Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls: A Twist on a Classic Favorite

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Introduction

Imagine combining the comforting flavors of banana bread with the soft, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls. The result? Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls – a delightful fusion of two beloved treats. These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a special treat any time of the day. They bring together the moist, sweet essence of banana bread with the warm, cinnamon-spiced layers of a traditional cinnamon roll. Whether you’re a fan of banana bread, cinnamon rolls, or both, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Recipe: Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 small banana)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup whole milk, warm
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour

the Filling:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 large ripe banana, thinly sliced

the Cream Cheese Icing:

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk, as needed for consistency

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, melted butter, mashed banana, salt, warm milk, and egg. Mix well.
  3. Add the yeast mixture to the wet ingredients and stir to combine.
  4. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
  6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

2: Prepare the Filling

  1. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
  2. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, approximately 16×9 inches.
  3. Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough.
  4. Arrange the banana slices over the cinnamon-sugar filling.

3: Roll and Cut the Dough

  1. Starting from the longer side, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
  2. Cut the log into 12 even slices and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.

4: Bake the Rolls

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly while you prepare the cream cheese icing.

5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing

  1. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, beating until the icing is smooth and spreadable.
  3. Spread the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls.

6: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Serve the Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls warm, and enjoy the perfect combination of banana bread and cinnamon roll flavors!

Notes

  • Banana Ripeness: The riper the bananas, the more intense the banana flavor will be. Use very ripe bananas for the best results.
  • Overnight Prep: 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 before baking.
  • Freezing: These rolls freeze well. Simply bake and frost them as directed, then freeze individually wrapped rolls. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand. It will take a bit more effort, but it’s definitely doable. Just make sure to knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can substitute whole wheat flour for up to half of the all-purpose flour in this recipe. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly denser, and you may need to add a bit more liquid to the dough.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the filling?

Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even chocolate chips, to the filling can add a delicious crunch and extra flavor to your rolls.

Conclusion

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect treat for when you want something a little different from the usual cinnamon roll. The addition of bananas adds moisture and a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon filling and cream cheese icing. Whether you’re serving these for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who loves the comforting flavors of banana bread and cinnamon rolls. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the best of both worlds!

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