Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls have become my absolute favorite weekend treat, a perfect marriage of my two favorite baked goods. I still remember the first time I tried making them myself; the kitchen filled with the most incredible aroma of ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and sweet dough. It’s a smell that instantly brings a smile to my face! This easy banana bread cinnamon roll recipe is genuinely foolproof, even if you’re new to baking. These aren’t just any rolls; they’re a little bite of comfort, offering that classic moist banana bread flavor in a fun, swirled package. Get ready to impress yourself and everyone you share them with. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
These delightful rolls are a game-changer for your breakfast or dessert table. Get ready to fall in love with:
- The incredible taste: A perfect blend of sweet banana and warm cinnamon spice.
- Quick and easy preparation: You can whip up these homemade banana bread cinnamon rolls in no time.
- Family-approved flavor: Kids and adults alike adore the comforting taste.
- Budget-friendly baking: Uses common pantry staples and ripe bananas you already have.
- A healthier twist: Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas, making them a slightly better-for-you indulgence.
- Versatile enjoyment: Perfect as a special breakfast treat or a delightful dessert.
- The joy of homemade banana bread cinnamon rolls: There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of baking these from scratch.
- A unique breakfast experience: A fun departure from traditional cinnamon rolls.
Ingredients for Your Homemade Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Gather these simple ingredients to create the most wonderful banana bread cinnamon roll dough. You’ll be amazed at how easily these come together!
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – the base for our tender rolls
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – helps them rise beautifully
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – for that classic banana bread lift
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium) – the star flavor! Make sure they’re very ripe for sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, divided – we use some in the dough and some for the filling
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness in the dough
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar – adds a lovely caramel note to the dough
- 1 large egg – binds everything together
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances all the flavors
- 1/4 cup milk – adds moisture to the dough
- For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – to help the sugar and cinnamon stick
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar – creates that gooey center
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon – essential for that classic swirl
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar – for a sweet, smooth topping
- 2-3 tablespoons milk – to thin the glaze to perfection
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds a hint of warmth to the glaze
How to Make Easy Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Follow these simple steps to create delicious banana bread cinnamon swirl bread that will fill your home with an amazing aroma.
- Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. This ensures your rolls won’t stick.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the mashed ripe bananas with 1/4 cup of softened butter. Cream these together with the granulated sugar and packed light brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Step 3: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. This wet mixture is the heart of our flavorful rolls.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture provides the structure for our banana bread cinnamon rolls.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is just combined into a soft dough. Be careful not to overmix!
- Step 6: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it for a minute or two until it becomes smooth and pliable.
- Step 7: Roll the dough into a rectangle, aiming for about 12×9 inches. This size is perfect for creating those beautiful swirls.
- Step 8: Generously spread the melted butter evenly over the entire surface of the dough rectangle.
- Step 9: In a small bowl, mix together the 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this glorious mixture evenly over the buttered dough, ensuring every bite will be spiced just right.
- Step 10: Tightly roll up the dough, starting from one of the long sides. Pinch the seam firmly to seal it, preventing the filling from escaping during baking.
- Step 11: Cut the log into 12 equal slices. You can use a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.
- Step 12: Place the sliced rolls into your prepared baking pan. Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let them rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes. They should puff up nicely.
- Step 13: Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through. The aroma is incredible!
- Step 14: While the rolls are baking, prepare your glaze. Whisk together the powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth, drizzle-able consistency. Add a tiny bit more milk if it’s too thick.
- Step 15: Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for just a few minutes before drizzling the glaze generously over the warm banana bread cinnamon swirl bread. Enjoying these how to make banana bread cinnamon rolls is a true delight!
Pro Tips for the Best Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Want to elevate your baking game? These tips will ensure your banana bread cinnamon rolls are absolutely perfect every time. They’re simple but make a big difference!
- Use very ripe bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your rolls will be. Look for ones with plenty of brown spots!
- Don’t overwork the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough rolls. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a tender crumb.
- Cool slightly before glazing: Drizzling the glaze on warm, not piping hot, rolls prevents it from melting off completely, giving you that beautiful finish.
- For extra flavor, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon-sugar filling!
What’s the secret to perfect Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls?
The key to truly perfect moist banana bread cinnamon rolls lies in the bananas themselves – make sure they are super ripe! Also, resist the urge to overmix the dough; a gentle hand yields the most tender result. For more baking tips, check out these easy family dinners.
Can I make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, roll, fill, and slice them, then place them in the baking pan, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Just let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking as usual.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls?
A common pitfall is using underripe bananas, which won’t give you that signature sweetness. Also, avoid overbaking; they’re done when golden brown, not crunchy. Lastly, don’t skip the resting time, as it allows the flavors to meld and the dough to become soft. Learn more about proper baking techniques at this guide to copycat recipes.
Best Ways to Serve Flavorful Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
These flavorful banana bread cinnamon rolls are a treat on their own, but here are a few ways to make them even more special. For a perfect breakfast pairing, enjoy them with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. They also make a fantastic dessert or afternoon snack. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, don’t forget the luscious banana bread cinnamon roll frosting; it adds a creamy sweetness that complements the spiced banana perfectly. For a more substantial brunch, serve them alongside some scrambled eggs or crispy bacon!
Nutrition Facts for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Here’s a look at the nutritional breakdown for these delightful banana bread cinnamon rolls per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your homemade banana bread cinnamon rolls. For more healthy eating tips, consider these foods to eat less of.
How to Store and Reheat Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Once your delicious banana bread cinnamon rolls have cooled down from their glorious bake, it’s time to think about storage. For the best texture and flavor, let them cool completely before storing. You can keep them fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy these delightful banana bread breakfast rolls for longer, they freeze beautifully! Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can gently warm them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds per roll, or pop them into a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes until warmed through. That’s it – fresh-tasting banana bread breakfast rolls anytime!
Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
What are Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls?
Banana bread cinnamon rolls are a delightful fusion, combining the comforting flavors and moist texture of classic banana bread with the beloved swirl and sweetness of traditional cinnamon rolls. They’re essentially a sweet, yeasted dough infused with mashed bananas, rolled with a cinnamon-sugar filling, and often topped with a sweet glaze.
Can I use frozen bananas for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work perfectly for these banana bread cinnamon rolls, and some people even prefer them. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before mashing them for your recipe. This helps ensure the dough isn’t too wet. You can find more tips on using frozen ingredients in our latest recipes.
What’s the best way to get a good cinnamon swirl in my Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls?
To achieve a beautiful swirl, ensure you spread the melted butter and the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly across the entire surface of your rolled-out dough before you begin rolling it up. Then, roll the dough as tightly as you can from one long edge. Using dental floss or a sharp knife to cut the rolls will also help maintain the integrity of the swirl.
Are Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls a breakfast or dessert item?
They’re wonderfully versatile! You can certainly enjoy these banana bread cinnamon rolls as a special breakfast treat, perhaps on a weekend morning. They also make a fantastic dessert, especially when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra glaze.
Variations of Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic recipe, why not get creative? There are so many fun ways to enjoy these delightful rolls. For a decadent twist, try turning them into banana bread sticky buns by adding a layer of caramel sauce and chopped pecans to the bottom of your baking pan before adding the rolls. If you’re looking for something a bit quicker for a busy morning, consider adapting the dough slightly for banana bread morning buns – they bake up beautifully and are perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast. You could also try a dairy-free version by using almond milk and vegan butter, or add a handful of chocolate chips to the cinnamon-sugar filling for an extra treat! For more sweet ideas, check out these easy banana bread cookies.
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Sensational Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these moist and flavorful banana bread cinnamon rolls, a delightful fusion of classic banana bread and sweet cinnamon rolls. This recipe offers an easy way to make homemade banana bread cinnamon rolls that are perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 medium)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, divided
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup milk
- For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together the mashed bananas, 1/4 cup softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for a minute or two until smooth.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle, approximately 12×9 inches.
- Spread the melted butter evenly over the dough.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Roll the dough up tightly, starting from one of the long sides. Pinch the seam to seal.
- Cut the roll into 12 equal slices.
- Place the slices into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed for desired consistency.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm banana bread cinnamon rolls before serving.
Notes
- Ensure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the banana bread cinnamon rolls tender.
- Allow the rolls to cool slightly before glazing for the best coating.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bakery
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls, banana bread cinnamon roll recipe, homemade banana bread cinnamon rolls, easy banana bread cinnamon rolls, moist banana bread cinnamon rolls, flavorful banana bread cinnamon rolls, banana bread cinnamon roll frosting, cinnamon banana swirl bread
