Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Introduction

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the comforting flavors of banana bread with the sweet, spicy charm of cinnamon rolls. Soft, fluffy, and filled with cinnamon sugar, they make a delightful treat for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 4 tbsp butter, softened
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup brown sugar
• Optional: glaze for drizzling (powdered sugar mixed with milk or cream)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add the sugar, salt, softened butter, mashed bananas, and eggs. Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms.
2. Step 2: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, until doubled in size.
3. Step 3: Roll out the dough into a large rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Sprinkle evenly with cinnamon and brown sugar.
4. Step 4: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
5. Step 5: Place the rolls in a greased baking pan, spaced slightly apart. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed.
6. Step 6: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
7. Step 7: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before drizzling with glaze, if desired. Serve warm for best flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Use very ripe bananas for sweeter, more flavorful rolls.
• For a richer dough, substitute half the milk with cream or add a tablespoon of vanilla extract.
• Try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the cinnamon sugar filling for extra texture.
• If you prefer vegan options, replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk and butter.
• Letting the rolls rise longer will create a lighter, airier texture.

Storage

Store leftover banana bread cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a microwave or warm oven before serving to restore softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast. If using instant yeast, mix it directly into the dry ingredients without proofing it in warm milk first.

Do I have to use bananas in the dough?

The bananas add moisture and subtle sweetness, but you can omit them for a classic cinnamon roll dough. Adjust the liquid slightly to compensate if you leave bananas out.

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 79 reviews

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the sweet, moist flavors of banana bread with the classic spiced swirl of cinnamon rolls. Soft yeast dough enriched with mashed bananas creates a tender, flavorful base, while a cinnamon and brown sugar filling offers a warm, comforting taste. Finished with a drizzle of optional glaze, these rolls make a perfect breakfast treat or dessert.

• Author: Mick
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

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

Filling Ingredients

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

Optional Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy to activate the yeast. Stir in melted butter, mashed bananas, and eggs until well combined.
2. Add dry ingredients: Gradually mix in the flour and salt, kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes using a stand mixer with a dough hook.
3. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
4. Roll out the dough: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle roughly 12×16 inches in size.
5. Add the filling: Spread softened butter evenly over the dough surface. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.
6. Shape the rolls: Starting from the longer side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
7. Second rise: Arrange the rolls cut side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, leaving a little space between each. Cover and let rise again until nearly doubled, about 45 minutes.
8. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top and cooked through.
9. Add glaze: While rolls cool slightly, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving for extra sweetness and moisture.

Notes

• Ensure milk is warm but not hot to properly activate yeast.
• Use ripe bananas for best flavor and moisture.
• You can substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour for chewier texture.
• The rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.

Keywords: banana bread cinnamon rolls, banana rolls, cinnamon roll recipe, homemade cinnamon rolls, breakfast rolls, sweet rolls