Description
Banana bread meets cinnamon rolls in a delightful fusion of comfort and sweetness. Warm, gooey swirls of caramelized banana and spicy cinnamon promise a memorable breakfast treat you’ll savor to the last crumb.
Ingredients
Scale
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup mashed banana (about 2–3 medium bananas)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
Dough and Filling Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Icing Ingredients:
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by whisking warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a spacious mixing vessel. Allow the mixture to bloom and become frothy for approximately 5 minutes.
- Incorporate melted butter, eggs, salt, and thoroughly mashed banana into the yeast mixture. Blend until uniformly combined.
- Gradually introduce flour to the wet ingredients, stirring consistently until a cohesive dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead vigorously for 10 minutes, developing gluten and creating a smooth texture.
- Transfer the kneaded dough to a generously greased bowl, ensuring complete surface coverage. Drape a clean kitchen towel over the bowl and position in a draft-free, warm environment for approximately one hour, allowing the dough to expand and double in volume.
- Prepare the filling by thoroughly mixing softened butter, rich brown sugar, and aromatic ground cinnamon in a separate mixing bowl.
- Carefully roll the risen dough into a precise rectangular shape measuring 20×14 inches on a flour-dusted work surface.
- Methodically spread the prepared filling across the entire dough surface, ensuring even distribution. Optionally sprinkle chopped walnuts for additional texture and flavor.
- Tightly roll the dough from the elongated side, creating a compact cylindrical shape. Slice the roll into 12 uniform cinnamon rolls using a sharp knife.
- Arrange the rolls in a generously greased baking dish, allowing slight space between each roll for expansion. Cover and permit a secondary rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring proper temperature before baking.
- Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until they achieve a golden-brown exterior and emit an enticing aroma.
- While rolls are cooling, create a luxurious cream cheese icing by whipping cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until silky smooth.
- Generously spread the prepared icing over the warm rolls, allowing it to slightly melt and create an irresistible glaze.
Notes
- Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to activate yeast without killing it, maintaining perfect dough rising conditions.
- Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture in the rolls, creating a richer flavor profile.
- Knead dough thoroughly to develop gluten, resulting in a softer, more tender texture that melts in your mouth.
- Allow adequate rising time in a draft-free area to help rolls achieve maximum fluffiness and volume.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg