Banana bread and cinnamon rolls are two beloved treats, and when combined, they create a deliciously indulgent dessert that’s hard to resist. These banana bread cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with the warm flavors of cinnamon and ripe bananas. Whether you’re a fan of traditional cinnamon rolls or a banana bread enthusiast, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to combine these two classics.
For those who are always on the lookout for creative ways to use bananas, you might also enjoy our Hawaiian Banana Bread Recipe which brings a tropical twist to the traditional banana bread.
Why Choose Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls?
If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if you combined the best elements of banana bread and cinnamon rolls, you’re in for a treat. Banana bread cinnamon rolls offer a unique flavor profile that’s both comforting and indulgent. The sweetness of the bananas pairs perfectly with the warmth of the cinnamon, creating a dessert that’s both familiar and exciting.
Unlike regular cinnamon rolls, these rolls are slightly denser due to the banana content, giving them a moist and rich texture that’s reminiscent of banana bread. If you’re a fan of banana-flavored desserts, you should also check out our Brown Butter Banana Bread recipe, which takes banana bread to the next level with the addition of nutty brown butter.
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- For the Cinnamon Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
These ingredients come together to create a dough that’s soft and easy to work with, while the filling adds the perfect amount of sweetness and spice.
Choosing the Right Bananas
The key to great banana bread cinnamon rolls is using ripe bananas. Ripe bananas are not only sweeter but also easier to mash and incorporate into the dough. If you don’t have ripe bananas on hand, there are a few tricks you can use to speed up the ripening process, such as placing them in a paper bag with an apple or baking them in the oven.
If you’re curious about other ways to use bananas in baking, our article on 3-Ingredient Banana Bread provides a simple yet delicious recipe that’s perfect for any banana lover.
Making the Dough for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
- Activate the Yeast:
In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. - Prepare the Dough:
Add the melted butter, egg, mashed bananas, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, 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. - Proof the Dough:
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 it doubles in size.
Preparing the Cinnamon Filling
While the dough is rising, you can prepare the cinnamon filling:
- Mix the Ingredients:
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is well combined and smooth. - Set Aside:
Keep the filling at room temperature until you’re ready to use it. This will make it easier to spread over the dough.
Assembling and Rolling the Cinnamon Rolls
- Roll Out the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches). - Spread the Filling:
Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, making sure to cover the entire surface. - Roll the Dough:
Starting from one of the long sides, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 equal pieces. - Arrange in the Pan:
Place the rolls into a greased baking dish, cover them, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Baking
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Bake the Rolls:
Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Make sure to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of one of the rolls.
Making the Perfect Glaze
While the rolls are baking, you can prepare the glaze:
- Mix the Glaze Ingredients:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. - Glaze the Rolls:
Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Serve warm for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I make banana bread cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls up to the point of the second rise and then refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature before baking.
Can I freeze banana bread cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! Once baked, let the rolls cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and freezing. To reheat, simply thaw them at room temperature and warm them in the oven.
What if I don’t have ripe bananas?
You can quickly ripen bananas by placing them in a warm oven (about 300°F) for 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, placing them in a paper bag with an apple can help speed up the ripening process.
How can I make this recipe vegan or gluten-free?
To make these rolls vegan, substitute the milk with almond milk, use a vegan butter, and replace the egg with a flax egg. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Creative Variations of Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
There are plenty of ways to customize these banana bread cinnamon rolls to suit your taste:
- Chocolate Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls:
Add chocolate chips to the filling for a rich, chocolaty twist. - Caramel Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls:
Drizzle caramel sauce over the rolls after glazing for an extra indulgent treat. - Nutty Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls:
Sprinkle chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) over the filling before rolling up the dough.
Serving Suggestions
Banana bread cinnamon rolls are best served warm, straight out of the oven. They make a perfect breakfast treat or dessert, and they pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a more decadent dessert, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storing
To keep your cinnamon rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in the oven or microwave until warm.
Conclusion
Banana bread cinnamon rolls are a delicious twist on a classic dessert that brings together the best of both worlds. The combination of soft, fluffy dough with the sweet banana flavor and warm cinnamon makes these rolls a standout treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch or as a special dessert, these cinnamon rolls are sure to impress.
For more banana-inspired recipes, check out our Banana Bread at Work article, where you can find other creative ways to enjoy banana bread.
If you’re interested in exploring more unique baking ideas, Sally’s Baking Addiction offers a variety of creative cinnamon roll recipes that might inspire your next bake.
With these tips and variations, you can make the perfect banana bread cinnamon rolls that your family and friends will love. Enjoy!