Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Imagine the cozy aroma of caramelized fruit and spicy cinnamon swirling through your kitchen on a quiet morning. These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the nostalgic comfort of a moist loaf with the pillowy, indulgent texture of a classic pastry. As a mom of three, I always look for ways to turn simple ingredients into something extraordinary for my family.

My Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls use those speckled, overripe bananas to create a dough that stays incredibly soft for days. You will love how the natural sweetness of the fruit complements the buttery cinnamon filling. This recipe proves that you do not need fancy equipment to create a bakery-quality breakfast. Every bite of these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls feels like a warm hug, making them the perfect centerpiece for your next family brunch.

Why You’ll Love These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

• The mashed bananas provide a natural moisture that keeps the dough soft and tender without excessive oil.
• This recipe transforms food waste into a gourmet treat by using up overripe bananas from your counter.
• You can prep the dough ahead of time, which makes your morning routine much smoother and more enjoyable.
• The combination of warm spices and fruit creates a complex flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults.

Ingredients You’ll Need

I believe that the best Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls start with high-quality, simple ingredients. When you choose organic flour or grass-fed butter, you can really taste the difference in the final product. Here is what you will need to gather before you begin baking your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls.

Substitutions & Variations

Note: This video is for demonstration purposes and may use a slightly different method.

You can easily customize these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls to fit your family’s dietary needs or flavor preferences. If you prefer a more nourishing option, swap the all-purpose flour for white whole wheat flour. This change adds fiber while keeping the texture light.

For a dairy-free version, use unsweetened almond milk and a vegan butter substitute. You can also replace the brown sugar in the filling with coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic alternative. If your family loves extra crunch, add more toasted pecans or walnuts inside the rolls.

For those who enjoy a bit of chocolate, sprinkle mini dark chocolate chips over the cinnamon filling before rolling the dough. These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are very forgiving, so do not be afraid to experiment with these healthy swaps.

If you’re experimenting with flour alternatives, consider checking out the recipe for Peppery Banana Bread. It offers a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by whisking it into the warm milk with a tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, remaining sugar, egg, and salt. Stir until the mixture looks smooth.
3. Pour the yeast mixture into the banana mixture and stir well. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes. The dough for your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a warm damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
6. While the dough rises, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl to create the filling.
7. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches) on a floured surface.
8. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border at the edges. Sprinkle with nuts if you are using them.
9. Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the long edge. Cut the log into 12 even pieces using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.
10. Place the rolls into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover them and let them rise again for another 30 to 45 minutes.
11. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls for 25 to 30 minutes or until they reach a beautiful golden brown color.
12. Whisk together the frosting ingredients and spread them over the Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls while they are still slightly warm.

Pro Tips for Success

To ensure your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls turn out perfectly every time, always use room temperature ingredients. Cold eggs or cold bananas can shock the yeast and slow down the rising process. When mashing your bananas, ensure they are very ripe; the more brown spots they have, the sweeter and more flavorful your dough will be.

Be careful not to add too much flour during the kneading process. A slightly tacky dough yields the softest Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. If you find the dough is too sticky to handle, add flour only one tablespoon at a time.

Finally, use a thermometer to check your milk temperature. If the milk is too hot, it will kill the yeast, and your rolls will not rise.

To perfect your baking technique, you might want to try out the Nutella Banana Mummy Rolls next. They provide valuable insights into using ripe ingredients for optimal results.

Storage & Reheating Tips

You can keep these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to five days. To maintain that “just-baked” texture, I recommend reheating individual rolls in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds.

If you want to freeze them, wrap the un-frosted Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature and warm them in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes before applying fresh frosting. This method preserves the delicate crumb of the Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls perfectly.

What to Serve With This Recipe

While these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are quite filling on their own, I like to serve them with light, nourishing sides to balance the meal. A fresh citrus fruit salad with mint leaves provides a bright contrast to the warm spices of the rolls. I often serve a side of Greek yogurt drizzled with honey for extra protein, which helps keep my kids full throughout the morning.

If you are hosting a brunch, consider adding a platter of soft-scrambled eggs or a savory vegetable frittata. These savory options complement the sweetness of the Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls beautifully. A hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk also pairs perfectly with these decadent treats.

Consider pairing your rolls with a refreshing drink like a Mocha Iced Coffee Drink. The combination elevates your brunch experience and keeps the flavors balanced.

FAQs

Can I make these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls overnight?

Yes, you can definitely prepare the rolls through the cutting step and place them in the pan. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, let the rolls sit at room temperature for about an hour to finish their second rise before baking as directed.

Why are my cinnamon rolls dry and tough?

Dry Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls usually result from adding too much flour or over-baking. Ensure you measure your flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method. Also, check your rolls a few minutes before the timer goes off to avoid over-baking them.

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

You can use frozen bananas, but you must thaw them completely first. Drain any excess liquid that accumulates during thawing before mashing them. This ensures the moisture balance in your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls dough remains consistent.

These delightful Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls merge the comfort of classic banana bread with the indulgent qualities of sweet rolls. The unique recipe is a clever way to use overripe bananas, turning them into a delicious breakfast treat, often featured in discussions about creative baking techniques.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

This table provides an estimate for one of the twelve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. Please note that values may change based on the specific brands or substitutions you use.

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

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• Author: Emilia
• Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the nostalgic comfort of a moist loaf with the indulgent texture of a classic pastry, featuring a buttery cinnamon filling and a sweet banana dough.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1/2 cup Warm Milk (110°F)
2 1/4 tsp Active Dry Yeast
1 cup Mashed Overripe Bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
1/4 cup Unsalted Butter (melted)
1/4 cup Granulated Sugar or Coconut Sugar
1 Large Egg (room temperature)
3 1/2 to 4 cups All-Purpose Flour (or Bread Flour)
1/2 tsp Sea Salt
1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
3/4 cup Brown Sugar
2 tbsp Ground Cinnamo
1/2 cup Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (optional)
4 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
1 cup Powdered Sugar
1 tsp Vanilla Extract

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by whisking it into the warm milk with a tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, remaining sugar, egg, and salt. Stir until the mixture looks smooth
3. Pour the yeast mixture into the banana mixture and stir well. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a warm damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size
6. While the dough rises, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl to create the filling
7. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches) on a floured surface
8. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border at the edges. Sprinkle with nuts if you are using them
9. Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the long edge. Cut the log into 12 even pieces
10. Place the rolls into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover them and let them rise again for another 30 to 45 minutes
11. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brow
12. Whisk together the frosting ingredients and spread them over the rolls while they are still slightly warm

Notes

To make ahead, prepare the rolls through the cutting step and refrigerate overnight. Let sit at room temperature for an hour before baking.

• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 25-30 mins
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 345 kcal
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 45mg