Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

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🍌 Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls – Your Kitchen Will Smell Like Heaven!

Introduction

Imagine the cozy, comforting aroma of banana bread colliding with the sweet, spiced swirls of a cinnamon roll. These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the best of two beloved classics: the moist, rich flavor of ripe bananas and the gooey, cinnamon-sugar goodness of traditional cinnamon rolls. This recipe turns your kitchen into a fragrant, irresistible bakery — perfect for lazy weekends, holiday mornings, or anytime you want to wow your taste buds and loved ones.

Ingredients

🥣 For the Dough:

  • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large)
  • ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 3¼ to 3½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt

🧈 For the Cinnamon Filling:

  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup softened butter

🍌 Optional Banana Boost:

  • ¼ cup finely chopped ripe banana (for the filling layer – optional)

🍯 For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

  • 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp butter, softened
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tbsp milk (for consistency)

Instructions & Method

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

  1. In a bowl, combine warm milk, a pinch of sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This means the yeast is active.

Step 2: Make the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas and mix in the melted butter, sugar, egg, and the activated yeast mixture.
  2. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes on a floured surface (or use a dough hook on a mixer) until smooth and elastic.
  4. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

  1. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
  2. Lightly punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle (about 10×16 inches).
  3. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.
  4. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly. Add chopped banana if using.

Step 4: Roll & Cut

  1. Tightly roll up the dough from the long side into a log.
  2. Slice into 12 even rolls and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake rolls for 22–26 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling.

Step 6: Glaze

  1. In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to reach a smooth glaze.
  2. Spread over warm rolls and serve!

History

Cinnamon rolls date back to Northern Europe — especially Sweden where they are called kanelbullar. Banana bread gained popularity in the U.S. during the 1930s when resourceful bakers made use of overripe bananas. Combining the two into a hybrid dessert/breakfast treat is a modern twist that started gaining traction in the 2010s, celebrating comfort and creativity.

Health Benefits

  • Bananas are rich in potassium, fiber, and natural sweetness.
  • Homemade dough allows you to control sugar and additives.
  • The combination of fruit and spice supports digestion and provides energy.
  • Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Formation & Texture

These rolls are:

  • Soft and tender from the bananas
  • Swirled and gooey with cinnamon sugar
  • Pillowy on the inside, with slightly crisp golden edges
  • Topped with a tangy-sweet glaze that melts into every crevice

Conclusion

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a breakfast — they’re an experience. Whether you’re impressing brunch guests or treating yourself on a Sunday morning, this recipe delivers comfort, nostalgia, and flavor in every bite.

For the Lovers of This Recipe

  • If you love banana bread, you’ll adore the moistness and banana flavor.
  • If you love cinnamon rolls, the gooey, sweet swirls will satisfy.
  • If you love both — welcome to your new favorite treat.

Nutrition (Approx. per Roll)

  • Calories: 310
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Fiber: 2g

(Note: varies depending on glaze and banana ripeness.)

Final Conclusion for the Lovers

For every banana bread lover who wants a little twist, and every cinnamon roll enthusiast craving a fruitier bite — this recipe is your love letter. A warm, indulgent hug from the oven that says, “You deserve this.” 💛

Would you like a chocolate chip or pecan-stuffed version next?

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