Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re looking for a delightful way to elevate your brunch game, look no further than these incredible Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. Imagine warm, gooey rolls filled with sweet cinnamon, brown sugar, and fresh banana—sounds dreamy, right? This recipe is a family favorite in my home, perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings with loved ones. The combination of banana bread and cinnamon rolls is truly irresistible, making them a treat everyone will adore.

What I love most about these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls is their versatility. You can whip them up on the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week, or indulge in a leisurely Sunday morning treat. Plus, they are so simple to make that even beginner bakers will feel like pros!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you’ll have these rolls ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves the sweet flavor of bananas paired with cinnamon—kids and adults alike!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare these rolls a day in advance and bake them fresh in the morning.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of soft dough, gooey filling, and creamy frosting makes each bite heavenly.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These rolls are great for brunches, parties, or just as a sweet snack during the day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Dough

• 1 cup (240 ml) milk (lukewarm (about 120-130°F), see note)
• 6 Tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 4 ½-5 cups (540 – 600 g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (see note)
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• ½ cup mashed banana (about 1 large banana)

For the Filling

• 4 Tablespoons (1/2 stick, 57 g) unsalted butter (very soft)
• ½ cup (107 g) packed light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 2 large bananas (thinly sliced)

For the Topping

• ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream (slightly warmed for pouring on rolls before baking)
• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 4 tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 ½ cups (170 g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it can be! Feel free to get creative with your fillings or toppings. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
• Mix in Chocolate Chips: For an extra indulgent twist, add semi-sweet chocolate chips to the filling.
• Try Different Spices: Experiment with nutmeg or cardamom alongside your cinnamon for a unique flavor.
• Frosting Alternatives: Swap cream cheese frosting for a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by warming your milk until it’s lukewarm—this helps activate the yeast. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk with melted butter and granulated sugar. Then add instant yeast and let it sit for about five minutes until it becomes bubbly. This step is crucial as it ensures that your rolls will rise beautifully!

Step 2: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Next, add salt and mashed banana to your mixture. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until you form a soft dough. Knead it gently on a floured surface until smooth and elastic. This process builds structure in your dough so that your rolls will be fluffy.

Step 3: Let It Rise

Place your dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size. Patience here pays off; this rising time allows those lovely air pockets to form!

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release any excess air. Roll it out into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread very soft butter over the dough before sprinkling on brown sugar and cinnamon evenly across its surface. Layer on those thinly sliced bananas generously—the more bananas, the better!

Step 5: Shape Your Rolls

Starting from one long side of your rectangle, carefully roll up the dough tightly into a log shape. Slice this log into equal pieces—about one inch thick works well—to create beautiful individual rolls.

Step 6: Second Rise & Bake

Place your slices into a greased baking dish close together but not touching. Cover again and allow them to rise until puffy—about another half hour should do it! Preheat your oven while they rise. Once ready, pour warmed heavy cream over the top before popping them into the oven to bake until golden brown.

Step 7: Prepare Frosting & Serve

While baking smells fill your kitchen with warmth and sweetness, prepare your cream cheese frosting by beating softened cream cheese with butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract to taste—a little sweetness goes a long way! Once cooled slightly after baking, frost those glorious rolls while they’re still warm.

Now you’re ready to dig into these scrumptious Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Making banana bread cinnamon rolls is a delightful adventure, and with a few helpful tips, you’ll create rolls that are not only fluffy but also bursting with flavor!

• Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your dough will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots; they’re perfect for baking!

• Knead well: Kneading the dough for about 10 minutes helps develop gluten, which leads to soft, pillowy rolls. Don’t skip this step if you want that perfect texture.

• Let it rise: Allowing the dough to rise until it doubles in size is crucial for light and airy rolls. Be patient—this step takes about an hour, but it’s worth it!

• Don’t rush the baking time: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your rolls as they bake and pull them out when they’re golden brown, ensuring they stay moist inside.

• Experiment with fillings: Feel free to add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the filling for an extra layer of flavor! Just make sure they complement the banana taste rather than overpower it.

How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

These banana bread cinnamon rolls are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy family breakfast or a festive brunch with friends. Here are some ideas to present this delightful dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top of your frosted rolls for added crunch and flavor.
• Fresh banana slices: A few fresh banana slices on top or around the serving plate add a nice touch and highlight the main ingredient.
• Cinnamon dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon over the cream cheese frosting gives an appealing visual and enhances the cinnamon flavor.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A colorful medley of seasonal fruits brings brightness and freshness to your meal, balancing out the richness of the rolls.
• Yogurt parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries makes a complementary side that’s both nutritious and delicious.
• Scrambled eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and create a well-rounded breakfast spread that pairs perfectly with sweet cinnamon rolls.
• Coffee or tea: A steaming cup of coffee or herbal tea completes your brunch experience and adds warmth to your gathering.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to impress family and friends alike with your scrumptious banana bread cinnamon rolls! Enjoy baking—and even more so—enjoy sharing these delightful treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious brunch treat any day of the week. You can prepare them ahead of time and simply bake when you’re ready to indulge!

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Make sure to wrap them tightly if you’re storing them in the fridge to prevent drying out.

Freezing

• Allow the rolls to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the container with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the rolls on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also warm them in the microwave for about 30 seconds if you’re in a hurry!

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for banana bread cinnamon rolls?

Yes! You can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture slightly. A mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour often works best.

How do I make banana bread cinnamon rolls vegan?

You can make these rolls vegan by substituting almond or oat milk for dairy milk, using plant-based butter, and replacing cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative.

Can I prepare banana bread cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls and store them in the fridge overnight before baking. This makes them an ideal make-ahead treat!

What can I use instead of cream cheese frosting on my banana bread cinnamon rolls?

If you prefer a different frosting option, you can use a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and almond milk mixed until smooth.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings joy to your kitchen! These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are not only delightful but also bring a warm, comforting aroma that fills your home. Enjoy making these sweet treats, whether it’s for brunch or just because—every bite is worth it! Can’t wait for you to try them!