Description
These rolls blend the comforting flavors of banana bread with the gooey, spiced swirl of cinnamon rolls. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or any morning that deserves a little extra joy.
Ingredients
For the dough:
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¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
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2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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½ cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 medium)
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1 large egg
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¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
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3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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½ tsp salt
For the filling:
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½ cup brown sugar
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2 tsp ground cinnamon
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¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the cream cheese glaze:
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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2 tbsp butter, softened
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¾ cup powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1–2 tbsp milk (to adjust consistency)
Instructions
1️⃣ Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, mix warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2️⃣ Make the dough: Add mashed banana, egg, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in flour until a soft dough forms.
3️⃣ Knead and rise: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes (or use a stand mixer with dough hook for 5 mins). Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
4️⃣ Prepare the filling: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Set aside.
5️⃣ Roll and fill: Punch down the dough and roll it into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mix.
6️⃣ Shape and second rise: Roll up the dough tightly from the long side and cut into 12 equal rolls. Place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
7️⃣ Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 22–26 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
8️⃣ Make the glaze: Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to reach a pourable consistency.
9️⃣ Frost and serve: Spread glaze over warm rolls and serve immediately for that gooey, fresh-baked delight!
Notes
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Best made with ripe bananas—brown spots mean more flavor!
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For an overnight version, refrigerate rolls after step 6 and let them come to room temp before baking.
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Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for crunch.
- Prep Time: 30 min (+ 1.5–2 hours rising)
- Cook Time: 25 min