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Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.1 from 35 reviews

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the soft, moist texture of banana bread with the irresistible swirls and spices of traditional cinnamon rolls. Featuring a cinnamon-sugar banana filling and topped with a rich brown butter cream cheese frosting, these homemade rolls are perfect for breakfast or a decadent snack.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 9 servings

Ingredients

Dough

  • ¼ cup lukewarm milk (about 115°F)
  • 1 tablespoon (8g) active dry yeast or instant yeast
  • 3 tablespoons (40g) granulated sugar
  • 1 ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 egg yolk
  • ¾ cup (150g) mashed banana (about 2 bright yellow bananas)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla paste
  • 2 ¾ cups (357g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into cubes

Filling

  • 3 tablespoons (20g) ground cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons (44g) light or dark brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons (40g) white granulated sugar
  • Pinch kosher salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (for spreading)
  • 2 bright yellow bananas, diced (¼ inch pieces)

Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 cup (100g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla paste
  • Pinch kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In the bowl of a stand-up mixer or a large bowl, combine lukewarm milk with active dry yeast and let it stand for about 8 minutes until foamy. For instant yeast, dissolve it in the milk and proceed immediately.
  2. Prepare dry ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and kosher salt.
  3. Mix wet ingredients: To the yeast mixture, add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and mashed banana. Stir briefly, then add the flour mixture all at once.
  4. Knead the dough: Attach the dough hook to your mixer and mix on low until dough begins to come together, then slowly add the cubed butter while mixing. Knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and slightly sticky. If too sticky, add one tablespoon of flour. Remove the dough and shape into a ball.
  5. First rise: Place dough ball into a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or kitchen towel, and let rise for about 45 minutes until nearly doubled and very supple.
  6. Make the filling: In a small bowl, combine ground cinnamon, white granulated sugar, brown sugar, and a pinch of kosher salt.
  7. Roll out dough: Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll the dough into a 15 x 15 inch, ¼-inch thick square.
  8. Assemble rolls: Spread the softened ½ cup butter evenly over the dough. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture, then scatter the diced bananas over the top. Starting at the edge farthest from you, roll the dough firmly into a horizontal log.
  9. Cut rolls: Use dental floss to trim about ½ inch off each end of the log. Then cut into 1.5-inch thick rolls to yield 9 rolls. Use floss to mark cut lines if desired.
  10. Second rise: Place rolls in a greased 9×9 inch baking pan. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or kitchen towel and let rise in a warm spot for about 30 minutes until fluffy and slightly puffy.
  11. Prepare brown butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Let it foam and bubble until milk solids turn golden brown and it smells nutty. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Pour into a freezer-safe bowl and cool.
  12. Chill brown butter: Place browned butter in freezer for about 10 minutes until it firms to room temperature butter consistency. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F.
  13. Make frosting: Beat the cooled browned butter and cream cheese in a mixer until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and heavy cream. Beat for about 20 seconds until fluffy.
  14. Bake rolls: Bake rolls uncovered in the preheated oven for 27-30 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
  15. Cool and frost: Let rolls cool for 5-10 minutes. Spread the brown butter cream cheese frosting over warm rolls. Serve immediately while warm and gooey.

Notes

  • Use ripe but bright yellow bananas for best flavor and moisture balance.
  • Kneading time and flour amount may need slight adjustment based on humidity and flour type.
  • Rolling the dough into an even square helps create uniform rolls for consistent baking.
  • Dental floss is an excellent tool for cleanly slicing delicate cinnamon rolls without squashing.
  • Allowing the second rise in a warm environment helps achieve light, fluffy rolls.
  • The brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor to the cream cheese frosting and should be cooled appropriately for optimal texture.
  • Serve the rolls warm for best gooey texture and flavor experience.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/banana-bread-cinnamon-rolls-with-brown-butter-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/