When it comes to creating a delightful fusion of flavors, Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting stand out as a supreme treat. Imagine the softness of banana bread and the aromatic warmth of cinnamon rolls merging into a single baking sensation that’s both comforting and delicious. The natural sweetness and moisture from ripe bananas give these rolls a unique twist, making them not only a delight to eat but also a breeze to prepare. With a prep process that’s as inviting as the scent of cinnamon spiraling through your kitchen, this recipe is perfect for a cozy brunch or a special breakfast treat.
What truly sets these banana bread cinnamon rolls apart is the way they capture the essence of traditional comfort foods while introducing a fresh and exciting element. The dough’s fluffy texture comes from an eggless yeast base enriched with mashed bananas, which is a wonderful option for those seeking alternatives to egg-based recipes. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these rolls deliver creamy sweetness in every bite. Plus, convenience is baked right in—you can prepare them the night before and enjoy freshly baked rolls in the morning with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Natural Sweetness: Made with fresh ripe bananas to add both sweetness and moisture.
- Eggless Delight: A soft, fluffy yeast dough without the use of eggs.
- Irresistible Filling: Cinnamon, brown sugar, and banana slices create a rich, fragrant swirl.
- Creamy Topping: Topped with a classic, smooth cream cheese frosting.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for prepping the night before.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
The key to achieving the perfect batch of banana bread cinnamon rolls is in the preparation. Begin by arranging your kitchen space for optimal efficiency. A clean countertop will be your canvas for rolling out the dough and assembling the rolls. Ensure you have a reliable set of measuring cups and spoons, a rolling pin, and a serrated knife or dental floss for shaping the rolls. If you use a stand mixer, the dough hook will be your best friend for kneading, but if you’re going manual, a sturdy bowl and a strong pair of hands will do the job.
Setting the stage for these delightful rolls involves keeping the ingredients at just the right temperature. The milk should be lukewarm, around 120–130°F, to activate the yeast effectively. Whether you choose instant or active dry yeast, monitoring the dough’s rise in a warm environment is crucial for developing that irresistible fluffiness. Ensuring your butter is sufficiently softened will make it easier to spread across the dough for the filling phase. With all these preparations in place, you are all set to embark on the culinary journey of crafting homemade banana bread cinnamon rolls.
Ingredients
- 1 cup lukewarm whole milk (120–130°F)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4½ to 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ tsp instant yeast (or active dry yeast, see notes)
- 1½ tsp salt
- ½ cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 large banana)
- 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 large bananas, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup heavy cream (slightly warmed, for pouring before baking)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Warm Milk Mixture
Gently heat the milk, butter, and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture reaches 120–130°F. This warm blend serves as the foundation for activating the yeast and infusing the dough with subtle sweetness.
Step 2: Make Dough
In the bowl of your stand mixer, using the paddle attachment, combine 4½ cups of flour, yeast, and salt. Add the warmed milk mixture along with the mashed banana, mixing on low speed until a shaggy dough begins to form. This is where the transformation into banana-infused cinnamon rolls begins.
Step 3: Knead Dough
Switch to using the dough hook and knead the mixture on medium speed for about 6–8 minutes. The goal is to achieve a dough that’s slightly sticky yet smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in additional flour, one tablespoon at a time, but do not exceed 5 cups in total flour.
Step 4: First Rise
Grease a large bowl generously and place the dough inside, turning it to coat with oil. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise in a warm area until it doubles in size, which typically takes 1 to 1½ hours.
Step 5: Roll Out Dough
Once risen, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into an 18×12-inch rectangle. A well-floured workspace will prevent sticking and ensure smooth rolling.
Step 6: Add Filling
Evenly spread softened butter over the rolled-out dough, keeping a ½-inch border free at the top. Mix the brown sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle this mixture over the buttered surface. Lay the thinly sliced bananas across the dough, creating layers of flavor.
Step 7: Shape Rolls
With care, roll the dough tightly from the filled long edge into a log, sealing the end by pinching it together. Using a serrated knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal rolls.
Step 8: Second Rise
Arrange the rolls spiral side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with a towel and allow them to rise in a warm spot until they are puffy and nearly doubled, which can take 45 to 75 minutes depending on the yeast type.
Step 9: Prepare to Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Just before placing the rolls in the oven, pour the slightly warmed heavy cream over them, which will help achieve that tender texture during baking.
Step 10: Bake
Bake the rolls for 30–35 minutes, until they turn golden brown. Once baked, allow them to cool for 20 minutes while the enticing aroma fills your home.
Step 11: Make Frosting
Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fluffy. Spread this delightful frosting over the warm rolls, letting it melt slightly to complement their warm goodness.
Variations
- Protein: For an added protein boost, incorporate chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the filling.
- Vegetables: Although unconventional, adding shredded carrots or zucchini can bring a touch of color and added nutrients to your rolls.
- Spices: Experiment with adding nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a spicier roll.
Cooking Notes
- Be patient with the dough rise times; allowing enough time for the dough to double in size will result in fluffier rolls.
- If using active dry yeast, activate it by dissolving in warm milk and a bit of sugar before adding to the flour.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these rolls with fresh coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or brunch experience.
- Serve with fresh fruit for a balanced spread that complements the sweetness of the rolls.
Tips
- To ensure even filling distribution, spread the ingredients gently using a spatula or your hands.
- For a make-ahead option, prepare the rolls up to the second rise and refrigerate overnight. This allows for fresh baking in the morning.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Protein: 5g per serving
- Sodium: 300mg per serving
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, whole wheat or gluten-free flour can be substitutes, but they may alter the texture slightly.
Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?
After baking, let them cool completely, wrap individually, and freeze. Thaw and warm up before serving.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
You can knead the dough by hand; it will take a bit more effort, but the results are just as wonderful.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The bananas should be very ripe, soft, and speckled for the best flavor and sweetness.
Conclusion
The merging of bananas and cinnamon rolls into one delectable treat is an enticing culinary endeavor that few can resist. Not only do these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting offer a delightful twist on a classic, but their ease of preparation makes them a tempting project for both seasoned bakers and novices alike. Whether you’re crafting them for a celebratory brunch or simply seeking to indulge in a sweet breakfast treat, these rolls promise a combination of flavors that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Don’t hesitate to leave a comment sharing your results or to experiment with the variations to make this recipe uniquely your own!
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Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful fusion of flavors that merge the softness of banana bread and the warmth of cinnamon rolls, making them an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup lukewarm whole milk (120–130°F)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4½ to 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ tsp instant yeast (or active dry yeast, see notes)
- 1½ tsp salt
- ½ cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 large banana)
- 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 large bananas, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup heavy cream (slightly warmed, for pouring before baking)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Gently heat the milk, butter, and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture reaches 120–130°F.
- In the bowl of your stand mixer, using the paddle attachment, combine 4½ cups of flour, yeast, and salt. Add the warmed milk mixture along with the mashed banana, mixing on low speed until a shaggy dough begins to form.
- Switch to using the dough hook and knead the mixture on medium speed for about 6–8 minutes until the dough is slightly sticky yet smooth and elastic.
- Grease a large bowl generously and place the dough inside, turning to coat with oil. Cover with a kitchen towel and allow to rise in a warm area until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1½ hours.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into an 18×12-inch rectangle.
- Evenly spread softened butter over the rolled-out dough, keeping a ½-inch border free at the top. Mix the brown sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle this mixture over the buttered surface. Lay the thinly sliced bananas across the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly from the filled long edge into a log, sealing the end by pinching it together. Slice the log into 12 equal rolls.
- Arrange the rolls spiral side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with a towel and allow to rise in a warm spot until puffy and nearly doubled, about 45 to 75 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Pour the slightly warmed heavy cream over them just before baking.
- Bake the rolls for 30–35 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool for 20 minutes.
- Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, spreading frosting over warm rolls.
Notes
If using active dry yeast, activate it by dissolving in warm milk and a bit of sugar before adding to the flour.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Protein: 5 g