Banana Cinnamon Rolls
Imagine a warm, aromatic kitchen filled with the sweet scents of cinnamon and baked bananas wafting through the air. There’s something incredibly indulgent and nostalgic about sinking your teeth into freshly baked Banana Cinnamon Rolls. As the gooey rolls melt in your mouth, you can’t help but feel transported to carefree childhood mornings where sweet treats were abundant and every bite felt like a warm hug. This scrumptious recipe offers a delectable balance of soft, fluffy dough and a rich, sweet filling, making it the perfect treat for any occasion.
Creating these Banana Cinnamon Rolls is not only a delightful experience but also a fast and kid-friendly escapade in the kitchen. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s an ideal choice for family bonding time or a satisfying dessert to share with friends. Plus, who can resist the lure of cinnamon rolls infused with the natural sweetness of overripe bananas?
What’s Your Sweet Tooth Craving Today?
When was the last time you truly indulged in a treat that made your heart sing? Think back to those moments when a single bite of something sweet lifted your spirits, transported you to different times, or made you reminisce those cozy Sunday mornings. If you’re ready to recreate that blissful experience, these Banana Cinnamon Rolls are calling your name! Can you picture yourself tearing into a still-warm roll, the sweet aroma wrapping around you like a comforting blanket?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s a multitude of reasons to fall head over heels for Banana Cinnamon Rolls. For starters, they offer minimum fuss with maximum flavor. This recipe showcases easy prep that anyone can handle, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen. The harmonious combination of bananas and cinnamon creates a cozy, flavorful treat that serves well as a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings or parties.
These delightful rolls are also kid-friendly, sparking joy in little ones as they swirl the filling and watch them rise. And with no exotic ingredients, you likely already have everything you need to whip them up. As if that weren’t enough, each moist bite feels like a warm embrace, making these rolls an excellent addition to your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
To create these delightful Banana Cinnamon Rolls, here’s what you’ll need:
Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons Rapid Rise yeast
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
Filling:
- ⅔ cup mashed overripe banana
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Each ingredient is pivotal in crafting the dreamy texture and tantalizing flavor of these rolls. The ripe bananas lend natural sweetness, while the cinnamon enhances the warmth and richness of every bite.
Timing
For those who crave quick gratification, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between fast and indulgent. It takes about 2 hours in total—about an hour for the dough to rise and half an hour to bake, perfectly culminating in the heavenly moment when you can finally relish a warm roll.
But should you wish for a slow, luxurious experience, consider making these rolls in advance and allowing them to rise overnight in the fridge. The next day, all you need to do is pop them in the oven, and breakfast will be a sumptuous affair, making your mornings nothing short of delightful.
Step-by-Step
Creating these Banana Cinnamon Rolls is a fulfilling journey. Here’s how to bring them to life:
In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of the flour with the brown sugar, Rapid Rise yeast, ground cinnamon, and salt.
Warm the milk and butter in the microwave for about 30 seconds until the butter is mostly melted, and the mixture is warm—not hot. Add it to the flour mixture along with the mashed banana.
Beat on low speed, and then increase to high for 2 minutes. Scrape the bowl and add the remaining cup of flour gradually until a dough forms and pulls away from the bowl.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the filling. Set it aside.
Once the dough has risen, roll it into an 18×12 inch rectangle. Spread the butter for the filling across the surface, and sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly over it, pressing gently so it sticks.
Roll the dough tightly from the long side and pinch the seam to seal. Slice it into 12 even rolls using dental floss or a sharp knife.
Place the rolls in a parchment-lined 9×13 inch pan. Cover them and allow them to rise for another hour until doubled and puffy.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for about 30 minutes or until they’re golden brown and fully baked.
After baking, let them cool slightly before frosting. In a stand mixer, combine the butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until light and fluffy. Spread the frosting generously over the cooled rolls.
With each step, imagine the vision of golden-brown rolls piled high and frosted, ready to be devoured.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of these Banana Cinnamon Rolls, when sliced into 12 rolls, contains approximately 360 calories. While they’re undeniably indulgent, remember that treating yourself occasionally is part of loving life. Enjoying a warm roll might just make your day a tad sweeter!
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth while being mindful of your health, consider these healthier alternatives. You can reduce the sugar in the dough and filling to cut calories, or replace the butter with healthier oil options, such as coconut oil or avocado oil.
Dairy-free options include substituting almond milk for regular milk and using dairy-free butter in place of unsalted butter. For a gluten-free version, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
Serving Suggestions
These Banana Cinnamon Rolls are perfect on their own, but you can elevate your dining experience by serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. They also make an impressive dessert for gatherings or during the holidays. Picture them as part of a festive brunch spread alongside fresh fruit and brewed coffee!
Common Mistakes
Avoid overbaking these delightful rolls, as they can dry out. The perfect roll should be light and fluffy, whereas an overbaked one might be tough.
Another common pitfall is texture issues; ensure you knead the dough adequately to develop the gluten structure, creating a tender, elastic result. Messes can be avoided by using dental floss for slicing the rolls instead of a knife, providing a clean cut without squishing the dough.
Storing Tips
These Banana Cinnamon Rolls keep remarkably well! To store, allow the rolls to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in an airtight container. For maximum freshness, freeze them for up to two months.
To enjoy them again, simply reheat in the microwave for a few seconds or place them in a warm oven for a few minutes until heated through. They will taste as if they just came out of the oven!
Tempted to Bake Them Tonight?
Now that you’ve discovered all the incredible elements that make Banana Cinnamon Rolls an irresistible baking project, don’t wait too long to unleash your inner baker! The warm banana-cinnamon aroma, the indulgence of the cream cheese frosting, and the yumminess of each roll beckon you to bake them ASAP. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or just because—you owe it to yourself to experience these delightful treats!
FAQs
Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge.
Can I substitute whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour, but adjust the liquid slightly as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
What should I do if the dough doesn’t rise?
Make sure your yeast is fresh. Check the water temperature—if it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast.
Can I omit the frosting?
Definitely! These rolls are delicious on their own, but the frosting adds an extra layer of indulgence.
How long does it take to bake the rolls?
Bake the rolls for about 30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and fully cooked.
Don’t miss out on the fun of creating these banana-infused delights! Grab your ingredients and get started today!
PrintBanana Cinnamon Rolls
Delightful Banana Cinnamon Rolls infused with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the warmth of cinnamon, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 120 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons Rapid Rise yeast
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅔ cup mashed overripe banana
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of the flour with the brown sugar, Rapid Rise yeast, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Warm the milk and butter in the microwave for about 30 seconds until the butter is mostly melted and the mixture is warm—not hot. Add it to the flour mixture along with the mashed banana.
- Beat on low speed, then increase to high for 2 minutes. Scrape the bowl and add the remaining cup of flour gradually until a dough forms and pulls away from the bowl.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the filling. Set it aside.
- Once the dough has risen, roll it into an 18×12 inch rectangle. Spread the butter for the filling across the surface and sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly over it, pressing gently so it sticks.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side and pinch the seam to seal. Slice it into 12 even rolls using dental floss or a sharp knife.
- Place the rolls in a parchment-lined 9×13 inch pan. Cover them and allow them to rise for another hour until doubled and puffy.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for about 30 minutes or until they’re golden brown and fully baked.
- After baking, let them cool slightly before frosting. In a stand mixer, combine the butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until light and fluffy. Spread the frosting generously over the cooled rolls.
Notes
These rolls can be made in advance and rise overnight in the fridge for an easy morning treat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg