Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Why Make This Recipe

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect blend of two beloved treats: soft, moist banana bread and sweet, gooey cinnamon rolls. This recipe is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to use overripe bananas. If you ever find yourself with extra bananas that have turned too brown for eating, this recipe allows you to transform them into an indulgent treat that is sure to please anyone. The delightful aroma of fresh cinnamon rolls baking will fill your home, making it a cozy and inviting place. Plus, these rolls are great for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.

These rolls are incredibly versatile. You can serve them warm with a simple glaze, or you can elevate their flavor with a rich cream cheese icing. They also make a great dish for special occasions or lazy weekend mornings when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones. The added nutrients from the bananas can make you feel a little less guilty about indulging in these sweet rolls. Overall, Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are not just a recipe; they’re an experience.

How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

To make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup milk, warmed to about 110°F
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for icing)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for icing)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. You want it to get foamy, which tells you that the yeast is alive and ready to help your dough rise.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, mash your ripe bananas. Add the melted butter, the foamy yeast mixture, and the eggs. Mix everything together until well combined. Gradually add the flour and salt to the banana mixture. Stir until it forms a rough dough, then knead for about 5-7 minutes. Keep dusting with extra flour as needed until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 3: First Rise
After kneading, place the dough into a well-oiled bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size. This is important because it helps to create the light and fluffy texture of the rolls.

Step 4: Make the Filling
While the dough is rising, you can prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon together until smooth. This mixture will provide that irresistibly sweet and spicy flavor in your rolls.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough with a rolling pin until it is about 1/4 inch thick and shaped into a rectangle. Don’t worry about making it perfectly uniform; just try to keep the thickness even.

Step 6: Fill and Roll
Spread the cinnamon filling over the rolled-out dough, making sure to cover it evenly. Then, starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Seal the edges well so that the filling doesn’t spill out during baking.

Step 7: Slice and Arrange
With a sharp knife or a piece of dental floss, carefully slice the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces. Arrange the pieces cut-side up in a greased baking dish, which will allow them to rise and bake beautifully.

Step 8: Second Rise
Cover the arranged cinnamon rolls with a kitchen towel again and let them rise for another 30 minutes. During this time, they will puff up nicely, making them fluffy inside.

Step 9: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls are rising. Once preheated, bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until they are golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t over-bake.

Step 10: Make the Cream Cheese Icing
While the rolls are baking, you can prepare the cream cheese icing. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. This icing adds a wonderful richness to the rolls and complements the bananas and cinnamon perfectly.

Step 11: Ice and Serve
Once the rolls are baked and have cooled slightly, drizzle the cream cheese icing over them. Serve them warm for the best taste. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can add more icing or serve a little on the side for dipping.

How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are perfect served warm right out of the oven. You can serve them as is for a sweet breakfast treat or brunch option. If you want to elevate the experience, consider serving them with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream. For coffee lovers, pairing these rolls with a hot cup of coffee or tea will enhance the morning or afternoon treat.

You can also let the rolls cool completely and serve them at room temperature. They make for fantastic desserts and can be enjoyed later in the day for an afternoon snack. If you’re entertaining, consider cutting them into smaller pieces to serve as finger food. Each bite is a burst of flavor that your guests won’t forget.

Additionally, for special occasions like birthdays or holidays, you might want to add decorative touches. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top or colorful sprinkles can make these rolls visually appealing for celebrations.

How to Store Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

If you have leftovers (though it’s hard to believe there will be any!), you can store Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container. Allow the rolls to cool completely before sealing them in the container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, transfer them to the refrigerator, where they can last for about a week.

For longer storage, consider freezing some of the rolls. Place them in a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. Frozen rolls can last up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take out a roll, let it thaw at room temperature, and then warm it in the microwave or oven for a few minutes.

Reheating the rolls will revive their soft texture and sweet flavor, making them taste freshly baked. The cream cheese icing can be added after heating, or you can serve it on the side.

Tips to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

1. Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter they are. Look for bananas with brown spots; they are perfect for this recipe.

2. Warm Milk: Make sure your milk is warmed to about 110°F. Too hot can kill the yeast, and too cold won’t activate it properly.

3. Kneading the Dough: Knead the dough properly for that light and fluffy texture. If you’re unsure, you can do the windowpane test: stretch a small piece of dough, and if it forms a thin sheet without tearing, it’s ready.

4. Don’t Rush the Rises: Allowing the dough enough time to rise is crucial. This will help the rolls become airy and light.

5. Use Dental Floss: When cutting the rolls, use unwaxed dental floss for a clean cut. Just slide the floss under the dough, cross the ends over the top, and pull to slice without squishing the rolls.

6. Experiment with Different Fillings: Feel free to switch up the filling by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruit for a different twist. You could also use nut butters instead of butter for a nutty flavor.

Variation

If you’re looking for a variation of this recipe, consider adding some chocolate chips to the filling. Banana and chocolate are a classic combination, and it can turn your rolls into an even sweeter treat. Alternatively, you can add a splash of vanilla extract to the dough or filling for added flavor.

Another variation is to use different types of frostings. Instead of cream cheese icing, you might try a simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. You could also incorporate spices like nutmeg or pumpkin spice into the filling for a seasonal version.

Lastly, consider turning these rolls into sticky buns. Instead of placing them in a baking dish, you can cook them in a cast-iron skillet with brown sugar and butter at the bottom for an extra decadent treat.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour. However, keep in mind that this may change the texture slightly, making the rolls denser.

2. How many rolls does this recipe make?
This recipe makes about 12 cinnamon rolls, which should serve about 6 people, assuming 2 rolls per person.

3. Can I make the dough the night before?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. In the morning, take it out, let it come to room temperature, and complete the rolling, cutting, and final rises as directed.

4. What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, while kneading until it reaches the desired consistency.

5. Can I add nuts to the filling?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a delightful crunch to your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. Just mix them into the cinnamon filling or sprinkle them on top before rolling the dough.

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