Description
Few things compare to the joy of a freshly baked cinnamon roll. Add the natural sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas, and you have the perfect breakfast, brunch, or comforting treat. These Easy Banana Cinnamon Rolls combine soft banana-infused dough, a rich cinnamon filling, and tangy cream cheese icing for an irresistible twist on a classic.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 5 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2/3 cup mashed ripe bananas (from 2 bananas)
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 bananas, thinly sliced
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- Heat milk to 110°F (warm to the touch). Sprinkle yeast over the milk and let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add cubed butter to the flour mixture and combine with your hands or a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the yeast mixture, beaten egg, and mashed bananas. Knead with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for 5 minutes, or by hand for 8 minutes, until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky.
2. Let the Dough Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
3. Make the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined.
4. Assemble the Rolls:
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough. Arrange thinly sliced bananas on top.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the short end. Cut into 12 even rolls using a serrated knife or unflavored dental floss.
5. Final Rise and Bake:
- Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan, leaving some space between each.
- Cover and let rise for 20 minutes while preheating the oven to 375°F.
- Bake for 28-33 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Prepare the Icing:
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy.
7. Ice and Serve:
- Spread cream cheese icing over warm rolls, allowing it to melt slightly into the layers.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, gooey goodness.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- To make ahead, refrigerate the assembled rolls overnight and bake the next morning.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American