These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a cozy treat, swirled with sweet banana and warm cinnamon. Topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, they are a perfect breakfast or snack!
Who can resist a warm roll fresh from the oven? I love how these rolls make my kitchen smell like a bakery. They’re perfect with a cup of coffee or as a sweet treat any time of day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mashed Bananas: Ripe bananas are essential here for moisture and banana flavor. If you’re short on bananas, you can use applesauce as a substitute. About 1/2 cup will do the trick!
Yeast: Active dry yeast brings the rolls to life. If you’re looking for a quick option, use instant yeast (it works the same, no need to activate it first!).
Butter: Unsalted butter helps control the salt balance in the rolls. In a pinch, you can use margarine or coconut oil. Just note it will adjust the flavor slightly.
Cream Cheese: For the frosting, cream cheese adds creaminess. If you’re seeking a lighter frosting, consider Greek yogurt or mascarpone as alternatives!
What’s the Best Way to Knead Dough?
Kneading is crucial for developing gluten and getting the perfect texture. To knead, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and push down on it with your hands, folding it over itself. Repeat this for about 6-8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Make sure your hands and the surface are floured to prevent sticking.
- Don’t rush! Knead until the dough springs back when you poke it; that’s a good sign it’s ready.
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium bananas)
- 1/3 cup whole milk, warmed
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (adjust for desired sweetness)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls recipe will take you about 2 to 2.5 hours from start to finish. This includes around 15 minutes for preparation, 2 rising periods (1 to 1.5 hours and 30-45 minutes), plus 25 minutes for baking. You’ll be rewarded with warm, delicious rolls that are well worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
In a small bowl, warm the milk to about 100°F (38°C). Then, sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is active and ready to use!
2. Mix the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, sugar, softened butter, salt, and egg. Stir until everything is well mixed. Now, add the yeast mixture into the bowl and combine it gently.
3. Add Flour:
Gradually add in 3 cups of flour, mixing until incorporated. If the dough feels too sticky, add more flour one tablespoon at a time until you get a soft, kneadable dough. Your dough should be smooth but not overly sticky.
4. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 6-8 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. This step is important for developing the gluten!
5. First Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size. Patience is key here!
6. Prepare the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set this mixture aside for later.
7. Roll Out the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to remove any air bubbles. Roll it out on a floured surface to form a rectangle about 12×15 inches.
8. Add the Filling:
Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top, spreading it out evenly.
9. Form the Rolls:
Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Pinch the seam to seal it, then slice the log into 12 equal rolls.
10. Second Rise:
Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Cover them with a towel and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffy.
11. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
12. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the rolls are baking, make the frosting! In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, followed by the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, continuing to beat until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
13. Frost and Serve:
Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 10 minutes. Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls. Enjoy your delicious, homemade Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls!
FAQ for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting
Can I Use Less Sugar in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar in the dough or filling to suit your taste. Just keep in mind that sugar also helps with browning and texture, so reducing it too much might change the final result slightly.
How Do I Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make these cinnamon rolls vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use a non-dairy milk instead of whole milk, and replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water). Just ensure your cream cheese and frosting ingredients are also vegan!
What Should I Do If My Dough Isn’t Rising?
If your dough isn’t rising, it could be due to inactive yeast. Make sure the milk is warmed properly (not too hot!) and that your yeast is fresh. If the dough has been in a cool environment, move it to a warmer spot or a pre-warmed oven (turned off) to help kickstart the rising process.