Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful fusion of two beloved treats: moist, flavorful banana bread and gooey, cinnamon-spiced rolls. These rolls combine the warm, comforting flavors of bananas with the indulgent swirl of cinnamon and sugar, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert. The rolls are soft, tender, and packed with a sweet, banana-infused dough, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts into the swirls of cinnamon goodness. If you're a fan of banana bread and cinnamon rolls, this recipe offers the best of both worlds!
Why It’s Great
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are great because they bring together the sweetness of ripe bananas and the comforting warmth of cinnamon in one delicious, easy-to-make dish. The banana-infused dough makes the rolls incredibly moist and flavorful, while the cinnamon filling adds a rich, spiced touch. These rolls are perfect for using up overripe bananas and can be prepared ahead of time, making them ideal for special occasions or leisurely weekend mornings. The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the rolls, making them irresistible.
Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup warm milk (110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes, until foamy. Add the melted butter, egg, and mashed bananas to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and rise: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to create the cinnamon filling.
- Roll out the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about ¼-inch thick.
- Spread the filling: Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the rolled-out dough. Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other to form a log. Cut the log into 12 equal rolls.
- Second rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover with a towel and let them rise again for 30 minutes.
- Bake the rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Make the frosting: While the rolls are baking, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Frost and serve: Once the rolls are out of the oven, spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are best served warm, fresh out of the oven, with the cream cheese frosting melting into every bite. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate breakfast or brunch treat.
- Storage: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to enjoy warm. You can also freeze the rolls (before frosting) for up to 2 months—just thaw and reheat before adding the frosting.
Helpful Notes
- Banana ripeness: Make sure to use overripe bananas for the best flavor. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the dough will be.
- Make-ahead option: You can prepare the rolls the night before and let them rise in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and bake as directed.
- Filling variation: For an extra indulgent touch, add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel to the cinnamon filling before rolling up the dough.
FAQs
1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. There’s no need to dissolve it in warm milk—just mix it with the dry ingredients and proceed with the recipe.
2. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but using all whole wheat flour may result in denser rolls. For best results, use a 50/50 mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour.
3. Can I make these cinnamon rolls dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use a non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk. You can also use a dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting.
4. How do I keep the rolls soft after baking?
To keep the rolls soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If refrigerating or freezing, warm them before serving to maintain their softness.
5. Can I add other flavors to the dough?
Yes! For a twist, try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough, or mix in chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a delicious twist on a classic treat, combining the comforting flavors of banana bread with the cinnamon-sugar swirl of traditional rolls. Soft, sweet, and topped with a creamy frosting, they’re the perfect addition to any breakfast, brunch, or dessert table. Whether you're serving them for a special occasion or just because, these rolls are sure to impress and satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. Enjoy them warm and watch them disappear in no time!
