Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re looking for a delightful twist on your typical breakfast fare, these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are just the treat you need! They combine the comforting flavors of banana bread with the soft, fluffy goodness of cinnamon rolls. Honestly, what’s not to love? Perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds (or thirds!). The best part? You can prep them in advance and bake them fresh in the morning!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: These rolls come together with simple steps and ingredients, making them a great choice even for beginner bakers!
• Family favorite: The sweet banana flavor combined with cinnamon is sure to win over kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can assemble these rolls a day in advance, saving you time when you’re ready to enjoy them.
• Deliciously indulgent: Topped with cream cheese frosting, they are the ultimate brunch treat that feels extra special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome items that you may already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these scrumptious Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup (240 ml) milk (lukewarm, about 120-130°F)
• 6 Tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 4 ½-5 cups (540 – 600 g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• ½ cup mashed banana (about 1 large banana)

For the Filling:

• 4 Tablespoons (1/2 stick, 57 g) unsalted butter (very soft)
• ½ cup (107 g) packed light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 2 large bananas (thinly sliced)

For the Frosting:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream (slightly warmed)
• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 4 tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 ½ cups (170 g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Switch up the spices: Experiment with nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor twist.
• Change the frosting: Use a simple glaze instead of cream cheese frosting if you prefer something lighter.
• Add chocolate: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the filling for a decadent touch.

How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by warming your milk until it’s lukewarm—this helps activate the yeast. In a large bowl, combine the warm milk with unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Mix until everything is melted and dissolved. Then, add in instant yeast and let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly. This step is crucial because it ensures that your rolls will rise beautifully!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture into your wet ingredients. Start mixing until a dough forms; it should be slightly sticky but manageable. This dough is going to be light and airy once baked!

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer your dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Kneading helps develop gluten which gives your rolls their chewy texture. Once done, place it in an oiled bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled—about an hour.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While waiting for your dough to rise, mix together very soft butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and slice those two bananas thinly. This will create a delicious filling that adds moisture and flavor!

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently—this releases air bubbles—and roll it out into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Spread the filling evenly on top of the dough followed by thin banana slices. It’s okay if some slices overlap; they’ll meld beautifully during baking!

Step 6: Shape Your Rolls

Carefully roll up the dough from one long side to another into a tight log. Pinch seams to seal well so that no filling escapes during baking. Slice into even pieces about 1-2 inches thick—these will be your rolls!

Step 7: Second Rise

Place your cut rolls in a greased baking pan close together but not touching. Cover them again with cloth and let them rise for another hour until puffed up.

Step 8: Bake

Preheat your oven while waiting. When ready, pour slightly warmed heavy cream over the rolls before popping them into the oven at 350°F for about 35 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 9: Make Frosting

As they cool slightly after baking, beat together softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk if needed to reach desired consistency.

Step 10: Glaze Those Rolls!

Spread this delightful cream cheese frosting generously over warm rolls right before serving—it’s pure bliss!

Now you have beautiful Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls ready to share! Enjoy every gooey bite!

Pro Tips for Making Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Making these banana bread cinnamon rolls is a delightful experience, and with a few pro tips, you’ll ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your rolls will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for the best taste.

• Knead until smooth: Proper kneading develops gluten in the dough, resulting in light and fluffy rolls. Aim for about 8-10 minutes of kneading until the dough is elastic and smooth.

• Let it rise properly: Allowing the dough to rise until it doubles in size ensures that your rolls are airy and tender. Don’t rush this step; give it about 1-2 hours in a warm place.

• Warm cream before pouring: Slightly warming the cream before you pour it over the rolls helps it soak in better during baking, creating moist and delicious treats.

• Make ahead option: You can prepare these rolls the night before! Simply assemble and refrigerate them covered, then bake them fresh in the morning for an easy brunch treat.

How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

These banana bread cinnamon rolls are not just delicious; they’re also visually appealing! Here are some ideas on how to present them beautifully at your next gathering or brunch.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top of your cinnamon rolls for an added crunch and nutty flavor that complements the sweetness.

• Fresh fruit slices: Add a few fresh banana slices or berries on the side to enhance presentation and provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the rolls.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits offers a refreshing balance to your sweet rolls. Try combining strawberries, pineapple, and blueberries for a colorful dish.

• Yogurt parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a delightful side that adds creaminess and texture. It’s a great way to balance out flavors!

• Scrambled eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs make for a savory complement to sweet cinnamon rolls, adding protein to your brunch spread.

• Coffee or tea: A hot cup of coffee or herbal tea pairs perfectly with these sweet treats, enhancing their flavors while providing warmth on chilly mornings.

With these serving suggestions and tips, your banana bread cinnamon rolls will be a hit at any breakfast or brunch occasion! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These banana bread cinnamon rolls are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy fresh, warm treats without the hassle on busy mornings. You can prepare them in advance and store or freeze them for later use.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the rolls to cool completely.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• After baking and cooling the rolls, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• For frozen rolls, unwrap and place them on a baking sheet; bake for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• If refrigerated, they will need about 10 minutes in the oven.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making banana bread cinnamon rolls.

Can I make banana bread cinnamon rolls with whole wheat flour?

Absolutely! You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Just keep in mind that it may affect the texture slightly.

How do I know when my banana bread cinnamon rolls are done baking?

The rolls should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when they are fully baked.

Can I prepare banana bread cinnamon rolls the night before?

Yes! You can assemble the rolls and place them in the refrigerator overnight. Just allow them to rise before baking in the morning for fresh cinnamon rolls at breakfast!

What makes these banana bread cinnamon rolls special?

The combination of fresh bananas in both the dough and filling, along with creamy frosting, creates a delightful flavor that’s both comforting and indulgent.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delicious banana bread cinnamon rolls as much as I do! They’re not just a treat; they’re a warm hug on a plate, perfect for any occasion or just because. Don’t hesitate to share your experiences or variations you’ve tried. Happy baking!