Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 ripe bananas, mashed
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
For the Filling:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2-3 tbsp milk (to thin, as needed)
Instructions:
Make the Dough:
Activate the yeast:
In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy and bubbly.
Mix the dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, mashed bananas, and the yeast mixture. Stir until combined.
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough.
Let it rise:
Place the dough in a 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.
Make the Filling:
Prepare the cinnamon filling:
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
Assemble the Rolls:
Roll out the dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
Spread the filling:
Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle chopped nuts on top if desired.
Roll and cut:
Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12-14 rolls.
Let it rise again:
Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover with a towel, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
Bake:
Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the cinnamon rolls:
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
Make the Frosting:
Prepare the cream cheese frosting:
While the rolls are baking, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until creamy. Add milk as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Serve:
Frost and serve:
Once the rolls are out of the oven, spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm banana bread cinnamon rolls.