Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Description:
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the irresistible flavors of moist banana bread with the sweet, spiced goodness of cinnamon rolls. The result is a decadent twist on two classic favorites, with soft, fluffy rolls stuffed with a cinnamon-sugar filling, and topped with a rich cream cheese glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert!

Origin:
This creative recipe blends the beloved flavors of banana bread with the comforting, gooey texture of cinnamon rolls. It’s a fun and indulgent way to enjoy both treats in one! Inspired by the tradition of using overripe bananas in baking, this recipe takes banana bread to a whole new level by adding a cinnamon roll swirl.

Ingredients Quantity:

For the dough:
- All-purpose flour: 3 ¼ cups
- Granulated sugar: ¼ cup
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Unsalted butter (softened): ½ cup
- Ripe bananas (mashed): 2 large
- Milk: ¾ cup
- Egg: 1
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Active dry yeast: 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet)
For the cinnamon-sugar filling:
- Unsalted butter (melted): ½ cup
- Brown sugar (packed): ¾ cup
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tablespoon
- Nutmeg (optional): ¼ teaspoon
For the cream cheese glaze:
- Cream cheese (softened): 4 oz
- Powdered sugar: 1 ½ cups
- Milk: 2-3 tablespoons
- Vanilla extract: ½ teaspoon
- A pinch of salt

Ingredients Optional:

Chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture
A pinch of cinnamon in the glaze for extra flavor
Banana chips for topping
A sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking for a crunchy finish

Instruction:

Prepare the dough: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk (around 110°F/43°C) with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, egg, vanilla extract, and softened butter.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Prepare the filling: While the dough is rising, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using) in a small bowl until well combined.
Roll out the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle about 12×18 inches on a floured surface. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving about ½ inch around the edges.
Roll and cut: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from one of the longer edges. Slice the log into 12 even rolls and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Second rise: Cover the rolls with a clean towel and let them rise for about 30 minutes, or until they are puffed up.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Make the glaze: While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy.
Glaze the rolls: Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before drizzling the cream cheese glaze on top.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips of Success:

Don’t skip the second rise: Allowing the rolls to rise twice ensures they’ll be soft and fluffy.
Use overripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the banana bread rolls will be.
Check the dough consistency: If the dough feels too dry, add a little more milk; if it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
For a crunchy top: Before baking, sprinkle a little coarse sugar on top of the rolls for added texture.
If you want extra banana flavor, feel free to add a bit more mashed banana to the dough.

Recommendation:
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack. Serve them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate treat. They also make a wonderful gift for friends or family!

Nutrition (per roll, approx.):