If you are on the hunt for a soul-soothing breakfast or an irresistible snack, this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine the rich, moist sweetness of ripe bananas swirling together with warming cinnamon spices, all rolled up into soft, fluffy rolls that bake to a golden perfection. These rolls capture the best of both worlds—banana bread’s comforting familiarity and cinnamon rolls’ sticky, gooey charm—making every bite a celebration of flavor that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is surprisingly simple, thanks to a handful of common, quality ingredients. Each element balances sweetness, texture, and spice, ensuring your rolls come out tender, flavorful, and beautifully golden.
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed): These provide natural sweetness and moisture, making the dough soft and flavorful.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure to the soft rolls without making them tough.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to complement the bananas without overpowering the cinnamon.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Helps the rolls rise light and fluffy with a perfect crumb.
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon: The warm spice that defines the flavor and aroma you expect from cinnamon rolls.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted): Brings richness and a tender bite to the dough and adds depth to the cinnamon filling.
- 3/4 cup whole milk (or almond milk): Keeps the rolls moist and tender while adding richness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure to the dough.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds a lovely sweet aroma.
How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish generously. This simple prep step ensures your rolls won’t stick and will bake evenly into golden perfection.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Then, add melted butter, sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until well combined—this mixture delivers the moisture and sweetness that make banana bread cinnamon rolls unforgettable.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon. This dry mix incorporates the leavening agents and that signature cinnamon flavor essential to the recipe.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Mixtures Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here; overworking the batter can lead to denser rolls instead of light, fluffy ones.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out into a rectangle approximately 1/4 inch thick. This is the canvas for your cinnamon-sugar filling and eventual rolling into classic cinnamon rolls.
Step 6: Spread the Filling
Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with a generous cinnamon-sugar mixture (you can reuse the cinnamon from the dry ingredient step and add a bit more sugar if you like). This layer is what creates the sticky, sweet swirl inside each roll.
Step 7: Roll and Slice
Carefully roll the dough into a tight log starting from the longer side, then slice it into equal pieces. The size of each slice will determine the final size of your rolls. Around 12 pieces works perfectly for well-portioned treats.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the rolls in the greased baking dish, giving them a little space to rise as they bake. Pop them in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the tops turn golden brown and that unmistakable aroma fills your kitchen.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
These banana bread cinnamon rolls are delightful on their own, but why not amp up the indulgence? A drizzle of cream cheese glaze or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts on top adds a lovely texture contrast and a touch of elegance that makes them feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair the rolls with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a cold glass of milk to balance the sweetness and spice. Fresh fruit or a simple yogurt with honey can also round out a breakfast or brunch spread, making your meal feel complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or brunch parties, try serving these rolls warm in a rustic wooden basket lined with a cute tea towel, or arranged beautifully on a tiered dessert stand. You can also slice and toast leftovers briefly, then spread with a dab of butter or nut butter for a quick treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover banana bread cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They stay nice and soft, but if your kitchen is warm, bringing them into the fridge can extend freshness a bit longer.
Freezing
These cinnamon rolls freeze wonderfully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months, making them perfect for meal prepping or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen or refrigerated rolls, thaw them overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a few hours. Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or pop the whole batch into a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to revive that fresh-baked softness.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas in this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually ideal because their natural sweetness and soft texture are perfect for making the dough moist and flavorful.
Is it possible to make these rolls gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to check if the blend includes baking powder and adjust accordingly to maintain the right texture.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the rolls?
Feel free to mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or sprinkle chocolate chips over the cinnamon sugar before rolling up the dough for an extra special twist.
Do these rolls need to rise before baking?
This recipe uses baking powder instead of yeast, so there’s no need for a traditional rise—simply shape, cut, and bake right away for a quicker, fuss-free treat.
How do I keep the rolls moist and soft?
Be careful not to overmix the dough and avoid overbaking. Also, storing in an airtight container helps preserve moisture and keeps the rolls tender for days.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely special about these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe that makes them an instant favorite. From the ease of preparation to the cozy, heartwarming flavor, they bring pure joy to any table. I can’t wait for you to try them out and experience the magic yourself—warm, soft, and irresistibly fragrant, they’re sure to become a beloved classic in your kitchen.
Print
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls, combining the classic taste of banana bread with the sweet, spiced twist of cinnamon rolls. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, these rolls feature ripe bananas and a cinnamon-sugar filling baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3/4 cup whole milk (or almond milk)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Filling
- Softened butter (for spreading)
- Cinnamon-sugar mixture (amount to preference, typically 2 tbsp sugar mixed with 1 tbsp ground cinnamon)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish to prevent the rolls from sticking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly. Add melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, then mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and tough rolls.
- Roll out dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 1/4 inch thick, preparing it for the cinnamon-sugar filling.
- Add filling: Spread softened butter evenly over the dough surface. Then, sprinkle over a cinnamon-sugar mixture to taste, ensuring full coverage for a delicious cinnamon swirl.
- Form rolls: Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Slice the log into equal pieces to create individual cinnamon rolls.
- Arrange and rise: Place the rolls cut-side up into the greased baking dish, spacing them slightly and allowing them to rise gently before baking.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use almond milk and a dairy-free butter substitute.
- Do not overmix the dough to maintain soft texture.
- If desired, drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk after baking.
- Allow rolls to cool slightly before serving to set filling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
