Are you a fan of both banana bread and cinnamon rolls? Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate fusion that’ll have your taste buds dancing with joy. Imagine the comforting taste of classic banana bread combined with gooey, cinnamon-filled rolls. This dreamy combination is about to become your new favorite bake!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 large egg, room temperature
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add the mashed bananas, melted butter, and egg to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Roll and Fill
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture generously on top. Add walnuts if using.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side, forming a log. Cut into 12 even rolls and place them in a greased baking dish.
Step 3: Let It Rise Again
- Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they’ve doubled in size.
Step 4: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Make the Frosting
- While the rolls are baking, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Mix until creamy.
- Spread the frosting over the warm rolls and serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly Soft Dough: Thanks to the mashed bananas, these rolls are incredibly moist and fluffy.
- Cinnamon Goodness: Each bite is packed with the warm, spicy flavor of cinnamon, complemented by the sweetness of banana.
- Creamy Frosting: The rich cream cheese frosting is the perfect finishing touch, adding a tangy sweetness that balances the flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these rolls ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. The next day, bring it to room temperature and continue with the recipe.
Q: Can I freeze these rolls? A: Yes! You can freeze the baked, unfrosted rolls. Just thaw them and warm them up before adding the frosting.
Q: What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting? A: No worries! You can make a simple vanilla glaze using powdered sugar, vanilla, and a bit of milk.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Keep the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week. Warm them up before serving.
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Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls: A Heavenly Twist for Your Taste Buds
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 ripe bananas mashed
- 1 large egg room temperature
- For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts optional
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add the mashed bananas, melted butter, and egg to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Step 2: Roll and Fill
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12x18 inches).
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture generously on top. Add walnuts if using.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side, forming a log. Cut into 12 even rolls and place them in a greased baking dish.
- Step 3: Let It Rise Again
- Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they’ve doubled in size.
- Step 4: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 5: Make the Frosting
- While the rolls are baking, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Mix until creamy.
- Spread the frosting over the warm rolls and serve immediately.