Banana bread cinnamon rolls are a delicious way to enjoy two favorite treats in one. Soft, sweet banana bread dough meets the warm, spicy swirl of cinnamon sugar, creating a perfect mix of flavors and textures. Whether for breakfast or a snack, these rolls are easy to make and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Why You’ll Love Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Banana bread cinnamon rolls bring together the best of both worlds. You get the moist, tender crumb of banana bread infused with the signature cinnamon-sugar swirl of classic cinnamon rolls. The result? A soft, flavorful treat that feels indulgent yet familiar.
- Flavor Harmony: The natural sweetness of ripe bananas perfectly complements the warm, spicy notes of cinnamon.
- Texture Balance: The bread’s softness contrasts with the sticky cinnamon filling and optional glaze, delivering a satisfying mouthfeel.
- Versatility: These rolls work well for breakfast, brunch, an afternoon snack, or even dessert.
- Wholesome Sweetness: Using bananas adds natural sugars, cutting back on the need for added sweeteners without sacrificing taste.
Food enthusiasts and home bakers alike rave about this fusion for its unique appeal and comforting qualities, making it an increasingly popular choice for cozy gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
All-purpose flour – Gives structure to the banana bread cinnamon rolls and keeps them soft.
Baking powder and baking soda – Help the rolls rise properly. Don’t swap one for the other.
Mashed ripe bananas – Add natural sweetness, moisture, and the classic banana bread flavor.
Unsalted butter – Makes the rolls rich and soft. If using salted butter, reduce the added salt.
Buttermilk or whole milk – Keeps the dough moist and tender.
Egg – Helps hold the dough together and makes it soft.
Vanilla extract – Adds extra flavor to the dough and filling.
Brown sugar – Sweetens the filling and creates a gooey swirl.
Cinnamon – Brings the warm cinnamon roll flavor.
Cream cheese frosting or glaze – A sweet, creamy topping that finishes the banana bread cinnamon rolls.
How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Making banana bread cinnamon rolls is easier than you might think. Follow these steps to bake a batch of rolls that will wow your taste buds:
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, mix the mashed bananas, softened butter, buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
2. Roll Out the Dough
- Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×16 inches.
3. Add the Filling
- Brush the melted butter evenly over the rolled dough.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over the buttered surface. If you like, add chopped nuts for an extra crunch.
4. Form the Rolls
- Starting from the longer side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 12 equal rolls.
5. Arrange and Bake
- Place the rolls into a greased baking pan, leaving a little space between each for rising.
- Let the rolls rest for 15-20 minutes to rise slightly.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Cool and Glaze
- Allow the rolls to cool for 10 minutes before adding your preferred glaze or cream cheese frosting.
Expert Tips
To make sure your rolls turn out perfect every time, keep these pointers in mind:
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the more natural sweetness and moisture they add, improving texture and flavor.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Overmixing develops gluten, making rolls tough instead of tender. Mix just until combined.
- Proper Rising Time: Allow your dough to rest and rise slightly before baking. This helps achieve fluffy, soft rolls.
- Fresh Spices: Using freshly ground cinnamon enhances the aroma and taste. Avoid pre-ground spices that have been sitting for too long.
- Adjust Baking Time: Ovens vary; keep an eye on your rolls near the end of baking to avoid dryness.
Variations
You can customize this recipe to fit your taste and dietary preferences. Here are some ideas:
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Swap traditional glaze for tangy cream cheese frosting for extra richness.
- Nut-Free Option: Leave out nuts to suit allergies or preferences without losing flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the filling before rolling up for a sweeter twist.
- Spice It Up: Try adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the filling for a warming flavor boost.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for added fiber and a nutty flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Your banana bread cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh and warm. Here’s how to make the most of them:
- Serve with a hot cup of your favorite coffee or tea for a comforting breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up.
- Add fresh fruit on the side, like sliced berries or apple slices, for a balanced snack.
- Pair with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of honey for added creaminess and sweetness.
- Use them as a dessert centerpiece for gatherings — their aroma and flavor are sure to impress.
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FAQs About Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
What makes banana bread cinnamon rolls different from regular cinnamon rolls?
These rolls incorporate mashed bananas into the dough, giving them a moist texture and fruity sweetness that regular cinnamon rolls don’t have.
Can I make banana bread and cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls and refrigerate them overnight before baking. Just bring them to room temperature before placing them in the oven.
Are banana bread cinnamon rolls healthier than regular cinnamon rolls?
They contain natural sweetness from bananas, which can reduce the amount of added sugar. However, they still contain butter and sugar, so enjoy them as a treat.
Can I freeze banana bread and cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely. Wrap them tightly and freeze before or after baking. Thaw and warm them before serving.
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Rolling Pin
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg optional
Wet Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas mashed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup buttermilk or whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling Ingredients
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- cream cheese frosting or glaze for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In another bowl, combine mashed bananas, softened butter, milk, egg, and vanilla. Mix wet into dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle.
- Add the Filling: Brush melted butter over dough. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the butter. Add nuts if using.
- Form the Rolls: Roll the dough tightly from the long edge. Slice into 12 equal pieces.
- Arrange and Bake: Place rolls in a greased baking dish. Let rest for 15–20 minutes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes or until golden.
- Cool and Glaze: Let rolls cool for 10 minutes before adding glaze or cream cheese frosting.