Description
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls offer a delightful fusion of two beloved classics—banana bread and cinnamon rolls. Soft, fluffy rolls infused with ripe bananas and a rich cinnamon-sugar filling are baked to golden perfection and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat, this recipe combines comforting flavors with an irresistible twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough and Filling
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed (for filling)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for filling)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (or more for desired consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the rolls evenly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas with granulated sugar and brown sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined for a sweet base.
- Add Butter: Pour the melted butter into the banana mixture and stir thoroughly, creating a rich and moist dough foundation.
- Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Crack in the egg and add vanilla extract, mixing until fully blended to help with dough binding and flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to aerate and distribute leavening agents evenly.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the dough tender.
- Prepare Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, mix the packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon well to ensure an even, flavorful filling.
- Spread Butter on Dough: Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough to help the cinnamon sugar adhere and enhance richness.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough, covering it thoroughly for a sweet, spiced interior.
- Roll the Dough: Roll the dough tightly from one end into a log shape to trap the filling inside and form the signature swirl.
- Slice Rolls: Cut the rolled dough into 1-inch thick slices using a sharp knife or dental floss to create even portions that bake uniformly.
- Arrange in Pan: Place the sliced rolls into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, leaving small gaps between them to allow expansion.
- Proof the Rolls: Cover the dish with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes to develop a soft, airy texture.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool Rolls: Remove from the oven and let the rolls cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to firm up slightly before glazing.
- Make Cream Cheese Glaze: Beat the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until the glaze reaches your desired consistency.
- Glaze the Rolls: Drizzle or spread the cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls before serving for added sweetness and moisture.
Notes
- For best results, use very ripe bananas to maximize sweetness and moisture.
- Softening butter for the filling makes spreading easier and ensures even coverage.
- Allowing the rolls to rise before baking contributes to a lighter, fluffier texture.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, add less milk; for a thinner glaze, add more milk gradually.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat rolls gently in the microwave or oven before serving to restore softness.
