A decadent twist on the classic cinnamon roll, these banana bread-inspired treats bring together the sweetness of ripe bananas and the spiced indulgence of cinnamon rolls, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Here’s a step-by-step detailed guide with tips, variations, and additional serving suggestions.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (2-3 medium bananas, very ripe)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust for sweetness if bananas are very ripe)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F (warm, not hot, to activate yeast)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to spreadable consistency
- 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (adjust for spice preference)
- Optional: 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted for a smooth texture)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons milk to adjust frosting consistency
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk and a pinch of sugar (from the measured amount).
- Sprinkle yeast on top and stir gently. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. If it doesn’t foam, start over with fresh yeast and ensure the milk is properly warmed.
2. Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, granulated sugar, melted butter, and eggs.
- Add the activated yeast mixture and stir until combined.
- Gradually incorporate the flour and salt, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add small amounts of flour as needed, but avoid overloading with flour to keep the dough soft.
3. First Rise
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat the surface. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap.
- Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until it forms a spreadable paste. Add optional nuts if desired.
5. Roll and Fill the Dough
- Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
- Roll it out into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches, with a thickness of 1/4 inch.
- Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
6. Roll, Slice, and Arrange
- Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.
- Slice the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.
- Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving slight space between each roll for expansion.
7. Second Rise
- Cover the dish with a towel or plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for 30-45 minutes in a warm spot until puffy and nearly doubled in size.
8. Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant.
9. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- While the rolls bake, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- For a thinner consistency, mix in a tablespoon of milk at a time.
10. Frost and Serve
- Allow the rolls to cool for 5 minutes before spreading cream cheese frosting generously over the tops.
- Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Tips and Tricks
- Banana Flavor: Use extra-ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Kneading Dough: Dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. Over-kneading can make it dense.
- Make Ahead: Prep the rolls and refrigerate overnight after the second rise. Bring them to room temperature before baking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the fridge. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Variations
- Chocolate Banana Rolls: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for a sweeter treat.
- Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling before rolling the dough.
- Caramel Drizzle: Replace the frosting with a caramel sauce drizzle for a decadent option.
Nutritional Information (Per Roll)
- Calories: ~320
- Carbohydrates: ~47g
- Protein: ~6g
- Fat: ~12g
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert option.
Enjoy these warm, banana-infused cinnamon rolls as a delightful twist on two classic comfort foods! 🍌✨