Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the flavour of ripe bananas with the structure of classic yeast rolls. Banana adds moisture and mild sweetness, creating a dough that bakes softer and richer than standard rolls. This recipe focuses on dough handling, controlled fermentation, and precise layering so each swirl stays defined and tender.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
1 cupRipe bananas, mashed (For the Dough)
3½ cupsAll-purpose flour
2¼ teaspoonsInstant yeast
¼ cupGranulated sugar
1 teaspoonSalt
½ teaspoonCinnamon powder
¼ cupUnsalted butter, melted and cooled
½ cupWhole milk, lukewarm
1 largeEgg
¼ cupUnsalted butter, softened (For the Cinnamon Filling)
In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, lukewarm milk, melted butter, sugar, egg, and instant yeast. Whisk until smooth and uniform. Add salt and cinnamon powder, then fold in flour gradually until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Banana moisture keeps the crumb tender.
Description - Step 2
Step 2: Knead and rise
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead until elastic and smooth. Shape into a ball and place in a greased bowl. Cover it and allow to rise in a warm spot until doubled. The dough should feel airy, not stiff.
Description - Step 3
Step 3: Prepare filling
Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon powder until thick and spreadable. This paste should hold together without dripping, ensuring clean layers once the rolls are sliced and baked.
Description - Step 4
Step 4: Roll and spread
Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly, leaving a narrow border along the edges. This prevents sugar from leaking out during baking.
Description - Step 5
Step 5: Shape rolls
Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Slice evenly using a sharp knife. Arrange the rolls cut-side up in a greased baking dish, spacing them slightly to allow expansion.
Description - Step 6
Step 6: Second rise
Cover the baking dish and allow the rolls to rise again until visibly puffy. This second fermentation is crucial for achieving soft layers rather than a bread-like crumb.
Description - Step 7
Step 7: Bake rolls
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake until the tops are lightly golden and the centres feel set when pressed gently. Banana dough should remain soft, not dry.
Description - Step 8
Step 8: Make glaze
Whisk cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable. The glaze should coat the back of a spoon without running off completely.
Description - Step 9
Step 9: Finish and serve
Allow the rolls to cool slightly, then spread the glaze while warm. The heat softens the glaze, letting it settle into the cinnamon swirls before setting lightly.