Banana Bread Buttermilk Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

Steps

1. 1

   Warm the buttermilk to about 110°F (43 °C), or until it feels like a warm bath but is not hot. Pour it into a small bowl or glass measuring cup.

2. 2

   Add 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar and sprinkle the active dry yeast over the buttermilk. Stir and let stand for 5–7 minutes, until frothy and activated. If using instant yeast, skip the blooming time.

   Start 7-minute timer
3. 3

   In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour and salt. Set the mixture aside.

4. 4

   Pour the activated yeast mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer, or into a large mixing bowl if kneading by hand. Add the remaining granulated sugar, mashed banana, very softened butter, eggs, vanilla, and the flour mixture.

5. 5

   Mix with a dough hook on low speed for 1 minute, or stir with a wooden spoon, just until the ingredients are barely combined. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes so the flour can absorb the liquids.

   Start 1-minute timer
6. 6

   Mix on medium speed for 5–7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic and pulls away from the bowl. If it is excessively sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time; the dough should remain slightly sticky. If kneading by hand, transfer it to a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes.

   Start 7-minute timer
7. 7

   Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 30–45 minutes. It will not necessarily double in size; do not let it rise too long, or the finished rolls may become overly airy.

   Start 45-minute timer
8. 8

   While the dough rises, make the filling. Mix the softened butter, mashed banana, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until thoroughly combined. The filling should be very soft. Set it aside.

9. 9

   Grease a 9 × 13-inch baking pan with butter.

10. 10

    Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured work surface.

11. 11

    For 8 larger rolls, roll the dough into a 16 × 15-inch rectangle. For 12 smaller rolls, roll it into a 24 × 15-inch rectangle.

12. 12

    Spread the banana bread cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving only a very small border around the edges.

13. 13

    Scatter the diced banana evenly over the filling.

14. 14

    For individual strips, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut across the long side into 8 or 12 equal strips, each about 2 inches wide and 15 inches long. Starting from the short end of each strip, roll tightly into a coil and tuck the final inch underneath the roll.

15. 15

    Alternatively, roll the dough tightly into one log and cut it with a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss into 8 larger or 12 smaller rolls, each about 2 inches wide.

16. 16

    Arrange the rolls in the prepared baking pan. Cover and proof for 25–30 minutes while the oven preheats, until visibly puffy.

    Start 30-minute timer
17. 17

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (180 °C).

18. 18

    Warm the heavy cream in the microwave for about 15 seconds. Pour the warm cream evenly over the proofed rolls.

    Start 15-second timer
19. 19

    For 8 larger rolls, bake at 350°F (180 °C) for 22–24 minutes. Increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190 °C) and bake for another 5–7 minutes, until golden on top and cooked through.

    Start 24-minute timer
20. 20

    For 12 smaller rolls, bake at 350°F (180 °C) for 20–22 minutes. Increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190 °C) and bake for another 5–7 minutes. This temperature change helps the centers cook without over-browning the tops.

    Start 22-minute timer
21. 21

    While the rolls bake, make the frosting. Using a handheld mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy.

22. 22

    Add the brown sugar, honey, vanilla, and pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is smooth and fully combined.

23. 23

    Remove the rolls from the oven and let them rest for 10–15 minutes.

    Start 15-minute timer
24. 24

    Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls, then serve immediately, preferably with hot coffee.