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– **For the Cinnamon Filling:**
– 1/4 cup melted butter
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
– **For the Cream Cheese Glaze (Optional):**
– 4 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 2-3 tbsp milk (to thin the glaze)
### Instructions:
#### Step 1: Prepare the Dough
1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Stir in the yeast and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir in the yeast mixture once it has become frothy.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough begins to form. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
4. Once the dough is kneaded, place it in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
#### Step 2: Prepare the Filling
1. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter for the filling. If using nuts, stir them into the mixture.
2. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface (about 12×18 inches).
3. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch of space along the edges. Carefully roll the dough into a log, starting from one of the longer sides.
4. Slice the dough into 12 equal rolls and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Let the rolls rise again for about 30 minutes, or until they are puffed and touching each other.
#### Step 3: Bake the Rolls
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top. If the rolls start to brown
too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil.
3. Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly before glazing.
#### Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze (Optional)
1. In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Add milk a tablespoon at a time until the glaze reaches your desired consistency.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls before serving.
### Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls warm with a cup of coffee or tea, or enjoy them as a sweet treat for breakfast or dessert. The combination of the soft banana dough, the warm cinnamon filling, and the sweet glaze will have everyone asking for seconds!
## Tips for Success
– **Use ripe bananas**: The key to great banana bread cinnamon rolls is ripe bananas. Overripe bananas will give you the most flavorful, sweet dough.
– **Don’t skip the second rise**: The second rise after rolling the dough is essential for light, fluffy rolls. Be patient and let the dough rise fully before baking.
– **Customize the glaze**: While the cream cheese glaze adds a lovely tang, you can also try other glazes like maple syrup, a vanilla glaze, or even a chocolate drizzle for extra indulgence.
– **Make-ahead option**: To save time, you can prepare the rolls the night before. Assemble them up until the second rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply let the rolls come to room temperature and bake.
## Conclusion
**Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls** are a unique and delicious twist on two classic treats. With their soft, banana-flavored dough, cinnamon-sugar swirl, and creamy glaze, they offer a decadent breakfast or dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re sharing them with family and friends or savoring them all to yourself, these rolls are bound to be a hit at any gathering. So why not give them a try and experience the perfect fusion of banana bread and cinnamon rolls in one irresistible treat? Happy baking!
