Experience the ultimate combination of two beloved treats with this Giant Banana Bread Cinnamon Roll Cake. This spectacular dessert brings together the moist, flavorful essence of banana bread with the sweet, spiced decadence of cinnamon rolls. Featuring a soft banana-infused dough, a rich cinnamon filling, and layers of fresh banana slices, this cake is both a visual marvel and a delight for the taste buds. Topped with a luscious cream cheese icing, it promises to be the centerpiece of any gathering.
Why You'll Love This:
This unique cake offers the best of both worlds, combining the comforting flavors of banana bread with the indulgent, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls. The dough is enriched with mashed bananas for added moisture and flavor, while the cinnamon filling adds warmth and sweetness. The additional banana slices provide a burst of fruity freshness in every bite. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or any special occasion, this cake is sure to impress with its taste and presentation.
Perfect Occasion:
This Giant Banana Bread Cinnamon Roll Cake is perfect for a variety of occasions, from festive holiday gatherings to casual weekend brunches. Its impressive size and beautiful swirl design make it a stunning centerpiece for any dessert table. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a family get-together, or simply indulging in a special treat, this cake is bound to be a hit.
Decoration Tips:
To enhance the presentation, drizzle additional cream cheese icing in a decorative pattern over the top. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for added texture and flavor. Fresh banana slices or a dusting of powdered sugar can add a final touch of elegance.
Ingredients List:
- For the Banana Dough:
- 3/4 cup milk of choice, warmed to 110°F
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- 2/3 cup mashed banana (approximately 2 medium bananas)
- 5 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 9 tablespoons butter, cubed and at room temperature
- For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 2 bananas, thinly sliced
- Optional: 1/3 cup heavy cream, warmed, for pouring on top
- For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, warm 3/4 cup of milk in the microwave until it reaches 110°F. Sprinkle 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, mix together 5 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Add 9 tablespoons of cubed butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the dough until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the milk/yeast mixture, 1 room-temperature egg, and 2/3 cup of mashed bananas. Mix until combined, then transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead by hand for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm environment until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup of softened butter, 3/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Grease and line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a 12x16-inch rectangle.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Place the sliced bananas on top of the filling.
- From the longer side, cut the dough into 6, 2-inch strips.
- Roll up one of the strips like a standard cinnamon roll and place it into the center of the prepared pan. Coil the remaining strips around the center roll to form a large spiral.
- Proof the Dough:
- Cover the pan and let the dough rise for 20-30 minutes until slightly puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the optional 1/3 cup of warmed heavy cream over the dough.
- Bake the Cake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing:
- While the cake is baking, prepare the cream cheese icing. In a medium bowl, beat together 1/4 cup of softened butter, 2 tablespoons of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of sifted powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth.
- Finish and Serve:
- Once the cake is baked, let it cool slightly before spreading the cream cheese icing over the top.
- Slice and serve warm.
Enjoy this Giant Banana Bread Cinnamon Roll Cake, a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that will elevate any occasion. Enjoy!
