Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

There’s something magical about the combination of soft, fluffy banana bread and gooey cinnamon rolls. These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls take the best of both worlds—ripe bananas for natural sweetness and a warm cinnamon-sugar filling—to create a treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Plus, they’re easy to make and irresistibly delicious!

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Why You’ll Love These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

• Soft and Fluffy: The banana-infused dough makes these rolls extra tender.
• Naturally Sweetened: Ripe bananas add sweetness, reducing the need for extra sugar.
• Cinnamon Swirls: A rich, buttery cinnamon filling melts into every bite.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a make-ahead treat.

Ingredients for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Baking dish (9×13-inch)
• Pastry brush
• Knife or dough cutter

How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, mashed bananas, melted butter, and egg.
3. Add the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.

Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough

1. Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a 14×10-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
2. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough using a spatula or pastry brush.
3. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log from the longer side.
4. Cut into 12 even slices and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 4: Second Rise and Bake

1. Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

1. In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
2. Drizzle or spread the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy warm with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• Add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for extra texture.
• For a tropical twist, sprinkle toasted coconut on top!

Tips for the Best Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

• Use Overripe Bananas: The riper, the better! They add more natural sweetness and moisture.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on them—overbaking can dry them out.
• Let the Dough Rise Fully: A well-risen dough makes the fluffiest cinnamon rolls.
• Store for Later: These stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
• Freezer: Freeze unglazed rolls for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before adding glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the rolls, place them in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

Q2: Can I make these dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use plant-based milk, dairy-free butter, and a vegan cream cheese alternative.

Q3: What if I don’t have yeast?

Try using 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda instead, but the texture will be more like a soft biscuit roll.

Conclusion: A New Favorite Treat!

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls bring together the best of two classic favorites. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they’re soft, fluffy, and filled with irresistible cinnamon goodness. Give them a try, and let us know how they turn out!

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Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 2g

Enjoy these warm, gooey cinnamon rolls with a hint of banana sweetness, and don’t forget to share with family and friends!

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