Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Introduction

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the comforting flavors of banana bread with the sweet, spicy swirl of cinnamon rolls. Soft and tender, they make an irresistible treat for breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
• 2-3 tbsp milk (for icing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add mashed bananas, melted butter, egg, granulated sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
3. Step 3: Mix in flour gradually until a smooth dough forms. Knead for 5 minutes, then cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
4. Step 4: Roll dough into a rectangle. Spread softened butter on top, then sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly. Roll up tightly and slice into 9 rolls.
5. Step 5: Place rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for 20 minutes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes or until golden.
6. Step 6: Whisk together powdered sugar and milk to make icing. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture in the dough.
• For a nutty addition, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the cinnamon sugar before rolling.
• Replace milk with buttermilk for a richer flavor and tender crumb.
• If you prefer a thicker icing, add powdered sugar gradually until desired consistency is reached.

Storage

Store leftover banana bread cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven until warm before serving.

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 substitute instant yeast. Since instant yeast activates faster, you can mix it directly with the flour and reduce the rising time slightly.

Will these rolls keep the banana flavor after baking?

Absolutely. The mashed bananas add moisture and a subtle sweet flavor that remains noticeable even after baking, complementing the cinnamon perfectly.

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 725 reviews

Delight in these irresistible Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls, combining the sweet flavors of ripe bananas with classic cinnamon roll spices. Soft, fluffy, and topped with a rich icing, these rolls are perfect for breakfast or dessert, offering a comforting twist on two beloved treats.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 9 cinnamon rolls 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 large egg

Filling

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

Icing

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk

Instructions

1. Activate yeast: In a bowl, whisk together warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes, to ensure the yeast is active and ready for baking.
2. Mix wet ingredients: Add mashed bananas, melted butter, egg, granulated sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until all ingredients are combined evenly into a smooth mixture.
3. Prepare dough: Gradually mix in the flour until a smooth dough forms. Knead the dough for 5 minutes to develop gluten, then cover and let it rise until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
4. Shape rolls: Roll the dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle evenly with the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, and slice into 9 equal rolls.
5. Final rise and bake: Place the rolls into a greased baking dish. Cover and allow them to rise for 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), then bake the rolls for 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
6. Prepare icing and serve: While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of milk to create a smooth icing. Drizzle the icing over the warm rolls before serving.

Notes

• Use ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture in the dough.
• Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
• You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans to the filling for extra texture.
• Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.

Keywords: banana bread cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls recipe, banana bread, sweet rolls, breakfast pastries, baked cinnamon rolls