These soft banana bread cinnamon rolls are a delightful twist on a classic. Made with ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and a creamy frosting, they are simply irresistible!
When I make these, the smell of bananas and cinnamon fills my kitchen, and I can barely wait to dig in! Trust me, the cream cheese frosting takes it to a whole new level of yum. 🍌🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: These are crucial for moisture and flavor. Overripe bananas work best, as they’re sweeter. If bananas aren’t available, unsweetened applesauce can substitute, though the flavor will vary slightly.
Active Dry Yeast: This is key for the dough’s lightness. If you prefer, you can use instant yeast without changing the amount. Just mix it directly into the dry ingredients.
All-Purpose Flour: While all-purpose flour gives the best texture, you could use whole wheat flour for a heartier option. Just keep in mind that it might make the rolls denser.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is essential for its warm flavor. For a twist, you can add nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for extra warmth and complexity.
How Do You Get Soft, Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls?
The key to achieving soft rolls lies mainly in the dough-making process and proper rising times. Here are my tips:
- Don’t hurry the yeast: Let it foam in warm milk to ensure it’s active. If it doesn’t foam, your rolls won’t rise.
- Knead well: Mixing is important to develop gluten. Knead for about 6-8 minutes until the dough is smooth and only slightly tacky. A well-kneaded dough is essential for a good rise.
- Rise in a warm place: Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area. A trick is to preheat your oven for a minute, then turn it off and place the dough inside.
- Don’t rush the second rise: Allow enough time for the rolls to puff up before baking them. This will ensure a tender and airy texture.
Soft Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 package)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Optional: 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk (to thin, if needed)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 20 minutes of prep time and 2 to 2.5 hours total for rising and baking. You’ll spend about an hour waiting for the dough to rise (including two rises), and then around 25 minutes baking. In no time, you’ll have delicious cinnamon rolls to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to help the dough rise!
2. Make the dough:
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas well. Add the sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing everything together. Then, stir in the yeast mixture to combine.
3. Add flour:
Gradually mix in 3 1/2 cups of flour. Knead the dough by hand or using a dough hook for about 6-8 minutes. The goal is a soft, smooth dough that’s slightly sticky but not overly wet. Add more flour as needed to achieve this texture!
4. First rise:
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Prepare the filling:
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. Set aside the softened butter for spreading over the dough later!
6. Roll out dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 16×12 inches.
7. Spread butter and sprinkle filling:
Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough rectangle, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. If you want some crunch, add the chopped nuts as well!
8. Roll and slice:
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into 12 even slices.
9. Second rise:
Place the rolls into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, cover, and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes until they are puffy.
10. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
11. Make the frosting:
While the rolls are baking, in a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, adding milk slowly until you reach your desired frosting consistency.
12. Frost and serve:
Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled (they should be warm but not hot), spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Now it’s time to serve and enjoy these delicious rolls while warm!
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These banana bread cinnamon rolls are not just a treat; they are a warm hug in pastry form. With a gorgeous blend of sweet banana and spices coupled with a creamy frosting, you’ll find them to be absolutely irresistible at any time of the day!
FAQ for Soft Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting
Can I Use Overripe Bananas?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe as they are sweeter and easier to mash. They’ll add great flavor and moisture to your rolls!
What If I Don’t Have Active Dry Yeast?
If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast instead. Use the same amount, and you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients without needing to activate it first.
How Do I Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 5 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 15-30 seconds or warm in the oven.
Can I Make These Rolls Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls up until the second rise, cover them tightly, and refrigerate them overnight. The next day, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed. This makes for an easy morning treat!
