Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

🍌✨ Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Soft cinnamon rolls meets banana bread — extra moist, extra fluffy, and absolutely irresistible!

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🧾 Ingredients

For the Dough

1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)

2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon salt

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup mashed banana (about 2–3 medium ripe bananas)

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For the Cinnamon Filling

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar

2–3 tablespoons ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional but delicious)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

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For the Cream Cheese Frosting

4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened

3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

1–2 tbsp milk (if needed to thin)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Activate the Yeast

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the sugar.
2. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy and bubbly.
   If it doesn’t foam, restart — the yeast isn’t active.

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2️⃣ Make the Dough

1. Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, eggs, mashed bananas, and salt. Mix well.
2. Add the flour one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
   (Dough should be a little sticky — that makes the rolls softer!)
3. Knead for 5–7 minutes by hand or 3–4 minutes in a mixer until smooth and elastic.

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3️⃣ First Rise

1. Shape the dough into a ball.
2. Place in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a towel.
3. Let rise for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

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4️⃣ Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, mix together:

Softened butter

Brown sugar

Cinnamon

Nutmeg

Vanilla

It should look like a thick paste.

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5️⃣ Roll Out & Fill

1. Punch down the dough, then roll it into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
2. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the dough.
3. Sprinkle nuts if using.
4. Roll tightly from the long side into a log.
5. Cut into 12–15 rolls using a serrated knife or dental floss.

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6️⃣ Second Rise

1. Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish.
2. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

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7️⃣ Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22–28 minutes

Rolls should be lightly golden and soft in the center.

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8️⃣ Frosting

1. Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy.
2. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt.
3. Add milk if you want a smoother frosting.
4. Spread over warm rolls 😍

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🍽️ Serving Tips

Best served warm and gooey.

Add sliced bananas on top for extra banana flavor.

Drizzle with caramel for an upgraded version!