2. Make the Dough
Add mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
Gradually stir in the flour, ½ cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Turn it onto a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky.
3. Let It Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
4. Prepare the Filling
While the dough rises, mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Have your softened butter ready to spread over the rolled-out dough.
5. Roll It Out and Fill
Punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle (about 16×12 inches) on a floured surface.
Spread the softened butter evenly, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top. Be generous—it’s the heart of the roll!
6. Roll and Slice
Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Slice into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss for a clean cut.
7. Second Rise
Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
8. Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–28 minutes, or until golden brown and baked through.
9. Make the Frosting
While the rolls bake, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
10. Frost and Enjoy
Spread the cream cheese frosting over warm rolls and serve immediately. The frosting will melt slightly into the swirls for a gooey, glorious finish.
Tips for Success
- Room-temperature ingredients: Using room-temperature butter, eggs, and milk helps everything mix evenly.
- Don’t overflour: Too much flour can make the dough tough. It should be slightly tacky but still manageable.
- Want to make it overnight? After slicing the rolls and placing them in the pan, cover tightly and refrigerate. Let them come to room temp and rise for 45 minutes in the morning before baking.
Variations to Try
Want to put your own spin on these rolls? Here are some delicious ideas:
- Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the filling for a crunch.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips to the cinnamon-sugar filling.
- Caramel Drizzle: Top with a homemade caramel sauce instead of cream cheese frosting for an ultra-indulgent treat.
- Vegan Version: Substitute with plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), and use a vegan cream cheese.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- To Store: Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- To Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
- To Freeze: Freeze baked rolls (without frosting) for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before frosting.
Make-Ahead Tip: Freeze individual unfrosted rolls in an airtight container. They make for a quick, luxurious weekday breakfast when reheated.
Pairing Ideas
Pair your banana bread cinnamon rolls with:
- A latte or chai for a café-style breakfast.
- A fresh fruit salad for a light brunch option.
- Scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a hearty contrast.
