Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

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Intro for the Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe:

Who doesn’t love the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven? Now, imagine combining that cozy indulgence with the classic flavor of banana bread. These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls take two beloved treats and merge them into one delightful experience. The sweetness of ripe bananas and the aromatic spice of cinnamon swirl together in a pillowy dough, creating a dessert or brunch option that’s both familiar and excitingly different.

Perfect for breakfast gatherings, weekend brunch, or a special afternoon treat, these rolls are not only mouth-watering but also fairly simple to make. With a yeast-based dough enriched with mashed bananas, the rolls achieve a tender and slightly sweet texture. The rich cinnamon-sugar filling complements the banana flavor beautifully, while the cream cheese icing on top adds a tangy sweetness that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just looking for a fun new recipe to try, these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. They’re a twist on the classic, offering the nostalgic taste of banana bread with the decadence of cinnamon rolls—an irresistible combination that’s perfect for any occasion!

🍌🍞 Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

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

For the Filling:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Activate the Yeast:

In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and a pinch of the granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the surface and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.

2. Prepare the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, remaining granulated sugar, melted butter, and eggs until well combined.
Add the activated yeast mixture to the banana mixture and stir to combine.
Gradually add the flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

3. First Rise:

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

4. Make the Filling:

In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined. Set aside.

5. Roll Out the Dough:

Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.

6. Fill and Roll:

Spread the prepared filling evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Starting from one long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log.

7. Slice and Arrange:

Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the rolled dough into 12 equal-sized pieces.
Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.

8. Second Rise:

Cover the baking dish with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the cinnamon rolls rise in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffed and nearly doubled in size.

9. Bake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated, bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

10. Make the Cream Cheese Icing:

While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese icing. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

11. Ice and Serve:

Once the cinnamon rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
Spread the cream cheese icing over the warm cinnamon rolls.
Serve warm and enjoy!