Combine the best of both worlds with Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls, a delicious fusion of moist banana bread and gooey cinnamon rolls for a comforting treat.

Introduction

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate fusion of two beloved comfort foods—moist, flavorful banana bread and soft, gooey cinnamon rolls. This recipe brings together the familiar sweetness of ripe bananas with the warm, spicy notes of cinnamon, creating a breakfast or brunch treat that’s truly irresistible. The dough is infused with mashed bananas, giving it a tender, slightly sweet flavor that perfectly complements the rich cinnamon-sugar filling. Each roll is soft, fluffy, and packed with the comforting taste of banana bread, while the cinnamon filling adds just the right amount of spice. Topped with a creamy vanilla glaze, these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a delicious way to start your day or to enjoy as an indulgent snack. Whether you’re a fan of banana bread or cinnamon rolls, this recipe is sure to become a favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

• For the Dough:
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the Cinnamon Filling:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• For the Vanilla Glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining sugar, melted butter, mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
3. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using) until well combined.
5. Assemble the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Second Rise: Cover the baking dish with a cloth and let the rolls rise again for about 30 minutes, or until puffy.
7. Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
8. Glaze and Serve: While the rolls are baking, prepare the vanilla glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls before serving.

How to Prepare

Preparing Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls is a straightforward process that combines traditional bread-making techniques with the flavors of banana bread. The dough is made with mashed bananas, giving it a moist and tender texture, while the cinnamon-sugar filling adds a delicious layer of sweetness and spice. After rolling and cutting the dough, the rolls are left to rise a second time, ensuring they bake up fluffy and soft. The final touch is a simple vanilla glaze that adds a bit of sweetness and shine, making these rolls as beautiful as they are tasty. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are sure to impress.

Preparation Time

• Active Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes

Servings

This recipe makes 12 rolls.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before. Let it rise, then roll and cut the rolls. Cover them and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.

Q2: Can I add nuts or chocolate chips? Absolutely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips to the filling can add extra flavor and texture to the rolls.

Q3: How do I store leftover rolls? Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Q4: Can I freeze these rolls? Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls after they’ve been cut. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before baking as directed.

Q5: Can I make these rolls gluten-free? Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or another binding agent. The texture may differ slightly, but they will still be delicious.

Conclusion

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful combination of two classic favorites, bringing together the comforting flavors of banana bread and the gooey, indulgent experience of cinnamon rolls. With their soft, pillowy texture and rich, spiced filling, these rolls are perfect for a weekend brunch, a special breakfast, or even a sweet treat any time of day. The addition of bananas not only enhances the flavor but also adds moisture, ensuring that each bite is tender and flavorful. Topped with a simple vanilla glaze, these rolls are as satisfying to look at as they are to eat. Whether you’re making them for family, friends, or just for yourself, these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are sure to become a beloved recipe in your collection.