These banana bread cinnamon rolls are a cozy twist on a classic treat. Soft and fluffy, they are filled with sweet banana goodness and a touch of cinnamon, then topped with creamy frosting!
Who can resist that warm smell wafting through the kitchen? I love enjoying them fresh out of the oven—just be careful, they disappear quickly! 🍌✨
Making these rolls is a breeze! You mix the ingredients, roll them up, and bake. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack any time of the day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yeast: Active dry yeast is essential for the rolls to rise. If you have instant yeast, you can use that instead, just skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
Banana: A ripe banana is key for flavor and moisture. If you’re fresh out of bananas, you could use applesauce as a substitute, about 1/4 cup should work.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth and flavor. If you want a twist, consider using pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice for a different profile.
Cream Cheese: Regular cream cheese is perfect for frosting. If you prefer a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt instead for a tangy twist.
How Do You Get Soft and Fluffy Rolls?
The secret to soft and fluffy banana bread cinnamon rolls lies in the dough preparation. Here are some tips to ensure your rolls turn out just right:
- Make sure your milk is warm but not hot—around 110°F (43°C) is perfect. Too hot can kill the yeast.
- When kneading, don’t rush it! Knead for about 6-8 minutes to develop gluten, which helps the rolls rise beautifully.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place; this could be your oven with just the light on. It should double in size. Be patient—it will be worth it!
Keep an eye on your rolls while baking; if they start browning too quickly, cover them with foil for the last few minutes. Happy baking!
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk (around 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 large ripe banana, mashed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (more as needed)
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
Total prep and cooking time is about 2 to 2.5 hours. This includes about 1.5 hours for the dough to rise, 30 minutes for assembling and baking the rolls, and a little time for cooling before frosting. It may take some patience, but the delicious results are absolutely worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it’s frothy. This means your yeast is good and ready!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, melted butter, mashed banana, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir in the frothy yeast mixture and mix well until combined.
3. Form the Dough:
Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough begins to form. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 6-8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, feel free to add a little more flour as needed.
4. Let It Rise:
Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This part is crucial for fluffy rolls!
5. Prepare the Filling:
While the dough is rising, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until fully combined. This will be the delicious filling that makes your rolls extra special!
6. Roll and Fill:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and turn it onto a floured surface. Roll the dough out into a rectangle about 16×12 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, covering all the corners.
7. Shape the Rolls:
Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Once rolled, slice it into 12 equal pieces. Try to make clean cuts to keep the rolls looking neat.
8. Second Rise:
Place the sliced rolls into a greased baking dish or pan, cover them, and let them rise again for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
9. Bake the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking!
10. Make the Frosting:
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, then mix until creamy and well combined.
11. Frost and Serve:
Once the rolls have cooled slightly, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls. Serve them fresh and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can! Whole wheat flour will give your rolls a nuttier flavor and richer texture. However, since whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture, you might need to adjust the liquid slightly. Start by replacing half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat and see how the dough feels—adjust with more liquid as needed.
How Do I Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’re looking to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap before freezing!
Can I Make the Dough in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise once, then punch it down and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature before rolling and filling. This can actually enhance the flavor!
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese in the Frosting?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese. For a vegan alternative, try sweetened coconut yogurt. Just remember to keep the consistency in mind—adjust the powdered sugar to achieve your desired frosting texture.
