Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate comfort food, marrying the soft, moist texture of banana bread with the delightful twist of cinnamon rolls. Picture this: warm, fluffy rolls spiraled with sweet banana goodness, lightly spiced with cinnamon, and topped off with a creamy frosting. It’s a treat that makes any breakfast feel special and cozy. Whether you’re having a lazy brunch, a family gathering, or just a quiet day at home, these rolls are perfect for making every moment a little sweeter. And let’s be honest, who can resist the aromatic draw of cinnamon baking in the oven? As you bake, the smell fills your kitchen with warmth, inviting everyone to gather around. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this recipe that’s not only easy to make but undeniably delicious!

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Why This Recipe Works

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls come together beautifully, thanks to the combination of ripe bananas and fragrant cinnamon. This duo creates a comforting, moist dough that just melts in your mouth. The secret lies in the double rise process, which ensures a soft, fluffy texture that you can’t get enough of.

Additionally, the rich brown butter cream cheese frosting elevates these rolls from ordinary to extraordinary, adding a delightful layer of flavor and indulgence. Each bite is a celebration of sweet bananas and spiced warmth, making for a perfect treat any time of day.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

What’s not to love about this fusion? The combination of banana bread and cinnamon rolls delivers a unique twist on classic flavors that’s sure to become a family favorite. Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly baked rolls that have that perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are great for breakfast, an impressive brunch option, or simply as a sweet snack while gathered around the table. Plus, when you drizzle on the warm caramel sauce, they become an irresistible delight that nobody can say no to.

Ingredients

• Dough:
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) whole milk, warmed to 110°F (43°C)
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tsp granulated white sugar
• 4 3/4 cups (593 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp (12 g) granulated white sugar
• 1 egg, whisked
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup (180 g) ripe banana, mashed (about 2 bananas)

• 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, very softened

• Cinnamon Filling:

• 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt

• Heaping 1/3 cup (65 g) diced banana pieces

• Cinnamon Caramel Sauce:

• 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, very softened
• 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/3 cup (116 g) honey
• 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
• 3 tbsp (45 ml) heavy cream

• 1/4 tsp salt

• Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, cold
• 1 cup (130 g) powdered sugar

Creating the Dough Mixture

Mix and Bloom the Yeast

First, grab a bowl and combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Allow this mixture to sit for about ten minutes. You’ll want to see it get foamy, which indicates your yeast is happy and ready to make your dough rise.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large stand mixer bowl, it’s time to mix your dry ingredients. Toss in the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar. Give it a gentle whisk to ensure everything is evenly combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients

Now, let’s get those wet ingredients in there! Add the whisked egg, vanilla extract, mashed bananas, and softened butter directly to the dry mixture. This is where the magic begins to happen.

Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the yeast mixture into your bowl of ingredients. Mix everything until it’s well blended. You’re aiming for a sticky, cohesive dough that will form a perfect base for your rolls.

Knead the Dough

Switch to your dough hook attachment and knead the dough on medium speed for about 7 to 10 minutes. You want the dough to pull away from the sides of the bowl and form a soft ball.

Allow to Rise

Next, shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, roughly 1 to 1.5 hours. This waiting time is critical for that fluffy texture.

Making the Cinnamon Caramel Sauce

Mix Sauce Ingredients

While the dough rises, let’s whip up the cinnamon caramel sauce. In a medium bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, honey, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and salt until everything is well combined.

Prepare the Baking Dish

Take a 9×13 inch casserole dish and grease it lightly. Evenly spread the cinnamon caramel sauce on the bottom, creating a sticky, sweet foundation for your rolls.

Preparing the Cinnamon Banana Filling

Make the Filling

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. This filling is going to be the heart of your rolls, offering that classic cinnamon roll taste.

Dice the Bananas

Just before you’re ready to roll out the dough, take a moment to dice the banana pieces. This will add chunks of sweet banana to every bite.

Assembling and Baking the Rolls

Roll Out the Dough

After your dough has risen, punch it down gently and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out into an 18×12 inch rectangle, making sure it’s even all the way across.

Add Filling and Roll

Spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, then sprinkle the diced bananas evenly on top. Start rolling the dough tightly into a log shape. Once rolled, cut it into 12 pieces, which will form your individual rolls.

Second Rise

Place the rolls into your prepared dish and pour heavy cream between them. Cover the dish and let it rise again for about an hour, until those rolls are puffed up and doubled in size.

Preheat Oven and Bake

About 15 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 32 to 35 minutes until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly.

Making the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Brown the Butter

To make the frosting, melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Watch it carefully as it turns a beautiful golden color and starts to smell nutty, taking about 5 to 8 minutes.

Combine with Cream Cheese

Once the brown butter has cooled, mix it with cold cream cheese and powdered sugar until you achieve a smooth and fluffy frosting. This will be a decadent topping for your rolls.

Frost the Rolls

After pulling the rolls out of the oven, let them cool for about ten minutes. Generously cover them with the brown butter cream cheese frosting just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these banana bread cinnamon rolls warm alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea.
• Pair them with fresh fruit or yogurt to create a balanced breakfast.

Tips for Success

• For the best flavor, use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots.
• Check the freshness of your yeast. If it’s old, your rolls won’t rise properly.

Variations

• To add extra texture, consider mixing in nuts or chocolate chips into the filling.
• Spice things up by substituting in nutmeg or mixing with other baking spices to create a unique flavor.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze them for longer storage, allowing you to enjoy them even later.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas?
   Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain them before mashing to get rid of excess moisture.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare it and refrigerate overnight for a quick bake in the morning.

3. What if my rolls don’t rise?
   Check that your yeast is fresh and make sure the environment is warm enough to encourage rising.

4. Can I substitute the frosting?
   Sure thing! A standard cream cheese frosting or even a simple glaze can work beautifully.

5. How do I reheat leftover rolls?
   Simply microwave them for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

This recipe for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls is an ode to comfort food. Each roll brings together the best of both worlds, creating a treat that will warm hearts and satisfied bellies alike. Enjoy every gooey, indulgent bite—it’s hard to share, but you might be tempted to!

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