Here’s a mouthwatering recipe for Irresistible Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls that will transform your kitchen into the coziest, most fragrant space! 🍌🍞✨ Imagine the rich, comforting flavors of banana bread and the warm, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls all wrapped up in one delicious, soft, and fluffy treat. This recipe is perfect for a weekend brunch, holiday gatherings, or any time you want to enjoy something indulgent. Let’s dive into how you can make these heavenly cinnamon rolls!
Irresistible Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
This recipe is a mash-up of two of the most beloved baked goods—banana bread and cinnamon rolls. The result? A soft, sweet, and spiced dough that’s packed with banana flavor, rolled up with a cinnamon-sugar filling, and topped with a luscious glaze. You get the best of both worlds in every bite!
History of Cinnamon Rolls & Banana Bread:
Cinnamon Rolls:
Cinnamon rolls have a rich history that dates back to the 17th century, with variations appearing across many cultures. The most common version we know today originated in Sweden, where they’re known as kanelbullar. These rolls became a popular treat in North America, especially in the mid-20th century, where they gained fame in American bakeries and homes.
Banana Bread:
Banana bread, on the other hand, is a more modern creation. It became widely popular during the Great Depression as an affordable way to use overripe bananas. The classic moist and fluffy loaf was a hit because it’s incredibly easy to make and uses basic pantry ingredients. Over time, banana bread has evolved with different flavor variations, from nuts to chocolate chips to, of course, cinnamon rolls!
By combining these two beloved treats, we get a whole new dessert experience that’s both comforting and indulgent.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for extra spice)
- Pinch of salt
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (more if needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This ensures the yeast is activated.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, mashed bananas, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
- Add the frothy yeast mixture to the banana mixture and stir well.
- Gradually add the flour, salt, and baking powder, mixing until the dough starts to come together. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon-sugar filling. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until smooth and spreadable.
3. Assemble the Rolls:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
- Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving about 1 inch from the edges.
- Starting from one of the longer sides, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.
- Slice the roll into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for a clean cut.
- Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure they’re snug but not overcrowded. Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes.
4. Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes before adding the glaze.
5. Make the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Add more milk if you prefer a thinner glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls before serving.
Methods:
- Dough Rising Method: The first rise allows the yeast to develop the dough, creating the fluffy texture needed for the rolls. The second rise, after you’ve assembled the rolls, gives them that extra soft, pillowy consistency. Patience is key here, so allow the dough to rise properly!
- Rolling the Dough: When rolling out the dough, make sure it’s an even thickness to ensure that each roll bakes uniformly. The more tightly you roll the dough, the more layers you’ll have, which makes each bite that much more delicious.
- Glazing: For an extra touch of sweetness, you can drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls, or serve it on the side for those who like a lighter glaze.
Conclusion:
These Irresistible Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate treat for any banana bread or cinnamon roll lover. The sweet, fragrant banana bread dough combined with the cinnamon-sugar filling and rich glaze creates an experience you won’t soon forget. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert to impress guests. The flavors meld together beautifully, and the texture is soft, fluffy, and utterly irresistible.
If you love soft, gooey rolls with a touch of banana flavor and cinnamon-spice goodness, this recipe will become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Your kitchen will smell like a dream, and your family and friends will be begging for more!
Lovers of Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls:
- Banana Lovers: If you’re a fan of banana bread, these rolls take the banana flavor to a whole new level. You get the sweetness and softness of banana bread with the gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls.
- Cinnamon Roll Enthusiasts: If you crave cinnamon rolls, this recipe gives you the ultimate twist. The banana bread dough adds a unique softness and flavor that you can’t find in regular cinnamon rolls.
- Baked Goods Aficionados: This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves rich, homemade pastries that are full of flavor and comfort. These rolls are ideal for brunch, dessert, or just an afternoon treat.
BONUS TIP: You can make the dough ahead of time! After the first rise, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, simply shape, fill, and bake as directed. Fresh, homemade rolls in less time—what’s not to love?
Enjoy these indulgent banana bread cinnamon rolls with a hot cup of coffee or tea! Let me know how it turns out, and feel free to reach out for more delicious recipes! 🧁