Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Perfect for breakfast, homemade banana bread cinnamon rolls, baked upside down and covered in a decadent caramel glaze and pecan!

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
• 1/2 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup milk, warm
• 1 egg, beaten
• 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • Dissolve the yeast in warm water in a large bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
   • Add mashed bananas, granulated sugar, melted butter, warm milk, and beaten egg to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
   • Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
   • Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, then place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
   • Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 15×9 inch rectangle.
   • Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture evenly on top. Add walnuts or pecans if using.
3. Form the Rolls:
   • Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the dough.
   • Cut into 12-15 slices and place them in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
   • Cover and let them rise again until nearly doubled, about 30 minutes.
4. Bake:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Make the Cream Cheese Icing:
   • While the rolls are baking, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy.
6. Finish and Serve:
   • Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
   • Spread the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls.
   • Serve the Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls warm, and enjoy the delightful combination of banana bread and cinnamon rolls in every bite!

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a delectable treat that will surely become a new favorite. The sweet banana flavor in the soft, fluffy dough pairs perfectly with the classic cinnamon swirl, all topped off with a rich cream cheese icing.