# **Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls: A Perfect Fusion of Two Classics** 🍌🍞
### **Introduction**
Imagine the soft, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls combined with the rich, moist texture of banana bread. That’s exactly what these **Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls** deliver! This recipe blends the best of both worlds—sweet, spiced banana bread swirled into fluffy, buttery cinnamon rolls, topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are sure to become a family favorite.
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## **🍌 Ingredients**
### **For the Dough:**
– 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
– 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
– ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– ½ tsp salt
– 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
### **For the Filling:**
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– ¾ cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
– ½ cup mashed ripe bananas (about 1 medium banana)
– ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
### **For the Cream Cheese Glaze:**
– 4 oz cream cheese, softened
– ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
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## **📜 History & Inspiration**
Cinnamon rolls have Scandinavian origins, dating back to the 1920s, while banana bread became popular in the U.S. during the Great Depression as a way to use overripe bananas. This recipe merges these two beloved treats into one irresistible dessert.
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## **✅ Benefits**
✔ **Uses Overripe Bananas** – Reduces food waste.
✔ **Rich in Flavor** – Combines warm cinnamon and sweet banana.
✔ **Versatile** – Great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
✔ **Comfort Food** – Warm, soft, and satisfying.
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## **👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions**
### **1. Prepare the Dough**
1. **Activate the Yeast** – In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp sugar. Let sit for **5-10 minutes** until frothy.
2. **Mix Wet Ingredients** – In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and remaining sugar.
3. **Combine & Knead** – Add the yeast mixture, then gradually mix in flour and salt until a soft dough forms. Knead for **5-7 minutes** until smooth.
4. **First Rise** – Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for **1-2 hours** until doubled.
### **2. Make the Filling & Assemble**
1. **Roll Out Dough** – On a floured surface, roll dough into a **12×18-inch rectangle**.
2. **Spread Filling** – Spread softened butter, then sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, mashed banana, and nuts (if using).
3. **Roll & Cut** – Tightly roll the dough into a log and cut into **12 even slices**.
4. **Second Rise** – Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for **30-45 minutes**.
### **3. Bake & Glaze**
1. **Preheat Oven** – **350°F (175°C)**.
2. **Bake** – **25-30 minutes** until golden brown.
3. **Glaze** – Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls.
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## **🍽 Serving Suggestions**
– Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
– Pair with coffee or hot chocolate.
– Great for holiday brunches or weekend treats.
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## **🧑🤝🧑 Why Lovers Adore This Recipe**
💖 **Perfect for Sharing** – A cozy breakfast in bed or a sweet gift.
💖 **Customizable** – Add chocolate chips, caramel, or raisins.
💖 **Crowd-Pleaser** – Always disappears fast at gatherings!
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## **📊 Nutrition (Per Roll, Approx.)**
– Calories: ~320 kcal
– Carbs: 45g
– Protein: 5g
– Fat: 14g
– Fiber: 2g
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## **🎉 Conclusion**
These **Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls** are the ultimate comfort food—soft, sweet, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re a banana bread lover or a cinnamon roll fanatic, this fusion will win your heart. Try it today and enjoy the magic!
**Happy Baking!** 🍌✨