These banana bread cinnamon rolls combine the soft, sweet flavors of banana bread with the gooey, cinnamon-swirled delight of classic cinnamon rolls. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, they make an irresistible treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.
FULL RECIPE
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
1.For the filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
2.For the cream cheese frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk (optional for thinning)
Directions
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Stir in the yeast mixture.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle about 12×15 inches. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle evenly on top.
- Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut into 12 equal rolls.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- While rolls bake, prepare frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy. Add milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Spread frosting over warm rolls before serving.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Sugars: 18 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
The History and Origins of Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls have a long and rich history, believed to have originated in Northern Europe, particularly in Sweden and Denmark. Known as “kanelbullar” in Sweden, these sweet rolls became popular as a comforting treat enjoyed during fika, the traditional coffee break. Over time, variations spread across the globe, evolving with regional flavors and ingredients, such as the addition of banana in this recipe, which brings a unique twist to the classic.
The Role of Bananas in Baking
Bananas are widely appreciated in baking for their natural sweetness and moist texture. They act as a natural sweetener and a binder, helping to keep baked goods soft and tender. In banana bread cinnamon rolls, bananas enrich the dough, lending subtle fruity notes and enhancing overall flavor complexity without overpowering the cinnamon spice.
Yeast and Dough Rising Science
Yeast is a living organism that ferments sugars to produce carbon dioxide gas, which causes the dough to rise and become light and fluffy. Proper fermentation time and temperature are critical for achieving the ideal texture in cinnamon rolls. The combination of mashed bananas with yeast dough adds complexity to the fermentation process, as the sugars in bananas help feed the yeast while also adding moisture.
The Importance of Kneading
Kneading develops gluten, the protein network that gives bread its structure and chewiness. In this recipe, kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic ensures that the rolls hold their shape and have the perfect balance of softness and structure. Over-kneading can make the dough tough, while under-kneading leads to dense rolls.
Flavor Layering with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar
The filling of brown sugar and cinnamon is what gives cinnamon rolls their iconic warm, sweet, and spicy flavor. Brown sugar adds a slight molasses undertone, deepening the taste compared to plain white sugar. The cinnamon’s aromatic spice balances the sweetness and pairs beautifully with the richness of the cream cheese frosting.
The Science Behind Cream Cheese Frosting
Cream cheese frosting adds a tangy richness that complements the sweet and spiced rolls perfectly. The fat content in cream cheese makes the frosting smooth and creamy, while its slight acidity balances the sugar’s sweetness. Softening the cream cheese and butter before mixing ensures a velvety texture.
Balancing Moisture in the Dough
Bananas add moisture to the dough, which enhances softness but requires careful balance to prevent a dough that is too sticky or heavy. The melted butter and warm milk contribute to this moisture, while the flour amount must be adjusted to create the right dough consistency. Achieving this balance is key to the perfect texture.
Why Use Warm Milk
Warm milk activates the yeast without killing it, creating the optimal environment for fermentation. It also adds richness to the dough, improving softness and flavor. Milk proteins help strengthen the dough and contribute to browning during baking.
Tips for Perfect Roll Shaping
Rolling the dough tightly ensures even spirals of cinnamon filling inside each roll. Cutting rolls evenly helps them bake uniformly. Letting them rise again after shaping creates a tender crumb and prevents dense centers.
How to Store Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
To maintain freshness, store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigeration is recommended but may dry the rolls, so reheating before serving is ideal. Rolls can also be frozen for up to a month and thawed gently when ready to enjoy.
Variations and Add-ins
This recipe is versatile. Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans adds crunch, while dried fruits like raisins or cranberries bring extra sweetness and texture. Swapping cream cheese frosting for a simple glaze or caramel sauce can also change the flavor profile.
Health Considerations
While delicious, banana bread cinnamon rolls are an indulgence with significant sugar and fat content. For a healthier version, ingredients like whole wheat flour or less sugar can be used, though texture and flavor will differ. Using ripe bananas adds natural sweetness, potentially reducing the need for extra sugar.
Why This Recipe Is Great for Beginners
Despite its impressive results, this recipe is accessible to novice bakers. Clear instructions, forgiving ingredients like bananas for moisture, and the use of active dry yeast make it a perfect introduction to enriched dough baking.
The Role of Sugar in Dough and Filling
Sugar does more than sweeten; it feeds the yeast for fermentation, improves browning, and tenderizes the dough. Brown sugar in the filling caramelizes during baking, enhancing flavor and texture.
How Temperature Affects Dough Rising
Yeast fermentation is temperature sensitive. Too cold slows down rising, too hot can kill the yeast. This recipe’s warm milk and proofing environment are crucial to creating fluffy rolls.
The Texture Contrast Between Dough and Filling
The soft, fluffy dough contrasts with the sticky, sweet filling. This interplay makes each bite interesting and satisfying, especially when topped with creamy frosting.
Pairing Suggestions
Banana bread cinnamon rolls pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk. Their richness also works well alongside fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced breakfast or brunch.
Making Ahead and Freezing Tips
Preparing the rolls in advance can save time. After shaping, they can be refrigerated overnight and baked fresh in the morning. Freezing unbaked rolls is also an option; thaw and let rise before baking.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Over- or under-proofing the dough can affect texture. Avoid adding too much flour, which can dry out the dough. Ensure butter is soft for the filling and frosting to spread easily.
Why Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Stand Out
Combining the beloved flavors of banana bread with cinnamon rolls creates a unique, moist, and flavorful treat. The addition of bananas adds complexity, making this recipe a memorable twist on a classic favorite.
Conclusion
Banana bread cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting offer a delightful balance of soft, fruity dough and sweet, spiced filling topped with creamy tang. This recipe captures the comforting essence of traditional cinnamon rolls while introducing the moist richness of banana bread. Its approachable method makes it suitable for bakers of all skill levels. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, these rolls bring warmth and sweetness to the table. Experimenting with variations and mastering the technique will yield consistently delicious results, making them a cherished addition to any baking repertoire.