Delicious Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Banana bread cinnamon rolls represent an exquisite fusion of two beloved comfort foods, combining the moist, dense texture of banana bread with the sweet, spiced swirl of a cinnamon roll. This innovative twist not only captivates the taste buds with its harmonious blend of flavors but also offers a delightful departure from traditional breakfast pastries. Each roll encapsulates the essence of homemade warmth, making them a perfect treat for leisurely mornings or as a comforting snack to uplift one’s spirits.

Crafting these rolls involves integrating ripe bananas into the dough, infusing it with a natural sweetness and moisture that enhances the overall texture. The addition of cinnamon, sugar, and perhaps a hint of nutmeg in the filling enriches the rolls with a deep, aromatic flavor that is both invigorating and comforting. As these rolls bake, they fill the kitchen with an enticing aroma, reminiscent of cozy afternoons spent baking with loved ones.

Serving banana bread cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven, possibly drizzled with a light glaze or a sprinkle of powdered sugar, transforms them into an irresistible indulgence. This culinary creation not only celebrates the joy of baking but also elevates the breakfast experience, offering a delightful surprise that melds nostalgia with innovation. Whether enjoyed alongside a morning coffee or as a sweet note to end the day, these rolls promise a memorable gastronomic adventure.

Kitchen Tools Needed

Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk
Dough hook attachment (if using a stand mixer)
Rolling pin
9×13 inch baking dish or pan
Kitchen knife (for slicing rolls)
Spatula
Pastry brush (optional, for applying glaze or butter)

Ingredients

Dough

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup milk, warmed
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg, beaten
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (additional may be needed for kneading)
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)

Filling

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Glaze (optional)

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk or cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

How To Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls?

Preparing the Dough

Begin by mashing the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl. Add the warmed milk, melted butter, sugar, and salt, whisking until everything is well combined. Stir in the beaten egg. Gradually mix in the flour and instant yeast, either by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it’s manageable. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Preparing the Filling and Assembling

While the dough is rising, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. After the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the softened butter over the dough, leaving a small margin at the edges. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered surface. Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12 even pieces using a sharp knife.

Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the rolls in the prepared dish, leaving some space between each for them to expand. Cover them with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top.

Glazing (Optional)

While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and vanilla extract until smooth. Once the rolls are out of the oven and still warm, drizzle the glaze over them. This step is optional but adds a lovely sweetness and finish to the rolls.

What To Serve With Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls?

Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant, refreshing side of mixed berries, citrus segments, and kiwi can balance the sweetness of the rolls with its natural tanginess.
Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layer creamy vanilla yogurt with granola and a drizzle of honey for a light yet satisfying accompaniment.
Scrambled Eggs: Offer a savory contrast with fluffy, lightly seasoned scrambled eggs to complement the sweet richness of the rolls.
Crispy Bacon or Sausage: The salty crispness of bacon or the savory depth of sausage pairs wonderfully with the sweet and spicy flavors of the cinnamon rolls.
Nutty Granola: A crunchy, nut-filled granola provides a delightful texture contrast and a nutty flavor that echoes the warmth of the cinnamon.
Cream Cheese Frosting: Instead of a traditional glaze, serve with a side of rich cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent touch.
Maple Syrup: A small pitcher of pure maple syrup can be drizzled over the warm rolls for those who enjoy a little extra sweetness.
Cappuccino or Latte: A frothy cappuccino or a creamy latte with a hint of vanilla complements the complex flavors of the rolls.
Iced Coffee: For a refreshing beverage option, iced coffee balances the sweetness and spice with its bold, cooling flavor.
Sparkling Citrus Water: A glass of sparkling water infused with citrus like lemon, lime, or orange offers a refreshing palate cleanser.
Herbal Tea: A pot of herbal tea, such as chamomile or peppermint, provides a soothing, warm beverage that doesn’t overpower the taste of the cinnamon rolls.
Cold Brew Smoothie: Blend a cold brew coffee with bananas and a scoop of vanilla protein powder for a nutritious, energizing complement.

Making Ahead, Storage and Reheating

Making Ahead

Banana bread cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat that can easily be prepared in advance, making your morning routine or special occasion a breeze. For those looking to get a head start, you can prepare the dough and shape the rolls the night before. Simply cover the shaped rolls in the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, allow the rolls to come to room temperature and complete their final rise before baking as directed. This method not only saves time but also enhances the flavors, allowing them to meld beautifully.

Storage

Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and texture of your banana bread cinnamon rolls. Once cooled to room temperature, the rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. The cool environment helps preserve their moisture and prevents the bread from becoming too dry. If you prefer, you can also individually wrap the rolls in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag, freezing them for up to 2 months. This method is excellent for enjoying a single serving at your convenience without needing to thaw the entire batch.

Reheating

To recapture the just-baked warmth and softness of your banana bread cinnamon rolls, reheating them correctly is crucial. If refrigerated, allow the roll(s) to come to room temperature for a more even warming. For a quick method, microwave a single roll for 15-20 seconds, just until warm. For a more oven-fresh experience, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the rolls on a baking sheet.

Cover them with foil to prevent them from drying out and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed. This method is particularly effective for reviving the outer crust and inner softness, making them nearly as delightful as when they were first baked.

Health benefits

Energy Boosting: Banana bread cinnamon rolls are rich in carbohydrates, primarily from bananas and flour, providing a quick source of energy, making them an ideal snack before physical activities or during a mid-morning slump.
Potassium Rich: Bananas are a great source of potassium, which is essential for heart health, blood pressure regulation, and proper muscle and nerve function. Including banana bread cinnamon rolls in your diet can contribute to your daily potassium intake.
Antioxidant Properties: Cinnamon, a key ingredient in these rolls, contains powerful antioxidants that protect your body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants also play a role in reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of disease.
Fiber Content: Bananas add dietary fiber to the rolls, which aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness, helping to manage weight by reducing overeating. Fiber is also beneficial for heart health and stabilizing blood sugar levels.
Mood Enhancing: The comforting scent of cinnamon has been shown to have a positive effect on mood and cognitive function. Enjoying a banana bread cinnamon roll can be a soothing, sensory experience that uplifts your spirit.
Vitamin and Mineral Boost: Bananas are packed with vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, and minerals like magnesium, contributing to overall health by supporting immune function, skin health, and energy metabolism.
Healthier Alternatives: When made with whole wheat flour, reduced sugar, and a minimal amount of healthy fats, banana bread cinnamon rolls can be a more nutritious alternative to traditional pastries, offering a way to indulge while still obtaining some nutritional benefits.
Metabolic Benefits: The spices used, particularly cinnamon, have been linked to improved metabolic health, including better insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels, making these rolls a potentially smart choice for those monitoring their glucose intake.

Variations

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls: Stir in a generous handful of chocolate chips into the dough or sprinkle them over the cinnamon-sugar filling for a delightful chocolatey twist.
Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling to introduce a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile.
Vegan Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls: Substitute dairy milk with almond, soy, or oat milk, use vegan butter, and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to cater to vegan dietary preferences.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour to make these rolls gluten-free. Ensure to check the blend is suitable for yeast doughs.
Pumpkin Spice Variation: Incorporate pumpkin spice into the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a seasonal flavor that brings a warm and cozy aroma, perfect for autumn mornings.
Blueberry Lemon Zest Rolls: Add fresh blueberries and lemon zest to the dough or as part of the filling for a fruity and tangy variation, offering a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.

Substitutions

Whole Wheat Flour: For a healthier dough, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This substitution adds fiber but keeps the rolls soft and delicious.
Coconut Sugar for Brown Sugar: In the filling, replace brown sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index option, offering a more caramel-like sweetness.
Greek Yogurt for Butter: In the dough, substitute part of the butter with Greek yogurt to reduce fat content while still maintaining moisture and adding a slight tanginess.
Maple Syrup for Glaze: Instead of a traditional powdered sugar glaze, use a maple syrup glaze made from pure maple syrup and a touch of milk or cream for a natural sweetness and flavor.
Almond Flour for Thickening the Filling: To reduce the carbohydrate content slightly, use almond flour in the filling mixture to help thicken it without adding extra sugar or carbs.
Honey as a Sweetener: Swap out sugar in the dough for honey to benefit from its natural sweetness and subtle flavor. Adjust the liquid content slightly to accommodate the addition of honey.

Tips and Tricks

Ripe Bananas Are Key: The riper the bananas, the better. Overripe bananas are sweeter and mash more easily, contributing to a moist, flavorful dough. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, bake them in the oven at 300°F until they blacken for a natural sweetening effect.
Proof in Warmth: Yeast thrives in a warm environment. To ensure your dough rises perfectly, proof it in a warm, draft-free area. A turned-off oven with the light on or a bowl of warm water placed in the microwave alongside the dough are great spots.
Roll Tightly: When shaping your rolls, roll the dough as tightly as possible. This helps to keep the filling in place and ensures that each roll has a beautiful swirl when baked.
Don’t Skimp on the Filling: The filling is what gives these rolls their signature flavor. Be generous with the cinnamon-sugar mixture and the butter. For an even more decadent filling, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the butter.
Customize Your Glaze: While a simple vanilla glaze is classic, don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors. Adding mashed banana or cinnamon to your glaze can tie the flavors together beautifully.
Use Dental Floss for Slicing: To cut your rolls without squishing them, use unscented dental floss instead of a knife. Slide the floss under the roll, cross the ends over the top, and pull tight to slice cleanly through.
Check the Oven Temperature: Baking temperatures can vary, so it’s a good idea to use an oven thermometer to ensure the correct temperature. This can prevent the rolls from baking too quickly on the outside while remaining raw in the middle.
Let Them Cool… But Not Completely: Banana bread cinnamon rolls are most delicious when slightly warm, allowing the glaze to melt into them. However, letting them cool for a few minutes after baking makes them easier to handle and allows the flavors to settle.
Refresh Leftovers: If you have leftovers, refresh them by warming slightly in the microwave or oven. This will revive the softness and warmth, making them almost as good as when they were freshly baked.
Flavor with Espresso: For a unique twist, add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dough or filling. The coffee flavor complements both banana and cinnamon, adding depth to the rolls.

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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ’s

Yes, you can make banana bread cinnamon rolls without yeast by using baking powder and baking soda as leavening agents instead. This alternative produces a denser, more banana bread-like texture, but still delivers the delightful flavors of cinnamon and banana. Adjustments to the recipe will be needed to accommodate the lack of yeast, including altering the liquid content and baking time.

To prevent your banana bread cinnamon rolls from drying out, ensure you’re using ripe bananas, as they add moisture. Additionally, avoid overbaking by checking the rolls a few minutes before the recommended baking time ends. Keeping them covered with foil once they’re out of the oven also helps retain moisture until you’re ready to serve.

Absolutely! Banana bread cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully. Cool them completely, then wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or for a few hours at room temperature, then reheat in the oven or microwave.

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular all-purpose flour to make your banana bread cinnamon rolls gluten-free. Be sure to choose a blend that’s designed to be a 1:1 substitution and includes xanthan gum to help mimic the texture and structure provided by gluten.

To make vegan banana bread cinnamon rolls, replace the dairy milk with a plant-based alternative such as almond, soy, or oat milk. Use vegan butter or coconut oil in place of regular butter, and opt for a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or another vegan egg substitute. Ensure your sugar and other ingredients are also vegan-friendly.

Delicious Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Recipe by JesseCourse: DessertsCuisine: American FusionDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

hour

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Ingredients

Dough
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup milk, warmed
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg, beaten
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (additional may be needed for kneading)
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
Filling
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Glaze (optional)
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk or cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Begin by mashing the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl. Add the warmed milk, melted butter, sugar, and salt, whisking until everything is well combined. Stir in the beaten egg. Gradually mix in the flour and instant yeast, either by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it’s manageable. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
While the dough is rising, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. After the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the softened butter over the dough, leaving a small margin at the edges. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered surface. Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12 even pieces using a sharp knife.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the rolls in the prepared dish, leaving some space between each for them to expand. Cover them with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top.
While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and vanilla extract until smooth. Once the rolls are out of the oven and still warm, drizzle the glaze over them. This step is optional but adds a lovely sweetness and finish to the rolls.

Conclusion

Banana bread cinnamon rolls are a delightful twist on traditional breakfast pastries, blending the moist, comforting essence of banana bread with the sweet, spicy allure of cinnamon rolls. This fusion creates a unique treat that satisfies cravings for something sweet, yet offers the heartiness of banana bread. Perfect for leisurely mornings, special brunches, or as a comforting dessert, these rolls are versatile and beloved by many.

The process of making them encourages bakers to experiment with variations and substitutions, catering to different dietary needs and preferences. Whether served fresh out of the oven or enjoyed as a savory leftover, banana bread cinnamon rolls are a testament to the joy of baking and the endless possibilities it holds for creativity and flavor.

Delicious Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Kitchen Tools Needed