Banana Cinnamon Rolls - A Fusion of Banana Bread and Cinnamon Rolls

Banana Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate fusion of two classic favorites—banana bread and cinnamon rolls. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with the warm, sweet flavors of cinnamon and banana. The dough is enriched with mashed bananas, giving it a moist and tender texture. Inside, you'll find a delicious banana cinnamon filling, topped with caramelized bananas for extra flavor. To finish, the rolls are smothered in a rich cream cheese icing, making them an irresistible treat for breakfast or dessert.

• Milk: ¾ cup, warm (110°F), to activate the yeast
• Active dry yeast: 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet), for leavening the dough
• Egg: 1 large, lightly beaten, to enrich the dough
• Mashed bananas: ⅔ cup (about 2 bananas), for moisture and flavor
• All-purpose flour: 5 ¼ cups, to form the dough
• Salt: 1 tsp, to balance the flavors
• Granulated sugar: ¼ cup, for sweetness
• Unsalted butter: 10 tbsp, cubed, for the dough
• Unsalted butter (for filling): ½ cup, softened, for spreading in the filling
• Brown sugar (for filling): ¾ cup, to sweeten the filling
• Ground cinnamon (for filling): 1 tbsp, for warm spice
• Bananas (for filling): 2, sliced thin, for the filling
• Cream cheese (for icing): 4 oz, softened, for the frosting
• Unsalted butter (for icing): 4 tbsp, softened, for the frosting
• Powdered sugar (for icing): 1 cup, for sweetness
• Vanilla extract (for icing): 1 tsp, for flavor in the frosting

Step 1:

Warm the milk to 110°F and sprinkle the active dry yeast on top. Let sit for 10 minutes until frothy.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cubed butter and mix until the texture becomes crumbly.

Step 3:

Pour in the yeast mixture, beaten egg, and mashed bananas. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 4:

Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 5:

Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle. Spread the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon mixture over the dough. Layer with thinly sliced bananas.

Step 6:

Roll the dough tightly into a log, then slice into 12 rolls. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise for 20 minutes.

Step 7:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the rolls for 28-33 minutes until golden brown.

Step 8 (icing):

While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.

Step 9:

Spread the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls before serving.

• Serve these rolls warm, fresh out of the oven, for the best flavor and texture.
• Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.

• For a fluffier dough, allow the rolls to rise in a warm, draft-free environment.
• Substitute the banana filling with your favorite fruits, like apples or berries, for a seasonal twist.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef Martha Stewart: For perfectly soft and fluffy rolls, be sure to use room temperature ingredients and knead the dough thoroughly to develop the gluten.

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