“`html
If you’re searching for a way to combine the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls with the rich, moist goodness of banana bread, then you absolutely have to try this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. It’s a delightful fusion that takes the best of both worlds—fragrant spices swirling through tender, banana-infused dough, baked to golden perfection. These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon treat with a cup of coffee, delivering a mouthwatering experience that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients create magic in this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, each playing an essential role to balance flavor, texture, and that perfect golden color. From ripe bananas to aromatic cinnamon, these ingredients come together beautifully with just a few pantry staples.
- 3 ripe bananas: The star ingredient that provides natural sweetness, moisture, and a tender crumb.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy yet soft base of the dough to hold everything together.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Helps the rolls rise to light, fluffy perfection without heaviness.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness and balances the cinnamon spice.
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon: Brings that unmistakable warm, fragrant kick characteristic of cinnamon rolls.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or plant-based milk): Adds moisture for a soft dough and helps dissolve the sugar evenly.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and gives strength to the dough for perfect slicing and baking.
How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Banana Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mash the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy—this is the heart of your dough’s flavor and moistness. Then, gently stir in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, brown sugar, softened butter, milk, and egg until everything just comes together into a soft but workable dough. Make sure not to overmix, as we want those rolls tender and fluffy.
Step 2: Knead and Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour a clean surface before turning your dough out onto it. Knead the dough gently for about one minute to ensure everything is evenly distributed without developing too much gluten, which keeps the rolls soft. After that, roll the dough into a rectangle approximately half an inch thick—this even thickness will help with uniform rolling and baking.
Step 3: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Layer
Brush the surface of the dough with softened butter—we want every bite to be decadently rich. Then sprinkle a generous and even layer of your cinnamon-sugar mixture (a simple blend of cinnamon and brown sugar) all over the buttered dough. This is where the iconic cinnamon roll flavor really shines through and melds beautifully with the banana.
Step 4: Roll and Slice the Dough
Carefully roll the dough from one long edge into a tight spiral, making sure to keep it even so the rolls bake uniformly. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into pieces about two inches wide. These slices are your individual cinnamon rolls that will puff up as they bake, capturing that perfect swirl of banana and cinnamon love.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the sliced rolls upright in a greased baking dish, spacing them just enough to expand slightly. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until they’re puffed up and beautifully golden brown. Once out of the oven, allow the rolls to cool just a bit—the warm aroma will be irresistible, and they’re best enjoyed slightly warm for that soft, dreamy texture.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
While these rolls are incredible on their own, adding a drizzle of cream cheese glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar can elevate the experience. Chopped walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top add a nice crunch and a lovely contrast to the soft roll.
Side Dishes
Pair your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe with fresh fruit like berries or a simple yogurt parfait for a balanced breakfast. A hot cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee complements the warm spices beautifully, turning any morning into a special occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch crowd, arrange the rolls in the center of a rustic wooden board surrounded by mini jars of jam, honey, and butter for a charming, interactive experience. You can also slice and toast leftover rolls to transform them into a sweet, buttery snack that’s perfect anytime.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though that’s rare!), store the cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the rolls soft and flavorful without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked rolls for up to one month by placing the rolled and sliced dough in a baking dish and wrapping tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready, defrost in the refrigerator overnight before baking as usual.
Reheating
Warm leftover or frozen-thawed rolls in a microwave for about 20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their soft, fresh-out-of-the-oven feel. This is a perfect way to revive their irresistible aroma and texture.
FAQs
Can I use plant-based milk instead of whole milk?
Absolutely! Plant-based milks like almond, oat, or soy work wonderfully in this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, keeping the dough moist while accommodating dietary preferences.
Do the rolls need to rise before baking?
Since this recipe uses baking powder instead of yeast, the dough doesn’t need rising time, making it quicker to prepare while still yielding fluffy rolls.
How ripe should the bananas be?
For best flavor and texture, use bananas that are very ripe, with plenty of brown spots. They’re sweeter and mash easily, which enhances the natural sweetness of the rolls.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the filling?
Definitely! Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans or even mini chocolate chips inside the cinnamon-sugar layer makes these rolls even more irresistible and adds delightful texture.
What’s the best way to prevent rolls from sticking to the pan?
Grease your baking dish generously with butter or non-stick spray to ensure your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls release easily after baking without sacrificing that golden crust.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe—it’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whip up a batch and watch these warm, fragrant rolls disappear fast at your table. Whether for a leisurely weekend breakfast or a special treat anytime, they’re sure to become a beloved favorite you’ll want to share again and again.
“`
Print
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the moist sweetness of ripe bananas with the warm, comforting spice of cinnamon, rolled into soft, fluffy pastry. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, these rolls are easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 ripe bananas (about 1 cup mashed)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or plant-based milk)
- 1 large egg
Filling
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for spreading)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, brown sugar, softened butter, milk, and egg. Mix until just combined to form a soft dough.
- Knead and roll out dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough gently for about one minute to bring it together. Roll the dough into a rectangle approximately half an inch thick.
- Add filling: Spread softened butter evenly over the surface of the rolled dough. In a small bowl, combine ground cinnamon with brown sugar, then sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top of the buttered dough.
- Form the rolls: Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into pieces about two inches wide, creating individual cinnamon rolls.
- Bake: Grease a baking dish and arrange the cinnamon rolls upright in it, spacing them slightly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for the best sweetness and moisture.
- You can substitute whole milk with any plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
- For extra richness, consider adding a cream cheese glaze after baking.
- If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts or raisins over the cinnamon sugar before rolling.
- Store leftovers wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
