Let’s talk comfort food. Imagine the warm, comforting flavors of banana bread, but all swirled up into a gooey, creamy consistency. What is cinnamon spiced cinnamon roll? What are we making today? I swear, this recipe for banana bread cinnamon rolls is like a hug in baking form! Is it unexpectedly easy and the flavor combination out of this world? I always think of it as the sophisticated cousin of regular cinnamon rolls. My kids go bonkers for this, and honestly, so do I. What’s the perfect Sunday brunch treat?
What are banana bread cinnamon rolls?
What is your favorite banana bread? Now imagine that same batter, but instead of baking it in a loaf pan, you roll it out, spread it. How do you slice a cinnamon roll? What is the best of both worlds? The comforting, familiar taste of banana bread combined with the sweet, swirling delight of cinnamon. The glaze takes it to another level. What is a fun twist on classic recipes and it always gets rave reviews when I make it for friends.
Why you will love this recipe?
Where do I begin? First, the flavor is just incredible. The ripe bananas add this natural sweetness and moisture that makes the dough so soft and tender. What is cinnamon and why is it so good with banana? What is a symphony of flavors dancing in your mouth? What I love about this is how surprisingly simple it is to make. Don’t let the cinnamon roll part intimidate you. It’s much easier than you think. What are some of the most cost effective recipes? Bananas are usually pretty cheap, especially if you wait for them to get super ripe (which is a good thing). What are some good recipes for this recipe? I have found that the other ingredients are pantry staples, so I rarely have to make a special trip to the grocery store. What is the versatility? What are some of the best coffees to serve for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or just as a snack? What are some good ways to make them warm from the oven, but delicious at room temperature? I’ve even been known to sneak one (or two) straight from the fridge. If you love cinnamon rolls or banana bread, this recipe is a must-try. What is the best of both worlds?
How do you make banana bread cinnamon rolls?
Quick Overview
How do you make banana bread cinnamon rolls? We’re basically making a banana bread dough, rolling it out, spreading it with cinnamon. We are basically baking it. What is the process of slicing up sugar, and baking? What is a glaze made of? What is the best way to let dough rise properly? Don’t worry if they look bad when you slice them – they’ll taste amazing regardless!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 3 ripe bananas, mashed (the riper, the better!)
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup milk (I’ve tested this with almond milk, and it works great!)
For the Filling:
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
* 2 cups powdered sugar
* 1/4 cup milk (or more, to desired consistency)
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. I like to use baking spray with flour already in it – it’s a lifesaver! If you want to easily lift rolls out of a pan, you can line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Make sure everything is evenly distributed – this helps the rolls rise properly. I always sift my flour to avoid clumps. It makes a big difference!
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. Is it necessary to beat the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract? Make sure the butter is truly softened – not melted! – for the best texture.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending. What are the dry ingredients? How do you mix everything together in a bowl? If you overmix the flour, it will make the rolls hard. The batter will be thick – that’s okay!
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside. How do you make a cinnamon swirl? I like to add a pinch of nutmeg to my filling for an extra layer of flavor.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
How do I turn dough out on a lightly floured surface? Roll it into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough. Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12-15 rolls. Place the rolls in the prepared baking pan.
Step 7: Bake
Cover the pan with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the rolls rise in the warm place for about 30 minutes. Is it normal to have a small slit in the middle of the ring, or until they What is the best way to bake a roll? Check oven after 20 minutes – oven can vary!
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the rolls cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before frosting. While the rolls are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and salt. How do I make a smooth paste with vanilla extract How much milk do you need to make a glaze for your rolls?
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Slice the banana bread cinnamon rolls and serve warm. What are the best fresh foods to eat? Can you do this for up to 2 days? But honestly, they never last that long at my house!
What should I serve it with?
What are some ideas for making Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls? How do I take my students to the next level?
For Breakfast:Pair them with a strong cup of coffee. Can you serve these with a side of fresh fruit? I like to dust them with cinnamon for a pretty presentation.
For Brunch:Serve them as part of a brunch buffet alongside other treats like quiche, fruit salad, and yogurt. What’s the best brunch beverage to serve with a mimosa?
As Dessert:Enjoy warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Is caramel sauce or chocolate syrup a good choice? I sometimes add chopped pecans or walnuts for a little crunch.
For Cozy Snacks:Enjoy them with a warm cup of tea or hot chocolate. What are some good books to curl up on the couch with? My family loves apple cider in the fall. I’m a big fan.
My family has a tradition of making these on Christmas morning. The aroma fills the house, and it just makes the holiday feel extra special. They’re also a hit at potlucks and bake sales. Trust me; you can’t go wrong with this recipe!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Want to make sure your **Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls** are absolutely perfect? Here are some of my top tips:
Banana Prep: Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture. The more brown spots, the better! If your bananas aren’t quite ripe enough, you can roast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until they’re soft and easily mashed.
Mixing Advice: Don’t overmix the dough! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can make the rolls tough. Mix until just combined. A few streaks of flour are okay. I always use a light hand when mixing the wet and dry ingredients. It makes a world of difference.
Swirl Customization: Get creative with your swirls! You can try different patterns, like a figure-eight or a spiral. You can also add other ingredients to the filling, like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. I’ve even experimented with adding a layer of cream cheese frosting under the cinnamon sugar, which is incredibly decadent.
Ingredient Swaps: You can substitute whole wheat flour for some of the all-purpose flour for a slightly healthier version. Just keep in mind that whole wheat flour can make the rolls a bit denser, so don’t substitute more than half. You can also use maple syrup or honey instead of sugar in the glaze for a more natural sweetener. I once accidentally used salted butter instead of unsalted, and while it wasn’t terrible, the rolls were definitely saltier than usual. So, stick to unsalted!
Baking Tips: Make sure your oven is properly preheated before baking the rolls. This helps them rise evenly. If the tops are browning too quickly, you can tent them with foil. Also, don’t overbake the rolls! They should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. I always use a toothpick to test for doneness. If it comes out clean, they’re ready.
Glaze Variations: Experiment with different flavors for your glaze! You can add a little lemon zest, orange extract, or even a splash of bourbon for a unique twist. I also love adding a pinch of salt to my glaze – it helps balance the sweetness. For a thicker glaze, use less milk. For a thinner glaze, use more.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to keep your **Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls** fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature: You can store these at room temperature for up to 2 days. Just make sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from drying out. I like to use an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Store them in an airtight container. Keep in mind that refrigerating them can make them a bit drier, so you might want to warm them up slightly before serving.
Freezer Instructions: These can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To thaw, transfer them to the refrigerator overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a few hours.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the rolls, it’s best to wait to glaze them until just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from getting sticky or dissolving. If you’ve already glazed them, don’t worry – they’ll still be delicious, just maybe a little messier!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These **Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls** are seriously one of my all-time favorite things to bake. They’re comforting, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make. Plus, they always impress everyone who tries them. If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful treat, this recipe is a must-try! If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other cinnamon roll and banana bread variations for more inspiration. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Happy baking! Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below, and share your own variations with me. I love seeing what you create!
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup mashed banana
- 1 tsp baking soda
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
