Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe – Easy & Delicious Treat

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Why Make This Recipe

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful combination of two beloved treats: banana bread and cinnamon rolls. This recipe is perfect for those who love sweet, soft, and fluffy pastries. With the natural sweetness from ripe bananas and the aromatic cinnamon filling, these rolls create a warm and inviting scent in your kitchen. The best part? They’re easy to make and use simple ingredients that you may already have at home. Enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a special dessert.

These rolls are not just tasty; they are versatile too. You can customize them with your favorite toppings or fillings, making them an excellent choice for various occasions. Whether you’re having friends over for brunch, celebrating a birthday, or just want a cozy treat for yourself, Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls will not disappoint.

How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Making Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls is a simple and enjoyable process that follows a few straightforward steps. Here’s how to create this delicious treat.

Ingredients

1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup milk, warmed to about 110°F
2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
2 large eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
4 oz cream cheese, softened (for icing)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for icing)
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. You will know the yeast is activated when it becomes foamy and bubbly.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, activated yeast mixture, and eggs. Stir well until all ingredients are mixed together. Then, gradually add in the flour and salt. Start mixing with a spoon and then use your hands to knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: First Rise

Once the dough is ready, lightly oil a clean bowl and place the dough inside. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 4: Make the Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until you have a smooth paste. Set this aside for later.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. On a floured surface, roll the dough out into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Be sure to dust a little more flour on top and underneath to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Fill and Roll

Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a 1-inch border all around the edges. Carefully roll the dough up from one of the long sides, creating a tight log. Pinch the edges to seal.

Step 7: Slice and Arrange

Using a sharp knife or a dough cutter, slice the rolled dough into about 12 equal pieces. Place the slices cut-side up in a greased baking dish, leaving a bit of space between each roll.

Step 8: Second Rise

Cover the baking dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes. They should puff up nicely during this time.

Step 9: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.

Step 10: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing. In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.

Step 11: Ice and Serve

Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls. Serve them warm and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!

How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed warm. They make a great breakfast treat or a sweet snack during the day. You can serve them simply with the cream cheese icing drizzled on top, or you can add your own personal touch. Some popular serving suggestions include:

Fresh fruit on the side, such as sliced bananas or berries.
A sprinkle of chopped nuts for added crunch.
A dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream on warm rolls for a delicious dessert.

Feel free to get creative with how you serve these rolls. They are delicious enough to stand alone, but a few extra touches can elevate them even more.

How to Store Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

If you have any leftover rolls, it’s easy to store them for later enjoyment. Here are some tips for proper storage:

At Room Temperature: Place the rolls in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature. They can last for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can store the rolls in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure they are in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: For even longer storage, you can freeze the rolls. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat them in the oven.

Tips to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your rolls will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots for the best taste.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: It’s important not to over-knead the dough as it can result in dense rolls. Just knead until smooth and elastic, and then let it rise.
Check the Oven Temperature: To ensure even baking, make sure your oven is properly preheated. Use an oven thermometer if you’re unsure of your oven’s accuracy.
Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruits to the filling for a fun twist.
Plan Ahead: Make the dough in the evening and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, roll, fill, and bake for a fresh breakfast treat.

Variation

While the traditional Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls recipe is delicious as is, you can easily modify it to suit your taste. Here are some popular variations you might want to try:

Chocolate Banana Cinnamon Rolls: Add chocolate chips to the filling or drizzle melted chocolate on top for a rich, indulgent treat.
Nutty Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for extra texture and flavor.
Maple Icing: Instead of cream cheese icing, try a maple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with maple syrup for a unique flavor change.
Berry Banana Rolls: Add fresh or frozen berries into the filling for a fruity twist.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

How do I know if my yeast is still good?

To check if your yeast is active, mix it with warm water and a little sugar. If it becomes foamy and bubbly after a few minutes, it’s good to use.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator. In the morning, roll, fill, and bake as directed.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If the dough is too sticky to work with, gradually add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. Be careful not to add too much flour.

Can I make these rolls gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Just ensure that your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful and comforting treat that can brighten your day. With simple ingredients and an easy process, you can create a batch of these soft and sweet rolls to enjoy whenever you like! Give this recipe a try, and experience the cozy, delicious flavor that comes from the perfect combination of banana and cinnamon. Your family and friends will love them, and you might even find yourself making them again and again. Happy baking!