Are you ready for a sweet awakening? These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are not just a treat; they’re a delicious hug in pastry form! Combining the classic flavors of banana bread with the warm cinnamon swirl of cinnamon rolls, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Imagine waking up to the mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked rolls filled with cinnamon and bananas, making everyone eager for breakfast. I remember the first time I baked these; my family could hardly wait to dig in! Whether you’re making Sunday brunch special or just want to impress on a regular weekday, these rolls are simple, quick to prepare, and family-friendly. If you enjoyed our popular Carrot Cake, you’ll definitely want to give these scrumptious rolls a try!
What is Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls?
So, what’s in a name? Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls sound intriguing, don’t they? It’s like combining two beloved treats into one heavenly creation! Why might you ask? Well, think about it: when you have ripe bananas sitting around, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Banana bread! Now, imagine taking that same delightful flavor and rolling it up with cinnamon in a soft, pillowy dough. Classic sayings often ring true—“the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and with these rolls, you’ll win over everyone’s hearts in no time! So, why not roll with it and give this recipe a shot?
Why You’ll Love This:
Why will you absolutely adore these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls? First, they deliver that warm, comforting, home-baked flavor that shines through every bite, with the richness of bananas balancing the sweetness of brown sugar and cinnamon. Second, making these at home is a wallet-friendly option compared to store-bought pastries that never taste as good as your own! Last but definitely not least, the optional walnuts add a delightful crunch that turns these rolls into a truly special treat. They’re just as fabulous as our Blueberry Muffins, so check those out too! So, gather your ingredients and get ready for some delightful kitchen fun!
How to Make:
Quick Overview
Making these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls is as easy as pie—well, easier, actually! In about 2 hours and 30 minutes, you’ll go from a simple mixture of dough to warm, gooey cinnamon rolls. With minimal ingredients and quick prep time, they’re perfect for a busy morning or a cozy weekend brunch. Just imagine the delightful taste combined with a creamy icing on top!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup mashed banana (about 2-3 medium bananas)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step:
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy—it’s like a magic potion for your dough!
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add melted unsalted butter, eggs, salt, and mashed bananas to the foamy mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add all-purpose flour, stirring until the dough comes together. Don’t be afraid to get your hands in there!
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes. It should become smooth and elastic.
- Let it Rise: Put the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth.
- Shape the Rolls: Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 20×14 inches), spread the filling over it, and sprinkle with walnuts if desired.
- Roll it Up: Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly. Cut it into 12 slices and place them in a greased baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and yummy!
- Prepare the Icing: Beat cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and spreadable.
- Serve: Spread the icing over warm rolls and enjoy every delicious bite!
What to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls With:
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls become even more divine when paired with a side of fresh fruit or a warm cup of your favorite morning coffee or tea. They’re perfect for a family gathering or as a special treat alongside a light salad during brunch. You could also serve them with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence!
Top Tips for Perfecting:
- Fluffy Rolls: Ensure your yeast is fresh for better rise and fluffiness!
- Ingredient Substitutions: Want to cut the sweetness? Use less sugar or replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar.
- Don’t Rush the Rises: Allowing the dough to rise properly ensures that your rolls will be light and fluffy—resist the temptation to rush!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
To keep your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to save them for later, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through—perfectly gooey once again!
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour? Absolutely! Whole wheat flour gives a nutty flavor; just be aware that it might change the texture slightly.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling the night before and refrigerate them. Just allow them to come to room temperature before baking!
What if I don’t have ripe bananas? Try mashing the bananas with a bit of sugar and leaving them in a warm place for a few hours to ripen faster.
Conclusion
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are sure to bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to your family’s faces. Easy to prepare and utterly delicious, they’re perfect for any occasion. Don’t miss out on the fun—whip up a batch today and enjoy the scrumptious combination of bananas and cinnamon goodness!
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup mashed banana (about 2–3 medium bananas)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for icing)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for icing)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add melted butter, eggs, salt, and mashed bananas. Stir until combined.
- Gradually mix in flour until a dough forms, then knead for 10 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to make the filling.
- Roll dough into a 20x14 inch rectangle. Spread filling and sprinkle with walnuts if using.
- Roll up dough tightly from the long side and slice into 12 rolls. Place in a greased baking dish.
- Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.
- While baking, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth to make icing.
- Spread icing over warm rolls and serve.
Notes
Substitute whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. Make the night before and refrigerate before baking. Store rolls up to 2 days at room temp or freeze for 3 months.