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Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls


  • Author: Monica
  • Total Time: About 2.5–3 hours

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

Scale

For the dough:

  • ¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)

  • 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • ½ cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 medium)

  • 1 large egg

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • ½ tsp salt

For the filling:

  • ½ cup brown sugar

  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the cream cheese glaze:

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened

  • 2 tbsp butter, softened

  • ¾ cup powdered sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 12 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

  • Best made with ripe bananas—brown spots mean more flavor!

  • For an overnight version, refrigerate rolls after step 6 and let them come to room temp before baking.

 

  • Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for crunch.

  • Prep Time: 30 min (+ 1.5–2 hours rising)
  • Cook Time: 25 min