why make this recipe
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting blend two beloved baked goods into one delightful treat. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with the sweet flavor of ripe bananas. The addition of cinnamon adds warmth and a cozy aroma, perfect for breakfast or a snack. Topped with creamy frosting, these rolls are not just delicious; they are a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply indulging in a cozy morning at home, these cinnamon rolls will surely impress everyone at the table.
how to make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (for frosting)
Directions:
- Prepare the Bananas: Begin by mashing the ripe bananas in a mixing bowl until smooth. Set aside. This step is crucial since the bananas add moisture and natural sweetness to the rolls.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, instant yeast, cinnamon, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients helps ensure that the yeast is evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, and the egg. Stir in the mashed banana until thoroughly mixed. The warmth of the milk helps activate the yeast, leading to a soft and airy dough.
- Form the Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix; just combine until you see no dry flour.
- Knead the Dough: Lightly flour a surface and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Kneading is essential as it develops the gluten which creates the structure of the rolls.
- Let It Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour. This allows the dough to double in size, making it fluffy.
- Prepare the Filling: After the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle shape. Sprinkle with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar to create the delicious filling before rolling it back up.
- Roll and Cut: Starting from one edge of the rectangle, roll the dough tightly into a log. Once you have a rolled log, cut it into 12 equal pieces. These pieces will be the rolls.
- Second Rise: Place the cut rolls into a greased baking dish, making sure to leave some space between them. Cover with a towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. This second rise ensures tender and airy rolls.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown. This is the moment of magic when your kitchen will fill with the sweet and spicy aroma of cinnamon and banana.
- Make the Frosting: While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and tablespoon of milk until smooth and creamy.
- Frost the Rolls: Once the rolls have baked and are still warm, drizzle or spread the cream cheese frosting over them. Allow the frosting to melt a little into the rolls, adding to the sweetness.
how to serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
These cinnamon rolls are best served warm. You can enjoy them as is or pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat. They can be a delightful breakfast option, a sweet afternoon snack, or even a dessert. If you’re serving guests, consider presenting them on a lovely platter, garnished with banana slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch.
how to store Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For maximum freshness, you can freeze the rolls (without frosting) for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in the microwave or oven until warm, then frost them just before serving.
tips to make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the rolls will be. Look for bananas that have plenty of brown spots.
- Kneading the Dough: Make sure to knead the dough thoroughly; it should be smooth and slightly tacky. If it’s too sticky, add a little extra flour during kneading.
- Warm Environment: If your kitchen is cool, you can let the dough rise in a slightly warmed oven (turn on the oven for a minute, then turn it off) to create a warm environment.
- Frosting Adjustments: If you prefer a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar, and for a thinner consistency, increase the milk gradually.
variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding ingredients to the filling. Consider adding chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for an extra crunch. You could also mix in some chocolate chips for a sweet twist or dried fruit like raisins for added texture and flavor. If you want a healthier option, you might opt to substitute whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. However, it may create denser rolls, so you might need to adjust the amount of liquid.
How can I make these cinnamon rolls vegan?
To make a vegan version, you can substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) and use a non-dairy milk and butter alternative.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time, let it rise, shape the rolls, and then refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, allow them to come to room temperature and rise before baking.
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are not only easy to make but also a delightful treat that the whole family will enjoy. Combining the comforting flavors of banana bread with the delightful spiral of cinnamon rolls, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. Enjoy baking and sharing these soft, sweet rolls with loved ones!
Print
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls filled with ripe bananas and a touch of cinnamon, topped with creamy cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (for frosting)
Instructions
- Mash the ripe bananas in a mixing bowl until smooth and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, instant yeast, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, and the egg. Stir in the mashed banana.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle shape and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces.
- Place the cut rolls into a greased baking dish and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle or spread the frosting over the warm rolls and enjoy.
Notes
Best served warm; can be enjoyed with coffee or tea. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: banana bread, cinnamon rolls, cream cheese frosting