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Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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3.8 from 2 reviews

  • Author: Molly
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are irresistibly soft and tender, made fluffy with ripe bananas incorporated right into the dough. Layered with a luscious brown sugar and cinnamon filling, dotted with fresh banana slices, and finished with a tangy cream cheese glaze, they offer a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls. This dairy-free and vegan-friendly recipe includes detailed instructions for an overnight rise, making it convenient to prepare ahead and enjoy fresh baked rolls any time.

Ingredients

Dough

  • 1 cup cashew milk, or your choice of milk
  • 2.25 teaspoons rapid rise yeast (1 packet)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 medium bananas, mashed (about 3/4 cup)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter or vegan butter, melted
  • 3.5 – 4 cups Bob’s Red Mill Artisan Bread Flour*
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Filling

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter or vegan butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 medium banana, thinly sliced (about 30 slices)

Frosting

  • 5 ounces cream cheese, softened (substitute dairy-free if needed)
  • 2 tablespoons milk or Greek yogurt, to thin as needed
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup confectioners sugar

Instructions

  1. Warm Milk and Activate Yeast: In a microwave-safe bowl or glass measuring cup, heat the milk for 20-30 seconds until lukewarm (about 110ºF). In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast and brown sugar, then gently stir in the warmed milk. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated. If it doesn’t foam, the yeast may be inactive.
  2. Make Dough: Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add melted butter and mashed bananas. Mix on low speed until combined. Gradually add flour and salt about 1/2 cup at a time until a soft elastic dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl, approximately 3.5 cups flour. Switch to a dough hook attachment and knead on low speed for 5 minutes, adding up to 1/4 cup more flour if dough is too sticky.
  3. First Rise: Lightly oil a large bowl. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in the bowl. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 45 minutes. For convenience, place the bowl in an oven preheated to 200ºF then turned off.
  4. Prepare Rolls: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or coconut oil. Lightly flour a rolling pin and flat surface. Roll the dough out into a 15×9 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg mixture evenly. Arrange banana slices in three long rows over the filling. Starting from one long edge, gently roll the dough into a tight log and place seam side down. Using dental floss or a serrated knife, cut into about 12 rolls approximately 1 1/2 inches wide. Arrange rolls in the greased pan with spaces between them.
  5. Second Rise: Cover the pan and let rolls rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 15 minutes, until puffed slightly. Again, the warm oven trick can be used.
  6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350ºF while rolls rise. Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20 minutes until lightly browned. If the tops brown too quickly, tent the rolls with foil and bake an additional 5 minutes to finish baking fully without burning.
  7. Make Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and milk or Greek yogurt until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and confectioners sugar, mixing on low until smooth.
  8. Glaze and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the slightly cooled rolls. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • If you want to prepare overnight, follow the dough preparation and first rise steps, then refrigerate dough covered overnight before rolling and baking the next day.
  • Bob’s Red Mill Artisan Bread Flour is recommended for best texture, but all-purpose flour can be used with possible slight texture differences.
  • To ensure yeast activation, always check frothiness after mixing with milk and sugar.
  • Use vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese to keep the recipe vegan friendly and dairy free.
  • Be gentle when rolling out dough to avoid making it stiff with excess flour.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipeglimpse.com/banana-bread-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/