Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

The Ultimate Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe For Sweet Tooths

Sweet aromas of warm banana bread cinnamon rolls waft through kitchens, promising comfort in every delectable bite.

Soft dough swirls with caramelized banana notes and rich spice.

Comfort emerges from classic ingredients reimagined into something extraordinary.

Familiar flavors dance together, creating a breakfast treat that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

Delicate layers promise unexpected moments of pure culinary joy.

Weekend mornings deserve something special – and these rolls deliver pure magic.

Reasons to Love Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

  • Bake with Banana Bliss: Transform classic banana bread into irresistible cinnamon rolls, creating a delightful fusion of two beloved treats that brings excitement to your breakfast or brunch.
  • Craft a Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for family gatherings, weekend mornings, or special occasions, these rolls offer a warm, gooey experience that connects people through shared deliciousness.
  • Master Simple Baking Techniques: Designed for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe teaches fundamental bread-making skills like yeast activation, kneading, and rolling, making it an excellent learning opportunity for aspiring home bakers.
  • Customize with Creative Twists: Easily adapt the recipe by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or exploring different glazes, allowing personal creativity and making each batch uniquely yours.

Ingredients for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Bread Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure for creating soft and tender rolls.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Essential for helping the dough rise and develop a light texture.
  • Warm Milk: Provides moisture and helps activate the yeast for proper fermentation.
  • Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds subtle sweetness to the bread base.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and contributes to the rich texture of the rolls.
Banana Components:
  • Ripe Bananas: Adds natural sweetness and moisture to the dough with a distinct banana flavor.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Creates a warm, sweet, and aromatic filling for the rolls.
  • Softened Butter: Helps bind the filling and provides rich flavor.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Creates a smooth and sweet drizzle to finish the rolls.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread and balances the sweetness.
  • Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps in dough development.

How to Prepare Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Wake Up the Yeast

Grab a cozy small bowl and blend warm milk with sugar and yeast. Let the mixture hang out for 5-10 minutes until it gets super bubbly and frothy.

Step 2: Create the Magical Dough

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine:
  • Mashed bananas
  • Melted butter
  • Egg
  • Salt

Pour in the yeast mixture and stir everything together. Slowly add flour until a soft, dreamy dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it feels smooth and silky. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it up, and let it rise for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Craft the Flavor-Packed Filling

In a separate bowl, whip together:
  • Softened butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon

Mix until everything becomes a delightful, creamy blend.

Step 4: Roll and Shape the Deliciousness

Stretch out the dough into a large rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Generously spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture across the entire surface. Carefully roll the dough from one long side to the other, creating a beautiful log. Slice the log into 12 equal, mouth-watering pieces.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the slices in a greased baking dish. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Crank up the oven to 350F (175C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 6: Drizzle with Sweet Glaze

Whisk together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Create a smooth glaze and drizzle it over the warm, fragrant rolls. Get ready to dive into the most incredible Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls ever!

Pro Tips for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

  • Select High-Quality Bananas: Choose ripe, soft bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and intense banana flavor.
  • Prevent Sticky Dough: Dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour to keep the dough from sticking and make rolling easier.
  • Maintain Consistent Roll Size: Use dental floss or a sharp knife to cut uniform cinnamon rolls for even baking and professional presentation.
  • Control Rising Temperature: Place dough in a warm, draft-free area like inside a turned-off oven to help it rise properly and develop better texture.
  • Enhance Glaze Consistency: Adjust powdered sugar and milk quantities to create a smooth, drizzle-friendly glaze that complements the rolls' sweetness.

Variation Ideas for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

  • Gluten-Free Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend, using almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Banana Delight Rolls: Swap dairy milk with almond milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace egg with a flax seed mixture.
  • Chocolate Chip Banana Swirl: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the cinnamon-sugar filling for an extra decadent breakfast treat.
  • Nutty Banana Crunch Rolls: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

  • Pair with Creamy Chai Latte: Smooth, spiced chai tea perfectly complements the warm cinnamon and sweet banana flavors, creating a cozy and indulgent breakfast experience.
  • Combine with Maple Pecan Sprinkle: Toasted pecans and drizzled maple syrup enhance the nutty undertones of the rolls, adding delightful crunch and rich sweetness.
  • Match with Whipped Mascarpone Spread: Silky, light mascarpone cheese provides a luxurious contrast to the dense, rich cinnamon rolls, balancing their sweetness with a tangy finish.
  • Serve with Cold Brew Coffee: Strong, smooth cold brew cuts through the sweetness, offering a refreshing counterpoint that elevates the rolls' complex flavor profile.

Storage Recommendations for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

  • Store cooled cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Seal completely cooled rolls in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Keep frozen for 2-3 months. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Warm rolls at 300F for 8-10 minutes, covered with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Restore soft texture and fresh-baked taste quickly.
  • Warm individual rolls for 15-20 seconds. Add a damp paper towel to prevent hardening and maintain softness. Check temperature to avoid overheating.

FAQs for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

  • How do I know if my yeast is active?

Check for foam or bubbles on top of the warm milk mixture after 5-10 minutes. If no froth appears, the yeast might be old or the liquid was too hot or cold.

  • Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, but replace only half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat to maintain the soft texture. Using 100% whole wheat might make the rolls dense and heavy.

  • Why should I knead the dough?

Kneading develops gluten, which gives the rolls their soft, stretchy texture. Proper kneading ensures the rolls will be light and fluffy instead of tough and compact.

  • How ripe should the bananas be?

Use very ripe bananas with dark brown or black spots. These are sweeter and will provide more moisture and intense banana flavor to the rolls.

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Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe


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4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 5-10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Warm banana bread meets classic cinnamon rolls in this irresistible breakfast fusion. Bakers can savor sweet swirls of comfort, blending ripe bananas and spicy cinnamon into a delightful morning treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe bananas
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 1 egg

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup warm milk
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar

Flavor and Seasoning:

  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Awaken the yeast by combining warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Allow the mixture to bloom and become frothy for 5-10 minutes.
  2. Create the dough foundation by blending mashed bananas, melted butter, egg, and salt in a large mixing vessel. Incorporate the activated yeast mixture thoroughly.
  3. Gradually fold flour into the wet ingredients, kneading the emerging dough on a lightly dusted surface for 5-7 minutes until achieving a smooth, elastic consistency.
  4. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, drape with a clean cloth, and permit rising in a warm environment for approximately 1 hour or until volume doubles.
  5. Craft the aromatic filling by whisking softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until uniformly integrated.
  6. Stretch the risen dough into a rectangular shape approximately 1/4-inch thick using a rolling pin.
  7. Distribute the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across the dough’s surface, ensuring complete coverage.
  8. Tightly roll the dough from the longest edge, creating a compact log. Slice the log into 12 uniform sections.
  9. Arrange the rolled segments in a prepared baking dish, allowing them to proof for an additional 30 minutes.
  10. Heat the oven to 350F (175C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until they transform into a rich golden hue.
  11. Prepare a silky glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until achieving a smooth, pourable consistency.
  12. Generously drizzle the glaze over warm rolls, creating an enticing finishing touch.

Notes

  • Use very ripe, almost black bananas for deeper, sweeter flavor and more intense banana taste.
  • Warm milk should be around 110°F to activate yeast perfectly without killing it.
  • Add ground nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for extra warmth and complexity in flavor profile.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for better texture.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 291 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 147 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 27 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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