Banana Cinnamon Rolls
Delightful banana cinnamon rolls combine ripe bananas with warm cinnamon for a sweet treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level with a knife.
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar Adds caramel-like sweetness.
- 2¼ teaspoons Rapid Rise yeast Essential for quick rise.
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon Provides cozy aroma.
- 1 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness.
- 1 cup milk Whole and creamy, for moisture.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted For tender texture.
- ⅔ cup mashed overripe banana Star ingredient for natural sweetness.
Filling Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature Softened for easy spreading.
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar For added sweetness in filling.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon Extra spice for depth.
- a pinch salt Enhances sweetness.
Frosting Ingredients
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature For creaminess.
- 2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature Adds richness and tang.
- 2 cups powdered sugar Ensures frosting sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Ties flavors together.
- 1 tablespoon milk Adjusts frosting consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds aroma.
- a pinch salt Balances flavors.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of the flour with brown sugar, Rapid Rise yeast, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well mixed and set aside.
- Heat the milk and 6 tablespoons of butter in the microwave until warm (but not hot). Add this mixture along with the mashed banana to the flour mixture.
- Using a mixer, beat on low speed, then increase to high speed for about 2 minutes until combined. Gradually add in the remaining flour to form a soft dough.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Filling Preparation
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
Assembly
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out onto a floured surface into an 18x12 inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter for the filling evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the sugar mixture over it.
- Roll the dough tightly from one long end to the other, creating a log. Slice the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces.
- Place the sliced rolls into a parchment-lined baking pan, cover them, and let them rise for another hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Frosting
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting by beating together the remaining butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, milk, vanilla, and salt until light and fluffy.
- Once the warm rolls are out of the oven, generously frost them.
Notes
Use ripe bananas for the best flavor. Ensure that milk and butter are warm but not hot to activate the yeast effectively. Knead the dough until it's smooth and elastic for best results.