Sweet and Scrumptious: Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Nostalgic Appeal

These cinnamon rolls remind me of lazy weekend mornings and the comforting aroma of freshly baked treats. The combination of warm banana, cinnamon, and cream cheese frosting is a classic for a reason, and this recipe takes it to a whole new level. It’s a treat that’s sure to evoke feelings of warmth, happiness, and sweet memories.

Homemade Focus

While you could certainly buy pre-made cinnamon rolls, there’s something truly special about making them from scratch. You control the quality of the ingredients, and the process of kneading, rising, and baking is a rewarding experience. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while these rolls are baking is simply irresistible.

Flavor Goal

The flavor profile I’m aiming for is a delightful combination of sweet, warm, and comforting. The banana dough provides a soft and fluffy base with a hint of banana flavor, the cinnamon filling adds a warm and comforting spice, and the cream cheese frosting adds a final touch of sweetness and tanginess.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s explore the key ingredients that make these cinnamon rolls so special! For the banana dough, we use [describe the dough ingredients: warmed milk, active dry yeast, eggs, mashed bananas, flour, salt, sugar, and butter, creating a soft and flavorful dough that rises beautifully]. For the cinnamon banana filling, we combine [describe the filling ingredients: softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and sliced bananas, creating a sweet and spiced filling that’s irresistible]. And finally, for the cream cheese icing, we use [describe the icing ingredients: softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, creating a luscious and creamy frosting that complements the rolls perfectly].

Essential Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment: a mixing bowl, a dough hook (if using a stand mixer), a pastry kneader or your hands, a rolling pin, an offset spatula, a serrated knife, a 9×13 inch baking pan, and measuring cups and spoons.

Ingredients

Banana Dough:

• ¾ cup milk, warmed to 110℉
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (11 grams, 1 whole packet)
• 1 large egg, room temperature and lightly beaten
• ⅔ cup mashed bananas (mash 2 bananas and then measure)
• 5 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup white granulated sugar
• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature and cubed

Cinnamon Banana Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed light or dark
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 bananas, sliced thinly

Cream Cheese Icing:

• 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast: Heat the milk in a bowl in the microwave until warmed to 110℉. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it rest for 10 minutes.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt together. Add the cubed butter and use a pastry kneader or your hands to knead the butter into the dough until the butter is the size of a pea.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add in the milk/yeast mixture, beaten egg, and mashed bananas to the dry ingredients. Using a mixer with a dough hook, mix on low speed until a dough starts to form. Switch to medium speed and knead for 5 minutes.
4. First Rise: Preheat the oven to 200℉. Spray a large mixing bowl with nonstick spray. Place the dough in the bowl. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel. Place in the oven, turn off the oven, and crack open the door. Let it rise for 1 hour.
5. Make the Filling: In a small bowl using a hand mixer, beat the butter on high speed until smooth. Add in the brown sugar and cinnamon. Mix on medium speed for 1 minute.
6. Assemble the Rolls: Place the dough on a lightly floured surface. Sprinkle a little extra flour on top of the dough. Roll into a large rectangle about ¼ inch thick using a rolling pin. Spread the cinnamon filling over the dough using an offset spatula. Top with the sliced bananas, placing them evenly. Roll the dough starting on the short side. Roll into a log. Use a serrated knife to cut the uneven ends off. Use the knife to lightly saw into 12 even rolls.
7. Second Rise: Spray a 9×13 inch pan with baking nonstick spray. Place the rolls evenly in the pan. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise for 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375℉.
8. Bake: Bake for 28-33 minutes until the tops are lightly golden brown.
9. Make the Icing: In a small bowl, using a hand mixer, beat the butter and cream cheese on high speed for 1 minute. Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix on low speed until combined, switch to high speed and mix until creamy.
10. Frost and Serve: Use a spoon to evenly dollop the icing on each roll, and spread.

Troubleshooting

• Dough is too sticky: Add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough is manageable.
• Rolls are not rising: Make sure the yeast is fresh and that the dough is rising in a warm, draft-free environment.
• Rolls are dry: Avoid overbaking the rolls. Start checking for doneness at around 28 minutes.

Tips and Variations

• Use different types of milk, such as almond milk or oat milk.
• Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce or a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk for an extra touch of sweetness.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Banana Cinnamon Rolls are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a cup of coffee or tea. They’re perfect for a cozy breakfast, brunch, or any time you want a sweet treat.

Nutritional Information (Estimated, per serving)

(This information is an estimate based on average values for the ingredients used and a serving size of one cinnamon roll. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, ingredient substitutions, and portion sizes.)

• Calories: Approximately 400-500
• Fat: Approximately 20-25g
• Saturated Fat: Approximately 10-12g
• Cholesterol: Approximately 50-60mg
• Protein: Approximately 5-7g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 60-70g
• Fiber: Approximately 2-3g
• Sugar: Approximately 30-35g
• Sodium: Approximately 300-400mg

To get more precise nutritional information:

1. Use a nutrition calculator: Many online calculators allow you to input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. This will give you the most accurate results.
2. Check food labels: Pay close attention to the nutrition facts panels on the packaging of your ingredients.
3. Adjust for variations: If you make substitutions (e.g., different milk), adjust the calculations accordingly.

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Q: Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the rolls when you’re ready to serve.

Q: Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?

A: Yes, you can freeze them. Bake them first, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly and freeze them. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Q: Can I use a different type of frosting?

A: Absolutely! You can use a different type of cream cheese frosting, or try a glaze made with powdered sugar and milk.