Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Introduction

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on two classic treats. Soft, flavorful banana bread dough is layered with cinnamon sugar and topped with a creamy cream cheese glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, these rolls bring warmth and comfort to any table.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed (for filling)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk (or more for desired consistency)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup brown sugar. Mix until well combined.
3. Step 3: Add the melted butter to the banana mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
4. Step 4: Crack in the egg and pour in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until the egg is fully blended.
5. Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6. Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
7. Step 7: In a small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix well.
8. Step 8: Spread the softened 1/4 cup butter evenly over the surface of the dough.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
10. Step 10: Roll the dough into a tight log from one end, keeping the filling inside.
11. Step 11: Cut the log into 1-inch thick slices using a sharp knife or dental floss.
12. Step 12: Place the sliced rolls into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, leaving space between each roll.
13. Step 13: Cover the baking dish with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.
14. Step 14: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
15. Step 15: Let the rolls cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
16. Step 16: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
17. Step 17: Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until you reach your desired glaze consistency.
18. Step 18: Spread the cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
• For extra gooey rolls, add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the cinnamon filling.
• Swap cream cheese glaze for a simple powdered sugar glaze if you prefer a lighter topping.
• If dough feels too sticky, chill it briefly before rolling to make handling easier.

Storage

Store leftover banana bread cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or oven until soft and gooey again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them overnight before baking. Allow them to come to room temperature and rise an additional 15-20 minutes before baking.

What if I don’t have baking powder?

Baking powder helps the rolls rise and become fluffy. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with 1/4 teaspoon baking soda plus 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar to mimic baking powder’s leavening effect.

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.9 from 93 reviews

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the moist sweetness of ripe bananas with the classic comforting flavor of cinnamon rolls. This delectable twist on a classic treat features soft, fluffy cinnamon swirls baked to golden perfection and topped with a creamy, smooth cream cheese glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack, these rolls offer a delightful blend of banana bread and cinnamon roll goodness.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dough and Filling

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Cream Cheese Glaze

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk (or more for desired consistency)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature by the time your dough is ready.
2. Mix Banana Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup brown sugar. Stir them together until well blended to create a sweet, moist banana base.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the melted butter into the banana mixture and stir until fully incorporated, creating a smooth batter.
4. Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Crack in the egg and add the vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly so the egg is fully blended into the mixture.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
6. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
7. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar with the ground cinnamon and mix well to form the filling mixture.
8. Spread Butter on Dough: Using the softened butter, evenly spread it over the surface of the dough to help the cinnamon sugar stick and add richness.
9. Add Cinnamon-Sugar Filling: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough to create flavorful swirls in the rolls.
10. Roll the Dough: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from one end, ensuring the filling stays inside and is evenly distributed.
11. Slice the Rolls: Cut the rolled dough into 1-inch thick slices using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts without squashing the dough.
12. Place in Baking Dish: Arrange the sliced rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, leaving space between each to allow room for rising.
13. Let the Rolls Rise: Cover the baking dish with a clean kitchen towel and leave it in a warm place for about 30 minutes to let the rolls rise and become fluffy.
14. Bake the Rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until they turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
15. Cool the Rolls: Allow the rolls to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set before applying the glaze.
16. Prepare Cream Cheese Glaze: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until you reach your desired glaze consistency.
17. Glaze the Rolls: Drizzle or spread the cream cheese glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls for a luscious finish.

Notes

• Make sure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
• Do not overmix the dough to keep rolls soft and tender.
• Using dental floss to slice rolls creates cleaner cuts without squashing.
• Allow the rolls adequate rising time for fluffier texture.
• Adjust milk in glaze to achieve your preferred thickness.
• Serve warm for best taste and texture.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.

Keywords: banana bread cinnamon rolls, banana cinnamon rolls, breakfast rolls, cinnamon swirl rolls, cream cheese glaze, sweet rolls, baked cinnamon rolls