Vegan Peanut Butter Banana Cinnamon Rolls

The delightful fusion of flavors with these Vegan Peanut Butter Banana Cinnamon Rolls. Imagine the comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen, mingling with the sweet scent of ripe bananas and creamy peanut butter. These rolls are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a wholesome option for breakfast or dessert. The soft, fluffy dough is infused with banana flavor, and the filling is a heavenly blend of cinnamon, brown sugar, and more bananas, all topped off with a luscious peanut butter cream cheese frosting. This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or any plant-based milk), warmed to 110°F (43°C)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 3/4 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
• 1/4 cup melted vegan butter (or regular butter if not vegan)
• 4 cups bread flour (more for dusting)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 2/3 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup softened vegan butter (or regular butter)
• 1 medium banana, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz vegan cream cheese (or regular cream cheese), softened
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons almond milk (to adjust consistency)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a small bowl, warm the almond milk to about 110°F (43°C). Add the sugar and yeast, stirring gently. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted vegan butter, and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture once it’s frothy.
• Gradually add the bread flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. You may need to adjust with more flour if it’s too sticky.

2. First Rise:

• Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

3. Prepare the Filling:

• In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
• Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle measuring approximately 14×16 inches.

4. Assemble the Rolls:

• Spread the softened vegan butter evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
• Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered dough. Gently rub it in with your hands for better adhesion.
• Evenly distribute banana slices and optional chopped walnuts over the cinnamon-sugar layer.

5. Roll Up and Cut:

• Starting from one long edge, carefully roll up the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal.
• Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal pieces.

6. Second Rise:

• Place the rolls in a greased baking dish or lined with parchment paper. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes until slightly puffy.

7. Bake:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

8. Make the Frosting:

• While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting by mixing together softened cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough almond milk to reach your desired consistency.

9. Serve:

• Allow the rolls to cool for about 10 minutes after baking before drizzling or spreading with frosting. Serve warm for an irresistible experience!

Tips

• Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
• Ensure your milk is warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast.
• Feel free to add chocolate chips or additional nuts into the filling for extra flavor.

Enjoy these delightful Vegan Peanut Butter Banana Cinnamon Rolls as a sweet treat that combines comfort food with wholesome ingredients!