These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a warm hug for your taste buds! Soft and fluffy dough swirled with sweet cinnamon and bananas, then topped with creamy frosting—you won’t want to share!
I mean, who wouldn’t love a roll that tastes like banana bread? I often find myself sneaking an extra one when no one is looking. 🍌 Just pair it with coffee, and you’re all set!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: These are key for flavor and moisture. Make sure they are brown and mushy for the best results. If you’re out of ripe bananas, you can use applesauce—about 1/3 cup for every banana.
Active Dry Yeast: This helps your rolls rise and become fluffy. If you have instant yeast, you can substitute it directly without blooming it in warm milk. Just mix it with the dry ingredients.
Brown Sugar: This adds richness and a deep caramel flavor. If you don’t have it, feel free to use granulated sugar or coconut sugar, but this might change the taste a bit.
Cream Cheese: Essential for a creamy frosting! For a lower-fat option, use a light cream cheese or Greek yogurt in place of the cream cheese, though the taste and texture may vary a bit.
How Do You Make Sure Your Rolls Rise Perfectly?
Getting the right rise is crucial for fluffy cinnamon rolls. Here are simple tips:
- Always check your yeast. It should be fresh and bubbly when added to warm milk.
- The dough should be soft but not sticky. Add flour gradually—only enough to manage the dough easily.
- When rising, keep the dough in a warm place, like an oven turned off with the light on, or by covering it with a warm towel.
- Don’t skip the second rise in the pan! This helps achieve those fluffy, pillowy rolls.
With these tips, your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls will turn out perfectly every time! Happy baking! 🍞✨
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium bananas)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra if needed)
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk (optional, to adjust consistency)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe typically takes about 2.5 hours to make. This includes about 30 minutes of prep time, 1.5 hours for the dough to rise, and 25-30 minutes for baking. The time is well worth the deliciousness of these banana bread cinnamon rolls!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
Begin by warming the milk to about 110°F (43°C). In a small bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the warm milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This activates the yeast, which is crucial for fluffy rolls.
2. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together well until it’s smooth and combined.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Pour the foamed yeast mixture into the banana mixture and stir to combine. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough begins to form. If using a stand mixer, knead the dough with the dough hook for about 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
4. First Rise:
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, which should take about 1 to 1.5 hours.
5. Prepare the Filling:
While waiting for the dough to rise, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth and well combined.
6. Roll Out the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air, and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle that is approximately 16 by 12 inches.
7. Add Filling:
Spread the cinnamon-banana filling evenly across the rolled-out dough, leaving about a half-inch border all around the edges.
8. Roll and Cut:
Beginning from the longer side of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Once rolled, pinch the edges to seal it well, then slice the log into 12 equal rolls.
9. Second Rise:
Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan (or two 9-inch round pans), spacing them a bit apart. Cover the pan and let them rise for about 30-45 minutes until they’ve puffed up.
10. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Let them cool a bit once they are out of the oven.
11. Prepare the Frosting:
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing well until fluffy. If needed, add milk a little bit at a time to achieve your desired frosting consistency.
12. Frost and Serve:
Allow the rolls to cool slightly before generously spreading the cream cheese frosting over the top. Serve them warm and savor the deliciousness!
Enjoy these scrumptious Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls that bring together the best of banana bread and cinnamon rolls, all topped with a rich cream cheese frosting!
FAQ for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. This will keep your dough from getting too wet.
Can I Prepare the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance! After making it, let it rise as instructed, then punch it down and cover it tightly. Refrigerate the dough overnight and bring it back to room temperature before rolling it out and proceeding with the recipe.
What Should I Do If the Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your dough is sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, while kneading until it’s smooth and elastic. Just be careful not to add too much, as overly dry dough can lead to dense rolls!
How Do I Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
These tips should help you make the most of your delicious Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls! Enjoy baking! 🍌✨