These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the best of two worlds: the comforting flavors of banana bread and the irresistible gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls. With each bite, you get the perfect balance of sweetness, cinnamon, and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of the day, these rolls are sure to bring warmth and smiles to the table. Drizzled with a light glaze, they make a beautiful presentation, whether served on a cozy morning or at a family gathering. Make them ahead of time for a delicious start to your day!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 ripe bananas, mashed
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1 cup milk
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1/4 cup butter, melted
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2 tablespoons brown sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup sugar
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2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
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1 egg
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1 tablespoon butter, softened
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
Directions:
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In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, milk, melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
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In a separate bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and cinnamon. Add the wet ingredients and the egg to the dry ingredients and knead until smooth.
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Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
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Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon.
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Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it into 12 equal pieces.
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Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover with a cloth, and let them rise for another 20 minutes.
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Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
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In a small bowl, mix heavy cream and powdered sugar for the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 295 kcal | Servings: 12 rolls
Why Banana Bread and Cinnamon Rolls Work Together So Perfectly
Both banana bread and cinnamon rolls have been staples in households for generations. Banana bread is renowned for its moist, dense texture, and sweet, slightly fruity flavor. It’s the perfect way to use overripe bananas, transforming them into a comforting dessert or breakfast loaf. On the other hand, cinnamon rolls are a universal favorite, known for their pillowy softness, rich cinnamon filling, and signature glaze.
When you combine these two popular treats, you get the best of both worlds. The banana adds a hint of natural sweetness and moisture to the cinnamon rolls, making them even softer and more flavorful. The cinnamon filling, which is the heart of traditional cinnamon rolls, complements the subtle banana flavor perfectly. These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a twist on a classic and add extra moisture and flavor that make them uniquely satisfying.
The Secret to Soft, Gooey Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
The key to getting the perfect texture for these rolls lies in the dough. Banana bread has a dense, moist quality due to the ripe bananas, and when you incorporate that into the dough for cinnamon rolls, you get a soft, gooey interior that just melts in your mouth. While many cinnamon roll recipes use milk or butter to make the dough tender, the mashed bananas provide a natural moisture that ensures the rolls remain soft and fluffy, even after baking.
Another important factor is allowing the dough to rise properly. This ensures that your rolls will have that pillowy, airy texture. The yeast needs time to activate and create pockets of air within the dough, which is essential for making the rolls light and fluffy. So, be sure to give the dough the necessary rise time—it will make a huge difference in the end result!
A Perfect Breakfast or Brunch Option
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are ideal for a weekend brunch or a special breakfast. Imagine waking up to the smell of freshly baked rolls, with their warm, cinnamon-spiced filling and a drizzle of sweet glaze on top. This dish is a comforting way to start your day and a treat that everyone will love. You can make these rolls ahead of time for a hassle-free brunch. Just prepare the dough and cinnamon filling the night before, refrigerate it overnight, and bake them fresh in the morning.
They pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of orange juice. Add a side of fresh fruit, and you’ve got a deliciously satisfying meal to share with family or friends. The combination of sweetness, cinnamon, and banana is sure to make these rolls the star of the breakfast table.
Customize the Recipe to Suit Your Taste
While the recipe for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls as written is delicious, it’s also very versatile. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For example, if you’re vegan, you can substitute the butter and milk for plant-based alternatives like coconut oil and almond milk. To make them gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. You can also experiment with the filling. If you love nuts, you can add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon filling for added crunch and flavor.
Another great way to customize this recipe is by adding chocolate chips to the dough or filling. The chocolate pairs wonderfully with the banana flavor and gives the rolls a decadent touch. If you prefer a more traditional cinnamon roll flavor, you can always leave out the banana entirely and stick to a classic cinnamon-sugar filling. This recipe is flexible and open to creativity, so feel free to make it your own!
The Glaze: The Finishing Touch
What makes these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls truly irresistible is the glaze. The simple combination of powdered sugar and heavy cream creates a smooth, glossy coating that adds the perfect amount of sweetness to balance out the cinnamon filling. Drizzling the glaze over the warm rolls before serving adds an extra touch of indulgence, making each bite that much more satisfying.
If you prefer a richer glaze, you can add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. For a little extra flair, consider adding a small amount of maple syrup to the glaze for a subtle maple flavor that pairs beautifully with the banana. However, if you prefer a lighter glaze, you can omit the heavy cream and use milk instead for a thinner consistency.
Why You Should Make These Rolls Today
If you’re looking for a new baking project to try, Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls should be at the top of your list. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, as it’s easy to follow yet yields stunning results. The dough is forgiving, and the combination of banana and cinnamon is universally loved, making it a great choice for any occasion.
Moreover, there’s something about the combination of the soft dough, sweet banana, and spicy cinnamon that feels both nostalgic and comforting. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel at home, no matter where you are. Baking these rolls can quickly become a family tradition, and they make the perfect homemade gift for neighbors or friends.
Conclusion
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on two classic baked goods, combining the flavors of moist banana bread and the gooey, cinnamon-filled rolls we all love. With their soft texture, sweet cinnamon-spiced filling, and glaze, these rolls are perfect for any occasion—from breakfast to dessert. They’re incredibly easy to customize, allowing you to experiment with different fillings, glazes, or toppings. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just to enjoy a cozy treat at home, these rolls are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.
So, the next time you find yourself with a bunch of ripe bananas, consider turning them into something truly special—Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls! You’ll have a mouthwatering treat that’s sure to impress everyone at your table.