Why It’s Great

What makes Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls so special is their harmonious blend of ripe banana sweetness and aromatic cinnamon. The banana-infused dough is not just moist; it’s bursting with flavor, ensuring every bite is a delight. It’s a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas while creating something extraordinary for a leisurely weekend morning or a festive occasion. Topped with a creamy frosting that adds a delightful tangy sweetness, these rolls are simply hard to resist!

Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

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

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk with the yeast, allowing it to dissolve and become frothy for about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the melted butter, egg, and mashed bananas. Gradually incorporate the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
2. Knead and Allow to Rise: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for approximately 5 minutes, or until it feels smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
3. Create the Filling: In a small bowl, blend together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon to create a rich cinnamon filling.
4. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and then roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
5. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the rolled-out dough. Roll the dough up tightly from one end to the other, forming a log, and then cut it into 12 equal rolls.
6. Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover them with a towel and allow them to rise again for about 30 minutes.
7. Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown.
8. Whip Up the Frosting: While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
9. Frost and Serve: Once the rolls have baked to perfection, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. Serve them immediately and indulge!

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. The melting cream cheese frosting elevates each bite. Pair them with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or brunch experience.
• Storage: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For a warm treat, simply reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. You can also freeze the rolls (before frosting) for up to 2 months; just thaw and warm them before adding the frosting.

Helpful Notes

• Banana Ripeness: Aim to use overripe bananas for the best results. The sweeter the bananas, the more flavor they’ll impart to the dough.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the rolls the night before. Let them rise in the refrigerator overnight; in the morning, bring them to room temperature and bake as instructed.
• Filling Variation: For an added touch of indulgence, consider incorporating chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel to the cinnamon filling before rolling the dough.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Absolutely! You can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Just mix it straight in with the dry ingredients without needing to dissolve it in warm liquid first.

2. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can definitely substitute some all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but beware that using only whole wheat may lead to denser rolls. A blend of 50% whole wheat and 50% all-purpose flour often yields the best results.

3. Can I make these cinnamon rolls dairy-free?

Yes! You can easily make these rolls dairy-free by swapping out the butter for a dairy-free alternative and using non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk. Also, consider using a dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting.

4. How do I keep the rolls soft after baking?

To maintain softness, store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature. If you refrigerate or freeze them, ensure they are warmed before serving to preserve their delightful softness.

5. Can I add other flavors to the dough?

Certainly! For an interesting twist, introduce flavors like nutmeg or cinnamon into the dough, or mix in chocolate chips and chopped nuts for added texture and taste.