Banana Bread Twist on Classic Cinnamon Rolls

These gooey rolls combine the warm spices of cinnamon rolls with the sweetness of banana bread. They’re perfect for a special breakfast or brunch treat!

Ingredients:

• Dough:
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup mashed banana (about 2-3 medium bananas)
• Filling:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• Icing:
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes, until foamy and alive.
2. Mix the Dough: Add melted butter, eggs, salt, and mashed banana to the yeast mixture. Stir well to combine. Gradually add flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead and Rise: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Make the Filling: While the dough rises, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Set aside.
5. Roll and Fill: Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 20×14 inches. Spread the delicious cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts, if using.
6. Shape and Rise Again: Roll the dough tightly from the long side, forming a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30 minutes.
7. Bake and Frost: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. While the rolls are warm, whip up the icing by creaming together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Spread the creamy icing over the warm rolls and enjoy!