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 use overripe bananas, while cinnamon rolls have roots in various cultures, often symbolizing warmth and togetherness.

What makes Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls so irresistible is their perfect balance of flavors and textures. The soft, pillowy dough envelops a sweet, cinnamon-spiced filling, and when topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, it becomes an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful dessert, these rolls are not only convenient to make but also a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Join me in exploring this scrumptious recipe that beautifully marries two favorites into one unforgettable dish!

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 baking soda
• 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
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

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, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to dense rolls.

Preparing the Cinnamon Filling

1. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix them together until they are well blended.
2. Take the softened butter and spread it evenly over the surface of the dough. You can use a spatula or your hands for this. Make sure to cover the entire surface, as this will help the cinnamon filling stick.
3. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Use your hands to gently press the mixture into the dough, ensuring it adheres well.

Rolling and Cutting the Dough

1. Now it’s time to roll up the dough! Starting from one end, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Make sure to roll it evenly to ensure uniform rolls.
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 should yield about 12 rolls, but you can adjust the size based on your preference.
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.

Letting the Rolls Rise

1. Cover the baking dish with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the rolls to become fluffy and light.
2. While the rolls are rising, you can prepare the cream cheese glaze. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Mix until well combined. If the glaze is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Baking the Rolls

1. Once the rolls have risen, place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning. If they start to brown too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil.
3. When the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

Glazing the Rolls

1. After the rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for a more decorative look.
2. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. This will allow it to firm up a bit, making it easier to slice and serve the rolls.
3. Enjoy your delicious banana bread cinnamon rolls warm, or store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They can also be reheated in the microwave for a few seconds if you want to enjoy them warm again!

Tips for Success

• Make sure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and sweetness.
• Don’t skip the rising time; it’s essential for fluffy rolls.
• Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips to the filling for an extra treat!
• If you want to make these ahead of time, you can prepare the rolls and place them in the fridge overnight before baking. Just let them come to room temperature before baking.

Now that you have all the steps laid out, I hope you enjoy making these delightful banana bread cinnamon rolls! They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet afternoon snack. Happy baking!

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 both comforting and indulgent. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is simply irresistible! 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 enjoy them warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding nuts or chocolate chips to the filling for a delightful twist, or even experimenting with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom to enhance the flavor profile. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try! Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, I promise you won’t be disappointed. Once you’ve baked your own batch of these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls, I would love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a picture of your delicious creation! Happy baking! Print

June 15, 2025 by Melissa