Description
Moist banana bread meets classic cinnamon rolls in this irresistible “banana bread cinnamon rolls” fusion. Sweet spices and ripe bananas create a comforting breakfast treat that melts in your mouth, inviting you to savor each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 medium ripe bananas
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
Filling Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup mashed banana
- 2 tbsp softened cream cheese
Topping/Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm water (110°F), allowing it to become frothy and bubbly for about 5-7 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, then incorporate mashed ripe bananas.
- Gradually fold in flour to the banana mixture, creating a soft, slightly sticky dough that comes together smoothly.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 6-8 minutes until elastic and smooth, then transfer to a greased bowl and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour.
- While dough rises, prepare the filling by mixing brown sugar, ground cinnamon, mashed banana, and softened cream cheese into a rich, fragrant spread.
- Punch down the risen dough and roll out into a large rectangular shape on a floured surface, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the cinnamon-banana filling evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Carefully roll the dough from the long side, creating a tight log, then slice into 12 even rounds using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, allowing them space to expand, and let rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and aromatic.
- Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and drizzling consistency.
- Once rolls are slightly cooled, generously drizzle with glaze and sprinkle chopped walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor.
Notes
- Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring the same soft texture by adding xanthan gum for binding.
- Reduce sugar content by using ripe bananas as a natural sweetener and replacing some granulated sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for lower-calorie option.
- Use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based milk alternatives to make the recipe vegan-friendly, maintaining the rich and creamy consistency of the filling and glaze.
- Let bananas ripen until deep brown and speckled for maximum natural sweetness and intense banana flavor, which enhances the overall taste of the cinnamon rolls.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg