Name: Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 120 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 150 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup warm milk.; 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet).; 1/2 cup granulated sugar.; 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter.; 2 large eggs.; 1 teaspoon salt.; 4 cups all-purpose flour.; 1 cup mashed banana (about 2-3 medium bananas).; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened.; 1 cup brown sugar.; 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon.; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional).; 4 oz cream cheese, softened.; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened.; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar.; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.

In this recipe, you’ll discover how to create Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls, a delicious blend of two classic treats. Start by preparing a soft, flavorful dough with warm milk, active dry yeast, granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, salt, and mashed bananas. Once the dough is ready, roll it out and fill it with a mixture of softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Add chopped walnuts for extra crunch if desired. After rolling and cutting the dough into individual rolls, let them rise again before baking to golden perfection. Top them with a creamy icing made from cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract for an extra layer of sweetness. These rolls are perfect for any occasion, from a special breakfast to a delightful dessert.

There’s something utterly delightful about the combination of banana bread and cinnamon rolls. Imagine starting your morning with the sweet aroma of Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls baking in the oven. It’s a fusion of two beloved classics, offering the moist, fruity goodness of banana bread wrapped up in the sweet, spiced swirl of a cinnamon roll. The first time I made these rolls, I was looking to use up some overripe bananas and thought, why not combine them with my favorite cinnamon roll recipe? The result was magical! These rolls are not only perfect for breakfast or brunch but also make a wonderful treat any time of the day.

INGREDIENTS

Warm Milk: 1 cup. Helps activate the yeast and create a soft dough.
Active Dry Yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet). This is the leavening agent that makes the dough rise.
Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup. Feeds the yeast and sweetens the dough.
Melted Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup. Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
Large Eggs: 2. Provide structure and richness.
Salt: 1 teaspoon. Enhances the flavors in the dough.
All-Purpose Flour: 4 cups. Forms the structure of the rolls.
Mashed Banana: 1 cup (about 2-3 medium bananas). Adds moisture and natural sweetness to the dough.

For the Filling:

Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup, softened. Helps the filling stick to the dough and adds flavor.
Brown Sugar: 1 cup. Sweetens the filling and adds a caramel-like flavor.
Ground Cinnamon: 2 tablespoons. Provides that classic cinnamon roll spice.
Chopped Walnuts: 1/2 cup (optional). Adds a bit of crunch and nuttiness (optional).

For the Icing:

Cream Cheese: 4 oz, softened. Adds a tangy, creamy element to the icing.
Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup, softened. Adds richness to the icing.
Powdered Sugar: 1 1/2 cups. Sweetens and thickens the icing.
Vanilla Extract: 1/2 teaspoon. Enhances the flavor of the icing.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: In a large bowl, mix warm milk with yeast and granulated sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This step is crucial because it activates the yeast, ensuring your dough will rise properly.
Step 2:: Add the melted butter, eggs, salt, and mashed banana to the yeast mixture. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined. The banana not only adds sweetness but also keeps the dough moist and tender.
Step 3:: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, stirring until the dough starts to come together. Once it forms a cohesive dough, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Kneading helps develop the gluten, giving your rolls a nice chewy texture.
Step 4:: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, turning it once to coat all sides with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This first rise is important for developing flavor and texture.
Step 5:: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix until you have a smooth, spreadable paste. If you’re using walnuts, have them ready to sprinkle over the filling.
Step 6:: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a 20x14-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, making sure to cover the entire surface. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly over the filling if you’re using them.
Step 7:: Starting from the long side of the rectangle, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 equal rolls. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a bit of space between each roll for expansion.
Step 8:: Cover the baking dish with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise again for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This second rise allows the rolls to become fluffy and ensures they will bake evenly.
Step 9:: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The aroma of baking cinnamon and banana will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait!
Step 10:: While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread the icing over the warm rolls as soon as they come out of the oven, allowing it to melt into the crevices and add a delicious sweetness.

Serving and Storage Tips

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are best served warm, straight from the oven, with the cream cheese icing melting into every nook and cranny. If you’re making them for a special breakfast or brunch, consider serving them with fresh fruit, a cup of coffee, or a glass of cold milk. The combination of flavors and textures will make for a truly memorable meal.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure to warm them slightly in the microwave before serving to restore their soft, gooey texture. These rolls also freeze well; simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven or microwave.

Helpful Notes

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are some variations and tips to help you make the best Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls:

Nut-Free Version: If you or someone you’re serving is allergic to nuts, simply omit the chopped walnuts. The rolls will still be deliciously spiced and sweet.
Add Chocolate: For a chocolatey twist, sprinkle some mini chocolate chips over the filling before rolling up the dough. The chocolate will melt into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, creating a decadent treat.
Extra Banana Flavor: For an even stronger banana flavor, you can add a teaspoon of banana extract to the dough along with the mashed bananas.
Healthier Option: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to add some extra fiber and nutrients to the rolls. You can also reduce the amount of sugar in the dough if you prefer a less sweet treat.

Here’s a tip from a renowned chef: Chef John from Food Wishes suggests brushing the tops of the rolls with a bit of melted butter before baking. This helps them achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and adds a little extra flavor.

If you’re looking for a way to impress your guests, try drizzling some caramel sauce over the top of the iced rolls. The combination of banana, cinnamon, and caramel is simply irresistible. And remember, these rolls are very versatile – feel free to experiment with different spices, fillings, and toppings to make them your own.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on a classic treat. They bring together the best flavors of banana bread and cinnamon rolls into one delicious package. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your household. Happy baking!

FAQs

Q1: Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?

A1: Yes, you can experiment with different flours like whole wheat or gluten-free flour. Just keep in mind that the texture might change slightly.

Q2: What if my yeast doesn't foam up?

A2: If your yeast doesn't foam, it might be expired or the milk might have been too hot or too cold. Make sure to use fresh yeast and milk that's warm to the touch (about 110°F or 43°C).

Q3: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

A3: Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. This can save time in the morning and still yields delicious results.

Q4: How can I make these rolls vegan?

A4: To make these rolls vegan, substitute the milk with almond or soy milk, the butter with vegan butter, and the eggs with a flax or chia egg substitute. Use vegan cream cheese for the icing.

Q5: Can I freeze the unbaked rolls?

A5: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls. After placing them in the baking dish, cover tightly and freeze. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise at room temperature before baking as directed.