why make this recipe

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on two classic favorites. Combining the rich flavors of banana bread with the fluffy, sweet goodness of cinnamon rolls creates a treat that is both comforting and indulgent. These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet snack. They are soft, gooey, and topped with creamy frosting, making them a crowd-pleaser. If you love bananas and cinnamon, this recipe is a must-try!

how to make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 bananas, mashed
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons sugar (for filling)
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
• 1 cup cream cheese (for frosting)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, sugar, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract. Then stir in the yeast mixture.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt while mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread melted butter over it and sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts if using.
8. Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it into rolls.
9. Place the sliced rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
10. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown.
11. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
12. Spread the frosting over the warm rolls before serving.

how to serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Serve these rolls warm for the best flavor. You might enjoy them as they are, or you can serve them with extra frosting on the side for those who want a little more sweetness. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a perfect breakfast or snack!

how to store Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

To store leftover rolls, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the rolls. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.

tips to make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

• Make sure your milk is warm, but not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
• For extra banana flavor, you can add more mashed bananas to the dough.
• Use a sharp knife to slice the rolls to avoid squishing the dough.
• Add raisins or chocolate chips to the filling for additional flavor variations.

variation

You can experiment with this recipe by adding different fillings. For example, consider using brown sugar instead of white for a richer flavor, or adding dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. You can also swap nuts for chocolate chips for a sweeter version!

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling and baking.

2. What can I use if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?
You can use a simple powdered sugar glaze by mixing powdered sugar with milk instead of cream cheese.

3. Can I adjust the sweetness of the rolls?
Absolutely! Feel free to reduce the amount of sugar in the dough or filling if you prefer less sweetness.