Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Delicious cinnamon rolls infused with ripe bananas and topped with cream cheese icing, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup warm milk for that comforting hydration
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet) to create that fluffy texture
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar for sweetness and a golden crust
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter for richness and moistness
- 2 large eggs for binding and fluffiness
- 1 teaspoon salt enhances flavors
- 4 cups all-purpose flour for the perfect dough base
- 1 cup mashed banana about 2-3 medium bananas for natural sweetness and banana flavor
Filling
- 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter for filling, rich and creamy
- 1 cup brown sugar for a deep, caramel-like sweetness
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon for that warm, aromatic spice
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts optional, for added crunch
Icing
- 4 oz cream cheese softened for icing, smooth and tangy
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened for icing, creamy and indulgent
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar sweetness and smoothness
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract to elevate all flavors
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, mix the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let this sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add melted butter, eggs, salt, and mashed bananas into the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the flour until a rough dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Filling Preparation
- While the dough rises, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon to prepare the filling.
Assembly
- Roll out the dough into a 20x14 inch rectangle, ensuring even thickness. Spread the filling evenly over the surface and sprinkle with optional chopped walnuts.
- Starting from the long side, roll up the dough tightly into a log. Slice it into 12 equal rolls and place them in a greased baking dish.
- Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Baking
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the rolls bake, prepare the icing by beating together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Once baked, spread the warm icing over the rolls.
Notes
Ensure the milk is warm, but not hot, to activate the yeast effectively. Knead the dough adequately for a smooth and elastic texture. Don't skip the icing for added indulgence!