These soft banana bread cinnamon rolls are a warm blend of sweet bananas and fluffy dough, all swirled up with a yummy cinnamon filling. Topped with rich cream cheese frosting, they’re hard to resist!
I love making these rolls on lazy weekends—the smell of cinnamon baking is pure joy! Plus, who can say no to a nice gooey roll? Perfect for sharing, or maybe just enjoying all by yourself! 🍌🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mashed Bananas: Ripe bananas give the best flavor. If you’re out of bananas, you could use applesauce as a substitute, but the taste will differ slightly.
Active Dry Yeast: Fresh yeast can also work if you have it. Just double the amount. And if you’re gluten-free, try using a gluten-free baking mix instead of all-purpose flour for the dough.
Cream Cheese: You can swap this for Greek yogurt for a lighter frosting. It won’t be as sweet, but it’s a good alternative if you’re looking for something healthier!
Brown Sugar: If you’re in a pinch, you can use white sugar with a bit of molasses mixed in to mimic the flavor of brown sugar.
How Do I Get My Rolls to Rise Perfectly?
Getting the dough to rise can be tricky, but it’s key to fluffy rolls. Here are some tips:
- Make sure the milk is warm, but not too hot—around 110°F (43°C) is perfect. Too hot can kill the yeast.
- Let the dough rise in a warm area, like near a sunny window or inside a slightly warmed oven (just turn it off beforehand).
- Cover the dough well with a towel or plastic wrap to keep moisture in while it rises.
- If your kitchen is cold, try placing the bowl in a larger bowl filled with warm water to keep it cozy.
Once it’s doubled in size, you’ll have the perfect fluffy rolls to work with! Enjoy baking these delicious treats!
Soft Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium bananas)
- 1/2 cup warm milk (around 110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra if needed)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and approximately 2.5 hours in total, including rising times and baking. You’ll spend a bit of time mixing up the dough and filling, waiting for those delicious rolls to rise, and then baking them to a perfect golden brown. The result? Warm, soft rolls drizzled with cream cheese frosting that are perfect for breakfast or dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine warm milk and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means your yeast is active and ready to help your dough rise!
2. Prepare Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, mix the mashed bananas, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
3. Combine Yeast and Wet Ingredients:
Add the foamy yeast mixture to the banana mixture and stir until everything is mixed together nicely.
4. Add Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mixture to the banana mixture, stirring after each addition until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 6-8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If your dough feels too sticky, feel free to add a bit more flour.
5. First Rise:
Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 to 1.5 hours, until it doubles in size.
6. Prepare the Filling:
While the dough rises, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside. Also, lightly grease or line a baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
7. Roll Dough:
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air, then roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle approximately 16×12 inches.
8. Add Filling:
Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough. Then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the butter.
9. Form Rolls:
Starting from the longer edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
10. Second Rise:
Arrange the rolls cut-side up in the prepared baking pan. Cover them and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes, or until puffed up nicely.
11. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready for the rolls!
12. Bake:
Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
13. Make Frosting:
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add your powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until creamy and spreadable.
14. Frost Rolls:
Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly for about 10 minutes. Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls.
15. Serve Warm:
Enjoy your delicious banana bread cinnamon rolls warm! They make for a delightful breakfast treat or a sweet snack any time of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Overripe Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! In fact, overripe bananas are ideal because they’re sweeter and mash more easily, enhancing the flavor of your rolls. Just be sure the bananas are still safe to eat!
Can I Make These Rolls Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before! After forming the rolls, place them in the refrigerator instead of letting them rise again. In the morning, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
How Do I Store Leftover Rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for a longer shelf life of about 5 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy them warm again!
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese in the Frosting?
If you’re out of cream cheese or prefer a different flavor, you can use mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Adjust the powdered sugar to taste, as these alternatives may have a different sweetness level.
