Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of banana bread and cinnamon rolls! These soft and fluffy rolls are filled with a rich cinnamon-sugar mixture, topped with a creamy frosting, and are perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or 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 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp milk (for desired consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Add the remaining sugar, eggs, melted butter, mashed bananas, flour, and salt to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or knead with a stand mixer for 5-6 minutes.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg if using.
- Set aside the chopped pecans or walnuts for later use, if using.
- Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 16×12 inches).
- Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along the edges.
- Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the filling, if using.
- Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces.
- Bake the Cinnamon Rolls:
- Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll for expansion.
- Cover and let the rolls rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls are rising.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Combine cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
Notes
- Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better the flavor. Look for bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness.
- Rising Time: Ensure the dough is placed in a warm, draft-free area for optimal rising. You can create a warm environment by turning on your oven for a few minutes, then turning it off and placing the dough inside.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
