Description

Soft cinnamon rolls with the sweet, moist flavor of banana bread for a cozy twist on a classic.

Ingredients

Dough:

¾ cup warm milk (110 °F / 43 °C)

2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

¼ cup granulated sugar

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

2 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon salt

3 ½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour

Filling:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

¾ cup brown sugar, packed

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Icing:

4 oz cream cheese, softened

¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1–2 tablespoons milk (for desired consistency)

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Instructions

Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Mix Dough: Add remaining sugar, melted butter, mashed bananas, vanilla, and salt. Stir in flour gradually until a soft dough forms.

Knead & Rise: Knead dough on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1 ½ hours, or until doubled.

Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

Roll & Fill: Punch down dough and roll into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly over dough, leaving ½ inch border. Roll up tightly from the long side and slice into 12 rolls.

Second Rise: Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

Bake: Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Bake 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Make Icing: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk; mix until creamy. Spread over warm rolls before serving.

Notes

For a stronger banana flavor, use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots.

Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for texture.

These can be prepared ahead: refrigerate assembled rolls overnight and bake the next morning.

Prep Time: 25 minutes (+ 2 hours rising)
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American