These banana bread cinnamon rolls are a warm, gooey treat topped with creamy frosting. The combination of sweet bananas and cinnamon makes every bite feel like a cozy hug!
It’s hard to resist sneaking an extra roll, especially when the cream cheese frosting is involved—just heavenly! I love enjoying them warm with a cup of coffee. Pure bliss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: Using overripe bananas adds natural sweetness. If you don’t have enough, you can combine with unsweetened applesauce or even pumpkin puree for a different twist!
Active Dry Yeast: If you run out of active dry yeast, try instant yeast instead. You won’t need to proof it; just add it directly to the dry ingredients. Always store yeast properly in a cool, dry place to keep it effective!
Cream Cheese: I love using full-fat cream cheese for the frosting as it gives a rich texture. For a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt, but it will be less sweet and creamy.
All-purpose Flour: For a healthier spin, you can substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour. Just remember, it might change the texture a bit, making it a bit denser.
How Do I Ensure My Dough Rises Properly?
Getting your dough to rise well is essential for fluffy cinnamon rolls. It’s all about the warmth and time! Here are some tips:
- Make sure your yeast is fresh. If it doesn’t foam in warm milk, it’s no good!
- Let your dough rise in a warm place. An oven preheated to 200°F (turn it off after a few minutes) works great.
- Don’t rush the rising process! Allowing it to double in size takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, so be patient for the best texture.
By following these insights and tips, you’ll be on your way to creating a delightful batch of banana bread cinnamon rolls that are sure to impress!
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm whole milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 large egg
- 3 to 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 to 1½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (optional, to thin if needed)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 2.5 to 3 hours in total. You’ll need about 30 minutes for preparation and assembly, plus roughly 2 hours for rising. The baking time is about 25-30 minutes. Don’t worry, the wait will be worth it when you have a warm batch of cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast:
In a small bowl, warm the milk to about 110°F (it should feel warm to the touch, but not hot). Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means your yeast is active and ready to go!
2. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, salt, cinnamon, and egg. Then, add the foamy yeast mixture and stir everything together until well combined.
3. Add the Flour:
Gradually add 3 cups of flour to the banana mixture, stirring until a sticky dough forms. If the dough is still too sticky to handle, add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl but is still soft to the touch.
4. Knead the Dough:
Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out onto it. Knead the dough for about 6-8 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, which should take about 1 to 1.5 hours.
5. Prepare the Filling:
In a separate small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set the softened butter aside for spreading later.
6. Roll Out the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle that’s about 16×12 inches in size.
7. Add the Filling:
Spread the softened butter evenly over the entire surface of the dough. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered dough.
8. Roll It Up:
Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it well.
9. Cut the Rolls:
Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces.
10. Shape the Rolls in the Baking Dish:
Place the rolls cut side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish or two smaller pans, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover and let them rise again for another 30-45 minutes until they look puffy.
11. Preheat the Oven:
While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
12. Bake the Rolls:
Once puffed, bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
13. Make the Frosting:
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. If it’s too thick, add a little milk to reach your desired spreading consistency.
14. Cool the Rolls:
When the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes before frosting.
15. Frost the Rolls:
Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls, letting it melt slightly into the warm dough.
16. Serve and Enjoy:
Your banana bread cinnamon rolls are ready! Serve them warm for a delightful treat any time of day.
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These banana bread cinnamon rolls combine the comforting banana flavor with a classic cinnamon swirl and a luscious cream cheese frosting, making them a perfect dessert or indulgent breakfast treat. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas can give you a nice, sweet flavor that works perfectly in these rolls!
How Do I Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before! After kneading, place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out and following the rest of the recipe.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese in the Frosting?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese. The frosting will be different in texture and flavor, but still delicious!
