Description
Soft, tender cinnamon rolls infused with ripe mashed bananas for a banana bread twist, topped with a tangy cream-cheese glaze—perfect for brunch or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup ripe mashed bananas (about 2–3 medium bananas)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 large beaten egg
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 to 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp softened butter (for filling)
- ½ cup brown sugar (for filling)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for filling)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for filling)
- 4 oz softened cream cheese (for icing)
- 2 tbsp softened butter (for icing)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (for icing)
- 1–2 tbsp milk (for icing)
Instructions
- Activate yeast: Sprinkle yeast over warm milk in a small bowl; let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Combine mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, beaten egg, and salt in a large bowl; stir to combine. Add yeast mixture and mix gently.
- Gradually stir in 3 cups flour until dough pulls from bowl sides; add up to ½ cup more flour if needed for manageable dough.
- Knead dough on floured surface 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in greased bowl; cover and let rise in warm spot until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Roll dough into 12×16 inch rectangle on floured surface.
- Spread 3 tbsp softened butter over dough, leaving ½-inch border.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle evenly over butter. Add nuts if using.
- Roll dough tightly from long edge; pinch seam closed. Cut into 12 equal 1½-inch slices.
- Place slices cut-side up in greased 9×13-inch pan, leaving space between.
- Cover loosely; let rise 30–45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake rolls 20–25 minutes until golden; tent with foil if edges brown too fast.
- Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla; add milk to desired consistency.
- Spread or drizzle icing over warm rolls; serve immediately.
Notes
For clean slices, use unflavored dental floss to cut rolls. Patience during kneading and rising ensures soft rolls. Customize filling with banana extract or dried banana chips for extra flavor. Nuts and warming spices like cardamom or nutmeg add depth. Gluten-free and vegan adaptations available. Store leftovers airtight at room temperature up to 2 days; reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg