Imagine combining the comforting, sweet notes of homemade banana bread with the irresistible swirl and gooey goodness of a classic cinnamon roll. Stop imagining, because these Divine Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are here to make that dream a delicious reality!
This recipe takes two beloved breakfast (or anytime!) treats and merges them into one spectacular pastry. The dough itself is infused with ripe banana goodness, ensuring an incredibly moist and tender crumb. Each roll is generously filled with a rich, buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture, then baked to golden perfection, and finally, crowned with a dreamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s the ultimate way to use those forgotten ripe bananas on your counter.
Why These Rolls Are a Must-Bake
Prepare to fall head over heels for these unique cinnamon rolls. They offer everything you love about both banana bread and cinnamon rolls, perfected in one bite.
- Flavor Explosion: The harmonious blend of sweet banana and warm cinnamon creates an extraordinary taste that is both familiar and exciting.
- Unbelievable Texture: Thanks to the mashed bananas, the dough is exceptionally soft, fluffy, and tender, truly melting in your mouth.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From a leisurely weekend brunch to a special holiday gathering, these rolls are always a crowd-pleaser.
- Home Baker Friendly: The steps are clear and straightforward, making this impressive recipe accessible for bakers of all experience levels.
Key Ingredients for Success
Crafting these delectable rolls starts with fresh, quality ingredients. You'll need pantry staples like flour, yeast, sugar, butter, and milk, alongside the star ingredient: ripe bananas. For the full, detailed ingredient list, check the recipe card below.
Essential Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
- Embrace Overripe Bananas: The spottier and darker your bananas are, the more natural sweetness and intense banana flavor they'll bring to your rolls. This is a non-negotiable for the best results!
- Give Yeast Time: Patience is key for light and airy rolls. Allow your dough to rise in a warm, draft-free spot until it has visibly doubled in size.
- Don't Skimp on Kneading: Proper kneading develops the gluten in the dough, which is essential for that perfect chewy yet soft texture.
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep a close eye on your rolls. They should be golden brown and feel soft to the touch. Overbaking can lead to dry rolls. A good quality chef's knife can also make slicing uniform rolls much easier!
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are absolutely divine on their own, but they also make a fantastic addition to a broader spread. Serve them with a hot cup of coffee, your favorite tea, or a tall glass of milk. For an extra special brunch, consider adding fresh berries or a side of savory scrambled eggs. If you enjoy baking with bananas, you might also love our recipe for Moist Banana Bread: The Best Easy Recipe or try a simpler twist with our Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread.
Storage and Reheating Made Easy
Should you be lucky enough to have leftovers, store your frosted cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For extended freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop a roll into the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, until they are soft and gooey again.
Conclusion
These Divine Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are truly a culinary masterpiece, bringing together the best of two beloved treats. The moist, banana-infused dough, coupled with a sweet cinnamon swirl and topped with a creamy, tangy frosting, creates an unforgettable experience. They are perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a special treat just for you.
We hope you find as much joy in making and devouring these rolls as we do. Happy baking!
FAQs
What makes ripe bananas ideal for this recipe?
Very ripe bananas, with brown spots, are sweeter and more aromatic, contributing intense banana flavor and crucial moisture to the dough. This ensures your cinnamon rolls are incredibly soft and delicious.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes! After the first rise and punching down, cover the dough tightly and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, allow it to come to room temperature for 30-60 minutes before proceeding with rolling, filling, slicing, and baking.
How should I store leftover Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls?
Keep frosted rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For best results, reheat individual rolls briefly in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Are there any easy variations for this recipe?
Absolutely! Enhance the texture and flavor by adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling. For a touch of chocolate, sprinkle in mini chocolate chips with the filling or over the frosting. A pinch of nutmeg can also deepen the spiced notes.
Divine Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (includes rise time)
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fluffy, banana-infused cinnamon rolls swirled with sweet spice and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, combining two classic comfort foods.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
1 cup warm milk (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 large)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg, room temperature
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
Instructions
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Add the mashed bananas, melted butter, egg, remaining granulated sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.
Step 3: Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
Step 4: Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, until it's smooth and elastic. It should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 5: Lightly grease a clean large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 6: While the dough rises, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
Step 7: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 18x12 inches.
Step 8: Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 9: Starting from a long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to slice the log into 12 even rolls (about 1.5 inches thick).
Step 10: Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange the sliced rolls in the prepared dish. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise again for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffed up.
Step 11: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through. If they start browning too quickly, you can loosely tent them with foil.
Step 12: While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.
Step 13: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Beat in the vanilla extract, then add milk or heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached (creamy but spreadable).
Step 14: Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 5-10 minutes, then generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For extra warmth, lightly toast any leftover rolls before frosting. A sprinkle of chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) can be added to the filling for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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