Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls 

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray and set it aside.

In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until the dough comes together. You want the dough to be soft, but not too sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

2. Roll Out the Dough:

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a rectangle, approximately 12 inches by 9 inches. The thickness should be about 1/2 inch. Make sure to keep the dough evenly rolled to ensure that your cinnamon rolls bake uniformly.

3. Add the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Spread the softened butter evenly over the entire surface of the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously on top of the butter, ensuring even coverage. The combination of the butter and sugar will create a sweet, caramelized filling once baked.

4. Roll the Dough:

Carefully roll up the dough from the longer edge (the 12-inch side). As you roll, make sure to keep it tight to ensure the cinnamon filling stays inside. Once you have rolled it all the way up, pinch the seam to seal it closed.

5. Slice the Rolls:

Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled dough into 10-12 even pieces. Arrange the rolls in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are snug but not overcrowded.

6. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls:

Place the rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The rolls should be soft and fluffy with the cinnamon sugar filling perfectly baked into each one.

7. Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze:

While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Gradually add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired glaze consistency. It should be smooth and pourable but not too runny.

8. Glaze and Serve:

Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before drizzling the cream cheese glaze over the top. The warm rolls will soak up the glaze, making them even more decadent. Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect combination of banana bread and cinnamon roll flavors!

Tips for Success:

• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the more natural sweetness and flavor they’ll add to your dough. Make sure your bananas are well-speckled with brown spots for the best results.
• Customize the Filling: Feel free to add a handful of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the cinnamon sugar filling for an extra layer of texture and flavor. A dash of nutmeg or cardamom in the filling can also add a warm, aromatic touch.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough and roll it up the night before, then cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. The next morning, simply let the dough rise at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
• Freezing Option: If you have leftovers or want to prepare these rolls for a later date, you can freeze the unbaked rolls. Just place them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Why You’ll Love These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls:

• The Best of Both Worlds: These rolls combine the soft, moist texture of banana bread with the sweet, cinnamon-spiced goodness of cinnamon rolls – a match made in heaven.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients based on your taste. Add in nuts, chocolate, or any mix-ins you love for a personalized twist.
• Perfect for Breakfast or Dessert: Whether you’re serving them for a decadent breakfast or as a sweet treat for dessert, these rolls are versatile enough for any occasion.
• Perfectly Sweet: The banana dough is sweet, but not overly so, and the cinnamon sugar filling adds just the right amount of sweetness. Top it off with a rich cream cheese glaze, and you’ve got a treat that’s indulgent without being overwhelming.

Conclusion:

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a scrumptious, mouthwatering treat that combine two beloved baked goods into one irresistible dish. Soft, fluffy, and oozing with cinnamon-sugar goodness, these rolls are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weekend breakfast or a special family dessert. With the sweet flavor of banana bread and the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls, these are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Try them today, and enjoy the heavenly, gooey goodness!