# **Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls: A Heavenly Fusion** 🍌🍞
## **Introduction**
Imagine the warm, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls combined with the sweet, comforting flavor of banana bread. These **Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls** are the perfect hybrid dessert—soft, fluffy, and packed with banana-cinnamon goodness. Topped with a rich cream cheese glaze, they make an irresistible treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
This recipe blends the best of both worlds: the soft, yeasted dough of classic cinnamon rolls and the moist, banana-infused flavor of banana bread. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress!
—
## **History & Inspiration**
– **Cinnamon Rolls** originated in Sweden (*kanelbullar*) and became popular worldwide as a sweet, spiced pastry.
– **Banana Bread** gained popularity in the 1930s when baking soda and ripe bananas became common household ingredients.
– This **fusion recipe** combines the two, creating a unique twist that banana and cinnamon lovers will adore.
—
## **Benefits of This Recipe**
✅ **Uses Overripe Bananas** – No waste! Perfect for bananas that are too soft to eat.
✅ **Soft & Fluffy Texture** – The yeast dough ensures a light, airy roll.
✅ **Rich in Flavor** – Cinnamon, brown sugar, and bananas create a deep, caramelized taste.
✅ **Customizable** – Add nuts, chocolate chips, or a caramel drizzle for extra indulgence.
—
## **Ingredients**
### **For the Dough:**
– 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
– 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
– ½ cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
– ⅓ cup granulated sugar
– ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– ½ tsp salt
– 3 ½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour
### **For the Filling:**
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– ¾ cup brown sugar
– 2 tsp ground cinnamon
– ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
– 1 mashed banana (for extra flavor)
### **For the Cream Cheese Glaze:**
– 4 oz cream cheese, softened
– ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1-2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
—
## **Instructions**
### **1. Prepare the Dough**
1. **Activate the Yeast**: In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. **Mix Wet Ingredients**: In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and salt.
3. **Combine & Knead**: Add the yeast mixture and gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
4. **First Rise**: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours (until doubled).
### **2. Make the Filling**
1. **Spread Butter**: Roll out the dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly.
2. **Add Sugar & Spices**: Sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and mashed banana over the butter.
### **3. Roll & Cut**
1. **Tightly Roll**: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a log.
2. **Slice into Rolls**: Cut into 12 even pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
### **4. Second Rise & Bake**
1. **Arrange in Pan**: Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise 30-45 minutes.
2. **Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes**, until golden brown.
### **5. Glaze & Serve**
1. **Make Glaze**: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
2. **Drizzle Over Warm Rolls** and enjoy!
—
## **Nutritional Info (Per Roll, Approx.)**
– Calories: 320
– Carbs: 45g
– Protein: 4g
– Fat: 14g
– Fiber: 1g
– Sugar: 25g
—
## **Conclusion & For the Lovers Of…**
These **Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls** are perfect for:
– **Banana lovers** who want a new way to enjoy their favorite fruit.
– **Cinnamon roll fans** looking for a twist on the classic.
– **Brunch enthusiasts** who love impressive yet easy-to-make pastries.
With their **soft texture, sweet banana-cinnamon filling, and creamy glaze**, these rolls are sure to become a family favorite. Bake a batch today and watch them disappear!
Would you like any variations, like adding walnuts or a caramel swirl? Let me know! 😊🍌✨