If you’re craving a breakfast treat that is both comfortingly familiar and intriguingly new, the Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine the tender, moist texture of classic banana bread swirling together with the sweet, spicy allure of cinnamon rolls, all topped with a luscious vanilla glaze. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between fruity sweetness and warm spice, making it an absolute showstopper that will have friends and family begging for more. Every bite melts in your mouth, offering the best of both worlds in an irresistibly soft roll.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet wonderfully purposeful, each contributing their own magic to create the perfect Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. From fluffy flour to ripe bananas and just the right amount of cinnamon, every element enhances the flavor, texture, and inviting aroma of these rolls.
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas: Provides natural sweetness and moisture for that classic banana bread feel.
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure and soft chewiness to the dough.
- 1 egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough together beautifully.
- ¼ cup sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough without overpowering the flavors.
- 2¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet): Essential for that delightful rise and airy texture.
- ¼ cup warm milk: Activates the yeast and adds tenderness to the dough.
- 3 tbsp melted butter: Contributes a buttery softness and subtle flavor.
- ½ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- ¼ cup softened butter: For spreading on the dough to help the cinnamon sugar stick and create gooey layers.
- â…“ cup brown sugar: Brings deep caramel notes to the cinnamon filling.
- 1 tbsp cinnamon: Adds the warm, fragrant spice that cinnamon rolls are famous for.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: For the glaze, lending sweetness and a smooth finish.
- 1–2 tbsp milk: To thin out the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract: Gives the glaze an irresistible aroma and fuss-free flavor boost.
How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Mix Wet Ingredients
Start by mixing warm milk with instant yeast in a bowl, then give it about 5 minutes to bloom into a bubbly, fragrant base. This step is crucial as it ensures your dough will rise perfectly. Next, blend in the mashed bananas, egg, sugar, melted butter, and salt. The bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, while the milk and butter make the dough irresistibly soft.
Step 2: Combine Flour and Knead the Dough
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to your wet mixture, stirring until it begins to come together. Then, knead the dough until it feels soft yet slightly elastic — about 7 to 10 minutes is ideal. Kneading helps develop gluten, which gives your rolls that tender but structured bite. Cover the dough and let it rise for about an hour until it doubles in size, signaling it’s ready for shaping.
Step 3: Roll Out and Add Filling
Once the dough has risen beautifully, roll it into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the softened butter evenly across the dough. Then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mix generously on top. This step is where the characteristic cinnamon roll flavor starts taking shape, combining with the banana bread foundation for a lovely twist.
Step 4: Roll and Cut the Dough
Carefully roll the dough tightly from one long edge to the other to create a tight spiral. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the roll into 8 to 10 equal pieces. Placing them side by side in a greased baking dish ensures they bake up snug and fluffy with soft sides.
Step 5: Second Rise and Bake
Allow the rolls to rise again for 30 minutes, which helps achieve that light, pillowy texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they’re golden brown and filling starts to bubble enticingly. The aroma at this point is absolutely heavenly and will fill your kitchen with the promise of a delicious treat.
Step 6: Drizzle the Vanilla Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a silky glaze. Drizzle this over the warm rolls so it melts slightly and seeps into every crevice. This finishing touch adds smooth sweetness and a gorgeous shine that makes these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls truly irresistible.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your serving experience by adding chopped toasted walnuts or pecans on top for crunch. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a light dusting of powdered sugar can also elevate their visual appeal and deepen the flavor profile, bringing out that wonderful spice even more.
Side Dishes
Pair these rolls with fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples for some brightness and contrast. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can transform this into a decadent dessert, while a cup of strong coffee or chai tea highlights the warm spices beautifully at breakfast or brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the rolls in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch or nestling them in a rustic basket lined with a cloth napkin for a cozy, inviting look. You can also stack a few rolls on a platter and drizzle extra glaze right before serving, creating a sweet centerpiece that’s impossible to resist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover banana bread cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and moist, perfect for enjoying fresh the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze unglazed rolls by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, microwave individual rolls for about 15 to 20 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil for 10 minutes. Add glaze after reheating for a melty, gooey finish that tastes just like straight from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work wonderfully and are often sweeter. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing to avoid soggy dough.
Is it possible to make this recipe without yeast?
This recipe relies on yeast for that classic cinnamon roll texture, so omitting it will change the results dramatically. If you want a quicker version, consider a banana bread cinnamon roll using baking powder, but the fluffy texture won’t be quite the same.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour?
You can swap up to half the flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber. Just be aware it might make the dough slightly denser and require a bit more liquid.
How ripe do the bananas need to be?
The riper, the better! Overripe bananas with brown spots offer the best sweetness and softness for that perfect banana bread taste. Avoid green or just-yellow bananas as they won’t have enough sugar or flavor.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just take it out in the morning to come to room temperature before rolling and baking. This can make morning baking a breeze!
Final Thoughts
There is something undeniably special about bringing together two beloved breads in one delightful treat, and this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe does just that with charm and simplicity. It’s perfect for lazy weekend breakfasts, special occasions, or anytime you need a little cozy indulgence in your life. So roll up your sleeves, gather those simple ingredients, and treat yourself to some warm, fragrant, and utterly delicious rolls that feel like a hug in pastry form. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become one of your go-to favorites to share with everyone you love.
Print
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 10 cinnamon rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and soft Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the classic flavors of banana bread with the comforting spice of cinnamon rolls. This yeast-risen dough is enriched with mashed ripe bananas, creating a moist, flavorful bread rolled with a cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these rolls bake up golden and are irresistibly tender.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup warm milk
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- ½ tsp salt
Filling
- ¼ cup softened butter
- â…“ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a bowl, combine ¼ cup of warm milk with 2¼ teaspoons of instant yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active. Then mix in 1 cup mashed bananas, 1 egg, ¼ cup sugar, 3 tablespoons melted butter, and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Make the dough: Gradually add 2½ cups all-purpose flour to the wet mixture, kneading until a soft dough forms. Knead thoroughly to develop structure. Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare and roll the dough: Roll the risen dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread ¼ cup softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle ⅓ cup brown sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon cinnamon over the butter layer to create the filling.
- Shape the rolls: Roll the dough tightly from one edge to the other to encase the filling. Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled log into 8 to 10 equal slices. Arrange the rolls cut side up in a greased baking dish, leaving some space between them.
- Second rise and bake: Allow the rolls to rise again in the baking dish for 30 minutes, so they puff up and become light and fluffy. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they are golden brown on top.
- Make and apply glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together ½ cup powdered sugar, 1 to 2 tablespoons milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle the warm glaze over the fresh-out-of-the-oven cinnamon rolls and serve.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- If dough is sticky, dust hands and surface with flour while kneading.
- Warm milk should be around 110°F (43°C) to activate yeast without killing it.
- For thicker glaze, use less milk; add milk gradually to reach desired consistency.
- These rolls taste best served warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat rolls gently in the microwave before serving for a fresh-baked taste.
