Introduction
Welcome to a delightful twist on a classic favorite that will surely brighten your morning! These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the moist, rich flavors of banana bread with the irresistible swirls of cinnamon and sugar. Finished with a luscious cream cheese frosting, each bite is a perfect harmony of sweetness and warmth. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat, these rolls are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish, ensuring it’s ready for those glorious rolls.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until well combined; it should be a lovely, smooth mixture.
- Add the baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and flour to the banana mixture. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix! If you’re adding walnuts, fold them in for a delightful crunch.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. This will be the canvas for your cinnamon roll masterpiece.
- Spread the softened butter over the dough with a spatula. In a small bowl, mix the packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon together, then sprinkle this sweet mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. Once rolled up, slice it into equal pieces about 1 inch thick, and watch as those beautiful swirls are revealed!
- Place the cinnamon rolls into your greased baking dish, making sure they’re snug but not overcrowded. Bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they’re a glorious golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Once the rolls are out of the oven and have cooled for a few minutes, generously frost them with the cream cheese frosting. Watch it melt slightly into those warm rolls!
- Serve warm and enjoy this heavenly treat with family and friends!
Notes or Tips
- For an extra kick of flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the banana mixture.
- If you have any leftover rolls (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container for a few days, and reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to bring back their freshness.
- Feel free to customize your rolls by adding other mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit!
Cooking Techniques
This recipe makes great use of a few essential techniques:
- Mixing: Be sure not to overmix your dough to maintain a light and fluffy texture.
- Rolling: When rolling the dough, start from the longer side for better-sized rolls.
- Baking: Keep an eye on your cinnamon rolls near the end of baking to avoid over-browning.
FAQ
- Can I freeze the rolls? Yes! You can freeze unbaked rolls. Just ensure they’re in a good freezer-safe container, and bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Do I have to use walnuts? Not at all! You can leave them out if you prefer or substitute them with your favorite nuts.
- Can I make these gluten-free? Sure! Just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and you should have delicious results!
Conclusion
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are not just a treat; they’re an experience. Each soft, pillowy roll bursting with sweet banana flavor and warm spices is like a cozy hug in dessert form. Perfect for sharing, or savoring all to yourself, these rolls will make any day feel special. Happy baking!