavor.
Cream Cheese: This gives a beautiful tang to the frosting. If you want a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt; however, it won’t have that classic cream cheese taste.
How Do You Get the Rolls to Rise Perfectly?
Getting those rolls to rise nicely is crucial for fluffy results. Here’s how to do it right:
- Ensure your yeast is fresh and activated before mixing it with the wet ingredients. A foamy yeast mixture means it’s alive and ready to work!
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is chilly, turn on your oven to a low temperature for a few minutes, then turn it off and place the dough inside to rise.
- During the second rise, give the rolls enough time to puff up. They should almost double in size before baking. Patience is key here!
By following these steps, you’ll ensure your banana bread cinnamon rolls turn out beautifully soft and airy, perfect for enjoying warm!
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 3/4 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Filling:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk (to adjust consistency)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and then you’ll need to allow around 2 hours for rising and baking. In total, about 2 hours and 15 minutes for the perfect cinnamon rolls!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate Yeast:
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step is crucial for getting your rolls to rise!
2. Prepare Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, warm milk, melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until well combined.
3. Add Yeast:
Stir the foamy yeast mixture into the wet banana mixture, mixing it all together nicely.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures that all your leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed.
5. Form the Dough:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough begins to form. If your dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
6. Knead:
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This activates the gluten, giving your rolls that nice chewy texture!
7. First Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. The warmth helps the dough to rise!
8. Prepare Filling:
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together until everything is well combined. This filling is what adds all that delicious flavor to the rolls!
9. Shape Rolls:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any trapped air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 12×16 inches.
10. Spread Filling:
Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar butter mixture over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for rolling.
11. Roll Up:
Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log, making sure the filling stays inside!
12. Cut Rolls:
Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the rolled dough into 12 equal slices. This method ensures clean cuts without squishing the rolls!
13. Second Rise:
Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased baking dish or round pan. Cover them and let them rise for an additional 30 to 45 minutes until they become puffy.
14. Preheat Oven:
While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
15. Bake:
Once risen, bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
16. Make Frosting:
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Adjust the consistency with milk until it’s spreadable.
17. Frost Rolls:
Once the rolls are slightly cooled (they should be warm but not hot), generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top for that delicious creamy finish!
18. Serve:
Slice those warm rolls, plate them up, and enjoy! Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat anytime. The combo of banana and cinnamon is a real winner!
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Enjoy the delightful flavors of these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with their sweet, creamy frosting! Perfect for a cozy morning or a delightful dessert!
FAQ about Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas can be used in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before mashing. This will help maintain the right consistency of the dough.
How Can I Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. For optimal freshness, you can freeze them for up to 3 months; just thaw and warm them up before serving!
Is There a Dairy-Free Option for the Frosting?
Yes, you can easily make a dairy-free frosting by substituting the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and using coconut or almond milk. This way, you’ll still enjoy a deliciously creamy topping without the dairy!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance. After kneading, shape it into a ball, cover it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, allow the dough to come to room temperature and rise before shaping and baking as directed.
