These soft banana bread cinnamon rolls are a delightful twist on the classic treat! They are packed with the sweet flavor of ripe bananas and swirled with cinnamon goodness.
And the cream cheese frosting? It’s the cherry on top! I just love how the sweetness balances all the flavors perfectly. They make a great breakfast or snack—just try not to eat them all at once! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: These add natural sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can use store-bought banana puree, or mash less ripe bananas and add a little extra sugar to mimic the sweetness.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the dough. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, though it may change the texture a bit. A gluten-free blend can also work if you need gluten-free rolls!
Active Dry Yeast: This helps the dough rise. If you’re out of active dry yeast, instant yeast can be used in the same amount without the proofing step. Just mix it in with the dry ingredients.
Cream Cheese: For the frosting, you can swap this for Greek yogurt for a lighter option. It will still be creamy but will have a tangier flavor.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Dough Texture?
The key to a good dough is knowing the right texture to look for. After mixing, the dough should be sticky but workable. Knead it for 6-8 minutes until it’s smooth and slightly elastic.
- Start with the right temperature for your milk (lukewarm), as too hot can kill the yeast.
- When kneading, add flour gradually if the dough is too sticky. Avoid making it too dry!
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until it doubles. Patience is key here!
This whole process may sound daunting, but it’s easy when you get the hang of it. Enjoy the delightful smell of fresh rolls baking in your kitchen!
Soft Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ½ cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
For the Filling:
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk or cream (optional, for consistency)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, followed by 2-2.5 hours of rising time, and then 25-30 minutes for baking. So, all in all, you’ll need around 3 hours to make these delicious rolls, but a lot of that time is just waiting for the dough to rise! They are definitely worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
First, warm the milk in a small bowl until it reaches a lukewarm temperature (about 110°F or 43°C). Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the warm milk, stir gently, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if you’re using it), and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, egg, melted butter, and the activated yeast mixture.
Now, mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a sticky dough forms. You can do this by hand or with a stand mixer using a dough hook.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 6-8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Make the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix together the packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Keep the softened butter at hand for spreading later.
3. Assemble the Rolls:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Then, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 16 x 12 inches in size.
Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture evenly on top.
Starting from the longer edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. After rolling, cut the log into 12 equal slices.
Place the sliced rolls cut side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, allowing some space between them. Cover the dish and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they are puffy.
4. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting. Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter in a mixing bowl until the mixture is smooth. Then, mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. If you want a thinner consistency, add milk or cream a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired texture.
6. Serve:
Once the rolls have baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly (about 10 minutes). Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls.
Serve them warm and enjoy your soft, sweet banana bread cinnamon rolls!
These banana bread cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat that will fill your home with a wonderful aroma, and the creamy frosting is the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Soft Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Can I Use Overripe Bananas?
Absolutely! In fact, overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe as they are sweeter and will add more moisture to the dough. Just make sure they’re well-mashed for even distribution.
How Should I Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Can I Freeze These Cinnamon Rolls?
Yes, you can! After baking, allow the rolls to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above.
What If I Don’t Have Cream Cheese for the Frosting?
If you’re out of cream cheese, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor, or even use a simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Just mix them until you reach the desired consistency!
