Get ready to elevate your breakfast game! Today, we're combining two universally loved treats into one irresistible creation: the rich, comforting flavors of banana bread and the gooey, warm embrace of classic cinnamon rolls. Introducing: Divine Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting. This recipe is a showstopper that promises to make your kitchen smell incredible and your taste buds sing!
Imagine a soft, tender dough infused with ripe banana, swirled with a generous layer of cinnamon-brown sugar filling, all crowned with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s the ultimate brunch indulgence, perfect for a cozy weekend morning or a special holiday gathering.
Why You'll Fall in Love with These Rolls
This isn't just a simple baked good; it's an experience. Here’s why these banana bread cinnamon rolls are a must-bake:
- Unforgettable Flavor: The natural sweetness of ripe bananas perfectly complements the warm spice of cinnamon and the richness of brown sugar.
- Incredibly Soft Texture: Mashed bananas contribute to an exceptionally moist and tender dough, making every bite melt in your mouth.
- Utilize Ripe Bananas: This is the perfect recipe for those overripe bananas sitting on your counter, turning them into something truly spectacular.
- Impressive & Satisfying: They look professional but are surprisingly approachable to make, guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to try them.
If you enjoy comforting baked goods with a hint of fruit, you might also adore something like Heavenly Honeycrisp Apple Cake: Your Ultimate Fall Dessert for another delightful treat.
Essential Ingredients for Success
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these masterpieces. You'll find most of these are pantry staples, with ripe bananas being the star!
For the Dough:
- Warm milk
- Active dry yeast
- Granulated sugar
- Mashed ripe bananas (the riper, the better!)
- Eggs
- Melted unsalted butter
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
For the Filling:
- Softened unsalted butter
- Packed light brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Softened cream cheese
- Softened unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Milk or cream (for consistency)
For more detailed information on baking techniques and ingredients, a great resource can be found at Serious Eats' Baking Glossary.
Crafting Your Divine Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
While the process involves a few steps, each one is straightforward and rewarding. Here’s a brief overview:
1. Prepare the Dough
You'll start by activating your yeast in warm milk with a touch of sugar. Then, combine it with mashed bananas, eggs, melted butter, flour, and salt. Knead until smooth and elastic, then let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size.
2. Assemble the Swirls
Once your dough is puffy, roll it out into a large rectangle. Spread the sweet cinnamon-brown sugar filling evenly across the surface. This is where the magic happens, creating those signature swirls!
3. Shape and Bake
Roll the dough tightly into a log, then slice it into individual rolls. Place them in a baking dish, let them rise one last time until visibly puffy, and then bake until golden brown and fragrant. The aroma will fill your home with warmth and anticipation!
4. The Grand Finale: Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls are still warm, whip up a dreamy cream cheese frosting. Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread generously over the warm rolls, letting it melt slightly into every crevice.
Serving Suggestions
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are absolutely perfect on their own, perhaps with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. For a more elaborate brunch, pair them with fresh fruit or a savory breakfast item. They also make a wonderful treat to bring to a potluck or share with loved ones. If you're looking for another easy baked good, consider these Easy Brownie Mix Cookies: Your Shortcut to Chewy, Chocolatey Bliss!
Get ready to bake a batch of these extraordinary rolls and make any morning feel special. Happy baking!
FAQs
What's the best way to get really ripe bananas for this recipe?
The riper the bananas, the better the flavor and moisture for your rolls! Look for bananas with plenty of brown or black spots. If yours aren't quite there, you can speed up ripening by placing them in a paper bag with an apple overnight, or by baking them in their skins at 300u00b0F (150u00b0C) for 15-30 minutes until soft.
Can I prepare these banana bread cinnamon rolls the night before?
Absolutely! After you've cut and placed the rolls in your baking dish, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, take them out and let them sit at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before baking as directed. This allows the dough to proof slightly for that perfect soft texture.
How should I store any leftover Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To enjoy them warm and gooey again, gently reheat in the microwave for 15-30 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes.
What if my dough isn't rising properly?
Several factors can affect dough rising. Ensure your yeast is active (it should foam when mixed with warm milk and sugar). Also, make sure your warm milk isn't too hot (which kills yeast) or too cold (which won't activate it). A warm, draft-free spot is crucial for proofing. If your kitchen is cold, try placing the covered bowl in a slightly warm (but not hot) oven that's been turned off, with the door ajar.
Divine Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delectable fusion of moist banana bread and classic cinnamon rolls, topped with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
1 cup warm milk (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
¼ cup granulated sugar, plus 1 teaspoon
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 large)
2 large eggs, at room temperature
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
4 ½ - 5 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
Instructions
Step 1: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the warm milk and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Add the remaining ¼ cup granulated sugar, mashed bananas, eggs, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
Step 3: Gradually add 4 cups of the flour and the salt, mixing with a dough hook on low speed or by hand until a shaggy dough forms. Add remaining flour as needed, a little at a time, until the dough is soft, slightly sticky, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Step 4: Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes on medium-low speed (or 8-10 minutes by hand) until it is smooth and elastic.
Step 5: Lightly grease a large bowl with cooking spray or butter. Place the dough in the bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 6: While the dough rises, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix until well combined and spreadable.
Step 7: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, approximately 18x12 inches.
Step 8: Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar filling over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small ½-inch border on one of the long edges.
Step 9: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam closed to seal.
Step 10: Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices (about 1.5 inches thick).
Step 11: Arrange the rolls in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise again in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
Step 12: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 13: Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. If they start to brown too quickly, you can tent them loosely with foil.
Step 14: While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.
Step 15: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract. Add milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
Step 16: Remove the baked rolls from the oven and let them cool for 5-10 minutes. Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls.
Notes
For extra banana flavor, use very ripe bananas with brown spots. For best results, ensure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for the frosting.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Leave a Reply