Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls: The Perfect Fusion of Two Beloved Classics

What happens when you combine the cozy, comforting flavors of banana bread with the sweet, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls? You get Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls—a match made in dessert heaven! These rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with the rich flavors of ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and a creamy glaze. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making these delicious rolls, including step-by-step instructions, tips for customization, and why this recipe is a must-try. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

1. The Best of Both Worlds: Combines the moist, banana-packed flavor of banana bread with the sweet, swirly goodness of cinnamon rolls.
2. Easy to Make: Uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even for beginner bakers.
3. Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings, holiday brunches, or just because.
4. Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or a caramel drizzle for extra indulgence.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the rolls the night before and bake them fresh in the morning.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls:

For the Dough:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ripe banana, mashed

For the Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup mashed banana (about 1 ripe banana)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add the melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, mashed banana, and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and mashed banana until smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

1. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 12×16-inch rectangle.
2. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the long side. Cut into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or dental floss.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

1. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 5: Add the Glaze

1. Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls.

Tips for Customization

• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the filling for extra crunch.
• Chocolate Lovers: Add chocolate chips to the filling or drizzle with chocolate glaze.
• Caramel Drizzle: Swap the glaze for a caramel sauce for a decadent twist.
• Make It Vegan: Use plant-based butter, milk, and an egg substitute like flax eggs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the rolls the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Let them rise at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

3. Can I freeze these rolls?

Absolutely! Freeze the baked rolls (without glaze) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before adding the glaze.

4. What if I don’t have ripe bananas?

You can ripen bananas quickly by baking them in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes until the skins turn black.

Final Thoughts

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the flavors of banana bread and cinnamon rolls. They’re soft, sweet, and packed with irresistible flavor, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Plus, they’re easy to customize and make ahead, so you can enjoy them anytime.

Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag us. Happy baking!