1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and mashed bananas until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 7-10 minutes by hand or with a stand mixer until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly sticky but pull away from the sides of the bowl.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
2. Make the Cinnamon Filling
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until a smooth paste forms.
3. Roll Out the Dough
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 16×12 inches.
4. Spread the Filling
- Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Starting from the longer side, tightly roll the dough into a log.
5. Slice and Arrange the Rolls
- Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 even rolls.
- Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover with a towel, and let them rise for 30-45 minutes until they puff up.
6. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. If they brown too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil.
7. Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze
- While the rolls are baking, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- If needed, add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
8. Glaze and Serve
- Once the rolls are out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly before spreading the cream cheese glaze over the top.
- Serve warm and enjoy the delightful combination of banana bread and cinnamon roll flavors.
Tips for Success
1. Use Very Ripe Bananas:
The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your rolls will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
2. Don’t Overflour the Dough:
The dough should be soft and slightly sticky. Adding too much flour can result in dense rolls.
3. Make Ahead for Easy Morning Baking:
Prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate them after shaping. In the morning, let them rise at room temperature before baking.
4. Experiment with Add-Ins:
For an extra twist, add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar to the filling.
Conclusion
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the best of both worlds—a mashup of two beloved treats that’s perfect for any time of day. The tender banana-infused dough, swirled with cinnamon-sugar goodness and topped with a creamy glaze, will make this recipe a family favorite. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these cinnamon rolls will have everyone coming back for more. So go ahead and indulge in the sweet, cozy flavors of banana bread and cinnamon rolls combined in one heavenly bite!