Description
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the moist, sweet flavor of banana bread with the warm, spicy swirl of classic cinnamon rolls. These soft, fluffy rolls are topped with a creamy cream cheese glaze for a perfect breakfast or snack treat that brings a delightful twist to a beloved classic.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 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
Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
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 proper temperature for baking the cinnamon rolls.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas and add the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Mix well until the sugars are incorporated.
- Add Butter: Pour in the melted unsalted butter and stir until the mixture is fully blended.
- Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Crack in the egg and add the vanilla extract, mixing until the egg is thoroughly combined into the wet mixture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently and just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the dough.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon, creating the cinnamon sugar filling.
- Spread Butter on Dough: Evenly spread the softened butter over the surface of the dough to help the cinnamon sugar stick and create moist, flavorful rolls.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough, covering it completely for a delicious swirl.
- Roll the Dough: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log starting from one end, keeping the filling contained within the roll for perfect slices.
- Slice Rolls: Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the rolled dough into 1-inch thick slices to form individual cinnamon rolls.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the sliced rolls into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spacing them slightly apart to allow room for rising.
- Let Rolls Rise: Cover the baking dish with a clean kitchen towel and allow the rolls to rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, letting them become light and puffy.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean, indicating they are fully baked.
- Cool: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool in the pan for approximately 10 minutes to make glazing easier.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Glaze: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract while mixing to achieve your desired glaze consistency.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle or spread the cream cheese glaze over the warm banana bread cinnamon rolls before serving for a creamy, sweet finish.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture in the dough.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the rolls tender and soft.
- If you want a sweeter glaze, add more powdered sugar or adjust milk for thickness.
- Dental floss is an easy alternative to a knife when slicing the rolls to prevent squishing.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter and cream cheese with vegan alternatives.
