If you love the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls combined with the rich, moist flavor of banana bread, then you are absolutely going to adore this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe! These rolls are a delightful twist on two classic favorites, bringing together soft, banana-infused dough swirled generously with cinnamon and sugar. Whether you are baking for a cozy weekend brunch or a special occasion, these irresistible rolls will fill your kitchen with a heavenly aroma and treat your taste buds to layers of sweet, tender goodness. Get ready to make your mornings extra special with this must-try recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe lies in its use of simple, wholesome ingredients that work together perfectly to create the ideal balance of flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role in making the rolls tender, aromatic, and satisfying.
- 3 ripe bananas: The star ingredient that adds natural sweetness and moisture, keeping the dough soft and flavorful.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed for the dough to rise and hold its shape without being tough.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness while enhancing browning during baking.
- 2 tsp baking powder: The leavening agent that helps the rolls rise fluffy and light.
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon: Infuses that classic warm spice that pairs perfectly with banana.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
- 3/4 cup whole milk (or almond milk): Keeps the dough moist and helps with the right consistency.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and add extra richness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall aroma and flavor of the rolls, lifting the taste profile.
How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly hot when you’re ready to bake. Grease your baking dish well to prevent the rolls from sticking and to help them brown nicely on the bottom.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
Mash those ripe bananas until smooth – the riper, the better for sweetness and texture. Then add melted butter, sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract into the bowl and mix until everything is just combined. This mixture is what gives the rolls their signature moistness and subtle sweetness.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon. This ensures your rising agent and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Gradually fold this dry mix into your wet banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Remember, overmixing can make your rolls tough, so keep it light!
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and roll your dough into a thin rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. This is where your rolls start to take shape, so aim for an even thickness to make sure they bake uniformly.
Step 5: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling
Spread softened butter evenly over the dough rectangle, then sprinkle generously with a cinnamon-sugar mixture. This layer is key to creating that gooey, sweet swirl that makes cinnamon rolls so addictive.
Step 6: Shape and Slice the Rolls
Carefully roll the dough up tightly into a log, pressing the seam to seal it. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices. This step is where your beautiful cinnamon spirals come alive!
Step 7: Arrange and Proof the Rolls
Place your cinnamon rolls cut side up in the greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each to allow for rising. Let them rest so they can puff up slightly before going into the oven – this helps achieve that fluffy, tender texture inside.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the rolls in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls are set. The aroma of banana and cinnamon filling your kitchen will signal that they are ready for you to enjoy.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle your rolls with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or spread a light cream cheese frosting over warm rolls. A sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dusting of extra cinnamon can add texture and visual appeal as well.
Side Dishes
Serve your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with a cup of rich coffee or a hot chai latte to complement the warm spices. Fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt can balance the sweetness while keeping the brunch light and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange rolls on a wooden board with small bowls of assorted toppings like honey, nut butter, or berry compotes. You can also turn these rolls into a layered bread pudding by cubing leftover rolls and baking with custard for a delightful twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps maintain their soft texture without drying out.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully! Wrap individual rolls or the entire batch tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. This lets you enjoy homemade banana and cinnamon goodness anytime you want.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the rolls in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave a single roll for 20-30 seconds until warmed through. This refreshes their soft, gooey texture and brings back that freshly-baked sensation.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect because they are sweeter and softer, which enhances the flavor and moisture of your rolls.
Is it possible to make these rolls dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the milk with any plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative to keep the recipe dairy-free without sacrificing taste.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
You can prepare the dough and assemble the rolls the night before, then cover and refrigerate them. Let them come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before baking the next day.
What if I don’t have cinnamon on hand?
You can experiment with other warm spices like nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, or cardamom for a different but delightful flavor profile.
How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?
Look for golden brown tops and a springy feel when gently pressed. You can also insert a toothpick in the center of a roll; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are done.
Final Thoughts
Making this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is like bringing a little bit of bakery magic into your kitchen. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of banana softness and cinnamon warmth that’s simply irresistible. I encourage you to try this recipe soon and delight your friends and family with a treat that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly unique. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the classic flavors of banana bread with the sweet, spicy twist of cinnamon rolls. Soft, moist, and slightly sweet, these rolls are perfect for breakfast or brunch, offering a delightful treat that’s easy to make and sure to please family and friends.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3/4 cup whole milk (or almond milk)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- Softened butter (for spreading on dough)
- Cinnamon-sugar mixture (usually a blend of cinnamon and sugar, quantity to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cinnamon rolls.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is fully combined to create a moist, flavorful base.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spices, which adds lift and flavor.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough which could make rolls tough.
- Roll the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick, making sure it is even for uniform rolling and baking.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar Filling: Spread softened butter over the dough evenly, then generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top to create a sweet, spiced filling.
- Shape the Rolls: Carefully roll the dough tightly from one side into a log shape, then slice the log into approximately 12 equal pieces to form individual rolls.
- Arrange and Proof: Place the cinnamon rolls into the greased baking dish, spacing them so they can rise slightly; this ensures they bake into soft, fluffy rolls.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown, signaling they are cooked through and ready to enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute almond milk for whole milk to make the recipe dairy-free.
- For extra sweetness, drizzle a simple icing glaze made with powdered sugar and milk on top after baking.
- Make sure not to overmix the dough to keep the rolls tender.
- If you want a more pronounced cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon amount in the filling.
- Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving for easier handling and better texture.
