Description
Delicious banana bread cinnamon rolls combine the softness of classic cinnamon rolls with the natural sweetness and moistness of ripe bananas. These rolls feature a tender, fluffy dough enriched with mashed bananas, a spiced cinnamon-brown sugar filling layered with fresh banana slices, and a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts perfectly over warm rolls. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these treats offer a comforting twist on a beloved favorite.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Dough:
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk lukewarm (about 120-130°F)
- 6 Tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 4 1/2-5 cups (540 - 600 g) all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 cup mashed banana (about 1 large banana)
Filling and Assembly:
- 4 Tablespoons (1/2 stick, 57 g) unsalted butter very soft
- 1/2 cup (107 g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 2 large bananas thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream slightly warmed (for pouring on rolls before baking)
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 4 tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter softened
- 1 1/2 cups (170 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Warm Milk: In a medium saucepan, heat milk, butter, and sugar until the butter is melted and the temperature reaches 120°F-130°F, suitable for instant yeast. Remove from heat once achieved.
- Make Dough: In a stand mixer bowl fitted with a paddle attachment, combine 4 ½ cups flour, instant yeast, and salt. Add the warm butter-milk mixture and mashed bananas, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Switch to a dough hook on medium speed and knead for 6-8 minutes. Add additional flour gradually if the dough is too sticky but avoid exceeding 5 cups. The dough should be slightly sticky yet smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl, place the dough inside, and turn once to coat. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1 ½ hours.
- Roll Out Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into an 18×12 inch rectangle.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread softened butter over the dough, leaving a half-inch border on the top edge. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the butter, pressing lightly to adhere. Layer sliced bananas evenly on top.
- Cut Rolls: Starting from the long edge with the filling, roll the dough tightly into a log. Seal the edge by pinching the dough. Cut the log into 12 equal rolls using a serrated knife or dental floss for clean cuts.
- Second Rise: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and arrange rolls spiral side up. Cover and let them rise in a warm, draft-free place for 45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Just before baking, pour warmed heavy cream over the rolls. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and Frost: Let the rolls cool in the pan for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the cream cheese frosting.
- Make Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter on medium-high speed until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed until combined. Add vanilla extract and beat until fluffy and light.
- Ice Rolls: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the slightly warm rolls so it melts slightly into the surface. Serve warm for best taste.
Notes
- Use instant yeast for faster rise times; if using active dry yeast, adjust temperatures and allow longer rising periods.
- Do not overknead the dough to avoid dense and chewy rolls.
- Add flour sparingly during kneading to maintain a slightly sticky but elastic dough.
- Cut rolls with dental floss for clean edges to maintain the spiral shape.
- Slicing bananas thinly helps prevent bulky rolls and distribute flavor evenly.
- Pouring warm heavy cream on the rolls before baking keeps them moist and tender.
- Spread frosting while rolls are still warm to help it melt into the rolls and enhance flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg