Why Make This Recipe
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful twist on two beloved treats: banana bread and traditional cinnamon rolls. This recipe combines the moist, sweet flavor of ripe bananas with the sticky, comforting goodness of cinnamon rolls. The addition of a creamy, tangy frosting brings everything together for a truly indulgent experience. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or simply a sweet snack, these rolls are sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your family and friends.
How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (for frosting)
Directions:
- Prepare the Banana Puree: Begin by mashing the ripe bananas in a mixing bowl. Use a fork or potato masher until the bananas are smooth. Set the banana puree aside for later use.
- Create the Dough: In another large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, instant yeast, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure to mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Stir in the mashed banana until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Mix everything together until a soft dough forms. It should come together nicely, but it may be slightly sticky.
- Knead the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough onto it. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes. You want it to become smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour as needed.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour. The dough should double in size during this time.
- Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Roll it out into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar over the dough for that classic cinnamon roll flavor. Then, from one edge, roll the dough into a log shape.
- Cut Roll Slices: Carefully slice the log into about 12 equal pieces. Try to make the slices about 1 inch thick. Place the slices in a greased baking dish, making sure they are close but not touching each other.
- Second Rise: Cover the baking dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes. They will puff up nicely during this stage.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls are rising. This ensures the oven is hot when you are ready to bake.
- Bake the Rolls: Once the rolls have risen again, place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown on top.
- Make the Frosting: While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a tablespoon of milk. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Frost the Rolls: Once the rolls are done baking, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle or spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls for a delicious finish.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
These delicious rolls are best served warm. You can arrange them on a serving platter and drizzle extra frosting on top for an eye-catching presentation. Pair these rolls with a cup of coffee or tea, or enjoy them as an indulgent breakfast treat. They are great for special occasions, like holidays or birthday breakfasts, as well as comforting snacks throughout the week. Feel free to serve them with fresh fruit or a side of yogurt to balance the sweetness.
How to Store Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
If you have some rolls left over (which is unlikely, but possible!), store them in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for 1-2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to save some for later, you can also freeze the unfrosted rolls. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave until they are heated through.
Tips to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Banana Ripeness: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your rolls will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots for the best flavor.
- Adjusting Dough Consistency: If your dough seems too sticky, add a little more flour gradually until it reaches the right consistency. Don’t add too much, as this can make your rolls dense.
- Warm Environment: If your kitchen is cold, you can create a warm environment for your dough to rise by keeping the oven on low heat and then turning it off. Place the covered dough inside to rise.
- Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips: For added texture and flavor, consider mixing in chopped walnuts or chocolate chips into the dough before rolling it up.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the rolls the night before and store them in the fridge. Let them rise in the morning and bake them fresh.
Variations
- Chocolate Banana Rolls: Add chocolate chips or chunks to the dough before rolling up. The chocolate adds a delicious twist to the traditional flavors.
- Nutty Bananas: Mix in some finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the filling for a nutty crunch.
- Maple Frosting: Instead of cream cheese frosting, drizzle with a maple glaze made with powdered sugar and maple syrup for a different flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just thaw them completely, drain any excess liquid, and mash them before using.
2. What can I substitute for instant yeast?
You can use active dry yeast instead. Just be sure to dissolve it in the warm milk first and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy before adding it to the other ingredients.
3. Can I make these rolls without frosting?
Absolutely! The rolls are delightful on their own even without the cream cheese frosting. You can also sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for a simple touch.
By following this straightforward recipe, you can create delicious Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting that will bring joy to any gathering or be a special treat for yourself. Enjoy baking and indulging in this lovely combination of flavors!
Print
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful twist on banana bread and cinnamon rolls, topped with creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (for frosting)
Instructions
- Mash the ripe bananas in a mixing bowl and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine warm milk, melted butter, and egg in a separate bowl. Stir in mashed banana.
- Pour wet mixture into dry mixture and combine until a soft dough forms.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough, roll it into a rectangle, and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.
- Roll the dough into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare cream cheese frosting by beating together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- Frost warm rolls with cream cheese frosting before serving.
Notes
Best served warm. For added flavor, consider adding nuts or chocolate chips to the dough.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg