Introduction
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the classic flavors of banana bread with the soft, gooey texture of cinnamon rolls, creating a delightful breakfast or brunch treat. The natural sweetness of bananas enhances the dough, making each bite deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
– 240 ml warm milk
– 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
– 100 g granulated sugar
– 115 g melted unsalted butter
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 480 g all-purpose flour
– 240 g mashed banana (about 2-3 medium bananas)
Filling:
– 85 g brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
– 60 g melted unsalted butter
Glaze:
– 120 g cream cheese, softened
– 60 g unsalted butter, softened
– 140 g powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls
Directions
1. In a mixing bowl, add warm milk and sprinkle yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, salt, mashed banana, and half of the flour. Mix until combined.
3. Slowly add in the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. For the filling, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
7. Roll the dough into a rectangle (about 30×40 cm). Spread melted butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top.
8. Roll the dough tightly into a log starting from the long edge. Cut into 12 equal pieces.
9. Place rolls into a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
10. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
11. While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by beating together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
12. Once the rolls are baked, spread the glaze over them while still warm. Serve and enjoy.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a mixing bowl, pour the warm milk and then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, which indicates that the yeast is active.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Add the granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, salt, and mashed bananas to the yeast mixture. Mix everything until well combined. Then, incorporate half of the flour gradually, blending until just mixed.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Slowly add in the remaining flour, mixing until a soft dough starts to form. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 to 8 minutes. You want the dough to be smooth and elastic, indicating that it has been kneaded enough.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm location for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Step 6: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together in a small bowl. This aromatic combination will fill your rolls with delightful flavor.
Step 7: Roll Out the Dough
After the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle measuring approximately 30×40 cm. The dough should be flat and even for easy rolling.
Step 8: Spread the Filling
Brush the melted butter generously over the surface of the rolled-out dough. Then, evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture across the buttered dough for a sweet, flavorful core.
Step 9: Roll and Cut
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly to form a log. Once rolled, slice the log into 12 equal pieces, creating individual rolls that will become wonderfully fluffy.
Step 10: Second Rise
Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, ensuring they have space to grow. Cover them and let them rise for another 30 minutes, which allows for an even softer texture.
Step 11: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). After the second rise, place the rolls in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and exude a mouthwatering aroma.
Step 12: Prepare the Glaze
While the rolls are baking, make the glaze by beating together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
Step 13: Glaze and Serve
Once the rolls are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and spread the cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls. The heat from the rolls will cause the glaze to soften and melt slightly, enhancing every bite.
Notes
Ingredient Quality
Using ripe bananas will provide the best flavor and natural sweetness, enhancing both the dough and the overall flavor profile of the rolls.
Serving Suggestion
These cinnamon rolls are perfect for a cozy brunch. Serve them with a side of fresh fruit or a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a delightful morning experience.
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar and cinnamon to suit your taste preferences. You can even add chopped nuts for an added crunch!
Cook techniques
Yeast Activation
Incorporate warm milk with active dry yeast to activate it. Allow it to sit until foamy to ensure the yeast is alive and will help the dough rise.
Dough Preparation
Combine ingredients gradually, starting with half the flour after adding the wet ingredients. This helps to effectively mix the ingredients and form a soft dough.
Kneading
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This process develops gluten, providing the rolls with structure and a chewy texture.
First Rise
Let the kneaded dough rise in a greased bowl covered with a towel in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This is crucial for creating airy rolls.
Filling Preparation
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together to create a flavorful filling that complements the banana flavor in the dough.
Shaping Rolls
Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread melted butter on top before sprinkling the cinnamon sugar mixture. Roll tightly to form a log, ensuring the filling is secured inside.
Second Rise
After cutting the rolls, let them rise again in the baking dish for about 30 minutes. This allows for further expansion and soft texture.
Baking
Bake the rolls in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Proper baking time and temperature are essential for achieving the right texture and color.
Glaze Preparation
Create a creamy glaze by mixing soft cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. The glaze adds a rich finishing touch to the warm rolls.
FAQ
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but the texture may be denser.
What can I use instead of bananas?
If you don’t have bananas, applesauce can be used as a substitute to retain moisture and sweetness.
How can I store leftover rolls?
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?
Yes, you can freeze baked rolls. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
How do I reheat the cinnamon rolls?
Reheat the rolls in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the filling?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts or chocolate chips can be added to the filling for an extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a perfect fusion of two beloved treats, bringing together the comforting taste of banana bread and the gooey delight of cinnamon rolls. Whether served for breakfast or as a sweet snack, these rolls never fail to impress. With their moist texture and rich flavor profile, they are sure to become a favorite for anyone who tries them.
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