Introduction
There’s something truly magical about the combination of bananas and cinnamon, and when you turn them into luscious banana bread cinnamon rolls, you’ll find yourself in dessert heaven! These soft, tender rolls are swirled with a rich cream cheese mixture and topped with a delightful cinnamon sugar finish. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat, this recipe will fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that is simply irresistible. Gather your ingredients, and let’s create some delicious memories!
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar (for topping)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a round cake pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas with the melted butter, stirring until well blended and smooth.
- Add in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract; mix until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Sprinkle in the baking soda and salt, then gently fold in the flour and ground cinnamon until just combined—be careful not to overmix!
- If you’d like an extra crunch, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans at this stage.
- Spread the banana batter evenly into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the banana batter, then use a knife to swirl them together, creating a beautiful marble effect.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar generously on top of the batter for that sweet, crunchy finish.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the rolls to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack for further cooling.
- Slice into portions, serve warm, and enjoy the delectable flavors!
Notes or Tips
For a tantalizing twist, try adding a dash of nutmeg or even a splash of rum extract to the batter for an extra flavor boost. If you’re a chocolate lover, mix in a handful of chocolate chips for a delightful surprise. These rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for a couple of days—just warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds to revive their fluffy goodness!
Cooking Techniques
This recipe showcases a simple mixing technique combined with the art of swirling to create that lovely marbled effect. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your swirls! Use a butter knife or a toothpick to create varying patterns. The key to soft and tender rolls is to mix the batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated, as overmixing can lead to dense rolls.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen bananas? Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before mashing.
- What can I substitute for cream cheese? If you prefer a lighter option, whipped Greek yogurt works great in place of cream cheese!
- How do I make cinnamon sugar? Simply mix one tablespoon of ground cinnamon with a quarter cup of granulated sugar for the perfect topping!
Conclusion
These banana bread cinnamon rolls are not just a treat; they are a celebration of flavors! With their moist, comforting texture and warm spices, they are bound to become a beloved recipe in your home. So, gather your ingredients and bake a batch today. Share them with friends and family or enjoy them all by yourself—after all, you deserve a sweet moment of bliss!