Introduction
Get ready to indulge in a delightful twist on a classic favorite! These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the comforting flavors of homemade banana bread with the pillowy softness of cinnamon rolls. With each bite, you’ll experience the sweet aroma of ripe bananas and warm spices, all topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or a sweet afternoon treat, these rolls are sure to bring smiles to your family and friends!
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, ensuring it’s ready to cradle those delicious rolls.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s beautifully blended.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined — we want to keep these rolls tender!
- In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and remaining brown sugar. This will add a delightful sweetness to your filling.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the softened cream cheese over the surface, followed by the cinnamon-sugar mixture. If you love a little crunch, sprinkle on the chopped nuts.
- Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape, then slice it into pieces about 1 to 2 inches thick.
- Arrange the rolls in the prepared baking dish, giving them a cozy little spot to rise and bake.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the rolls turn a beautiful golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, whisk together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth to create a dreamy glaze.
- Once the rolls are finished baking, let them cool slightly before drizzling the cream cheese glaze generously over the top. Enjoy the heavenly aroma!
Notes or Tips
Feel free to add chocolate chips or dried fruits to the filling for extra flavor! Also, if you want to make these ahead of time, prepare the rolls up to the baking step, cover them, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them rise for about 30 minutes before baking.
Cooking Techniques
For best results, make sure your bananas are very ripe; they should have plenty of brown spots for maximum sweetness. Rolling the dough tightly will help keep the cinnamon filling from spilling out, and using a sharp knife for slicing will give you nice clean edges on your rolls.
FAQ
Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy!
What can I substitute for the cream cheese in the glaze?
If you’d like a lighter glaze, you can use Greek yogurt or a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk instead.
Conclusion
There you have it — a mouthwatering breakfast treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect blend of flavors and textures, making each bite a little piece of heaven. So gather your loved ones, warm the oven, and get ready to share a plateful of love!