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Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

A delightful fusion of banana bread and cinnamon rolls, these treats are loaded with flavor and offer a cozy, sweet breakfast experience.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 275

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 1.5 tablespoons active dry yeast For the rise
  • 1 cup whole milk Warmed to activate the yeast
  • 1 tablespoon sugar To activate the yeast
  • 1 large egg For richness
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream Enhances flavor
  • 0.5 cup mashed bananas About one ripe banana
  • 0.33 cup sugar For sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon For flavor
  • 0.5 teaspoon nutmeg For added spice
  • 4.5 cups bread flour All-purpose flour works too
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt For balance
Filling Ingredients
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter At room temperature
  • 0.5 cup very soft salted butter For spreading
  • 1 cup brown sugar For filling
  • 2 tablespoons cinnamon To layer flavor
  • 2-3 pieces sliced bananas For filling
  • 0.5 cup chopped pecans For added texture
  • 0.25 cup heavy cream To pour over rolls before baking
Frosting Ingredients
  • 0.75 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons melted salted butter
  • 4 ounces room temperature cream cheese
  • 1.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • a pinch kosher salt

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
  2. Combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and sugar in a medium bowl. Whisk together and let it sit until frothy, about 5-10 minutes.
  3. Incorporate the egg, sour cream, and mashed banana into the yeast mixture, whisking until well mixed.
  4. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, bread flour, and salt. Mix well.
  5. Attach the bowl to the stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Pour in the milk and yeast mixture and mix on medium-low speed until the dough just comes together.
  6. Increase the speed to medium and mix for about three minutes, then gradually add butter, one tablespoon at a time.
  7. Continue mixing for an additional 3-5 minutes until the dough is smooth. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size.
Making the Filling
  1. In a small bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the filling and mix until well incorporated.
  2. For the streusel topping, combine flour and brown sugar, then mix in the melted butter until crumbs form.
Assembling the Rolls
  1. Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into an 18×12 inch rectangle.
  2. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, top with sliced bananas and chopped pecans.
  3. Roll the dough tightly from the short side into a log and slice it into 12 equal pieces.
  4. Place rolls into the prepared baking sheet, cover, and allow them to rise again for 45 minutes to an hour.
Baking and Frosting
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Pour heavy cream over the rolls and sprinkle streusel on top.
  2. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until tops are golden brown.
  3. To make the cream cheese frosting, beat room temperature cream cheese for 30 seconds, then add powdered sugar and cinnamon, mixing until smooth.
  4. Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, continuing to blend until combined.
  5. Drizzle the icing over warm banana rolls and garnish with additional pecans if desired.

Notes

For best results, ensure your milk is warm but not too hot to avoid killing the yeast. Very ripe bananas will enhance flavor and sweetness. Can store in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze for three months.