Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Banana Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful fusion of two beloved treats—banana bread and cinnamon rolls. This recipe features a soft, banana-infused dough filled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture and fresh banana slices, all topped with a rich cream cheese icing. The result is a warm, gooey pastry that captures the comforting flavors of banana bread in a cinnamon roll format. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these rolls offer a unique twist on traditional cinnamon rolls, making them a must-try for banana lovers.

Ingredients:

For the Banana Dough:

• ¾ cup milk (warmed to 110°F)

• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 1 large egg (room temperature)

• ⅔ cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)

• 5¼ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature and cubed)

For the Cinnamon Banana Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)

• ¾ cup packed light or dark brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 2 ripe bananas (sliced thinly)

For the 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
  
  

Directions:

1. Activate the Yeast: Warm the milk to 110°F. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.

2. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cubed butter and mix until the butter resembles small peas.

3. Mix the Dough: Add the yeast mixture, beaten egg, and mashed bananas to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.

4. Knead the Dough: Using a stand mixer with a dough hook, knead the dough on medium speed for 5 minutes until smooth. Alternatively, knead by hand on a floured surface for about 10 minutes.

5. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

6. Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.

7. Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a 16x12-inch rectangle.

8. Assemble the Rolls: Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border. Arrange the sliced bananas over the filling.

9. Form the Rolls: Starting from the short edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices.

10. Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for 20 minutes.

11. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls for 28–33 minutes, or until golden brown.

12. Prepare the Icing: While the rolls bake, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

13. Ice the Rolls: Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for 10 minutes. Spread the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls.

14. Serve: Enjoy these delicious banana cinnamon rolls warm for the best flavor and texture.
    
    

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: Approximately 350 kcal

• Protein: 6g

• Fat: 15g

• Carbohydrates: 50g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 25g

• Sodium: 300mg

• Cholesterol: 35mg