Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Treat

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on two beloved classics, combining the moist, rich flavor of banana bread with the warm, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls. As someone who has always cherished the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the kitchen, I can assure you that this recipe is a game-changer. The history of banana bread dates back to the Great Depression, when resourceful bakers sought to minimize waste by using overripe bananas. Today, it has evolved into a cherished staple in many households, and when you merge it with the indulgence of cinnamon rolls, you create a dish that is both nostalgic and innovative.

People love Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls not just for their incredible taste, but also for their soft, pillowy texture that melts in your mouth. The combination of sweet bananas and warm cinnamon creates a flavor profile that is simply irresistible. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to make, making them a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert. Whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying them solo, these rolls are sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the Cinnamon Filling:
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the Dough

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your rolls bake evenly and come out perfectly fluffy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a fork or a whisk to mix them together until well combined. The bananas should be smooth, but a few small lumps are okay.
3. Add the melted butter to the banana mixture and stir until fully incorporated. This will add richness to your dough.
4. Next, crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix everything together until the egg is fully blended into the mixture.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to be just combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine!

Preparing the Cinnamon Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This will be the sweet and spicy filling that makes these rolls irresistible.
2. Take the softened butter and spread it evenly over the surface of the dough. You can use a spatula or your fingers to do this. Make sure to cover the entire surface for maximum flavor.
3. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Use your fingers to gently press it into the dough, ensuring that it sticks well.

Rolling and Cutting the Dough

1. Now comes the fun part! Starting from one end, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Make sure to roll it evenly to ensure that each roll has a good amount of filling.
2. Once you have a log, use a sharp knife or a piece of dental floss to cut the log into 1-inch thick slices. This will give you about 12 rolls, depending on how tightly you rolled it.
3. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll to allow for rising. If you have any leftover cinnamon-sugar filling, feel free to sprinkle it on top of the rolls for extra flavor.

Cooking Process

1. Cover the baking dish with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes. This will help them become fluffy and light.
2. After the rolls have risen, place them in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of one of the rolls; it should come out clean.
3. Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to frost them without the glaze melting away.

Making the Cream Cheese Glaze

Conclusion:

In summary, these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their breakfast or brunch game. The delightful combination of moist banana bread and the warm, gooey cinnamon filling creates a treat that is not only comforting but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or warmed up the next day, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your household. For serving suggestions, I recommend drizzling a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the top for an extra touch of sweetness. You can also pair these rolls with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert option. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the filling for a delightful twist on the classic recipe. I encourage you to give these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls a try and experience the joy they bring. Don’t forget to share your experience with friends and family, and let me know how they turned out for you! Your feedback is always appreciated, and I love hearing about the variations you come up with. Happy baking! Print