🍌🍞 Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls 🍯🍩
A delicious twist on traditional cinnamon rolls—light, fluffy dough with the comforting flavors of banana bread, cinnamon, and a sweet glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert!
🛒 Ingredients (Makes 12 Rolls):
For the Dough:
1 cup warm milk (around 110°F, not too hot)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup melted unsalted butter 🧈
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 ripe bananas 🍌
4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
1 large egg 🥚
For the Filling:
1/4 cup melted unsalted butter 🧈
1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but recommended for extra warmth)
Pinch of salt
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk (or more for desired consistency)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
📝 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of warm milk with 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Stir gently to dissolve. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly. This means the yeast is active and ready to use.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mash the 2 ripe bananas until smooth. Add 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1 large egg. Stir well to combine.
Add Yeast Mixture: Once the yeast is activated, pour the foamy milk and yeast mixture into the banana mixture. Stir everything together to form a smooth liquid mixture.
2. Form the Dough:
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add 4 cups of all-purpose flour (one cup at a time) and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the wet ingredients, stirring as you go. Continue adding flour until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but not too wet. You may need to add a little extra flour depending on the humidity and type of flour you use.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour as needed.
Let the Dough Rise: Grease a large bowl with a little oil or cooking spray, and place the dough inside. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
3. Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Filling:
In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup melted butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir together until the sugar and cinnamon are well blended into the butter. Set aside.
4. Roll and Shape the Cinnamon Rolls:
Punch Down the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
Spread the Filling: Using a spatula or a spoon, spread the prepared cinnamon filling evenly over the surface of the dough. Be sure to cover the dough all the way to the edges.
Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long edge of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough up into a log, pinching the seam to seal it closed.
Cut the Rolls: Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the dough log into 12 even pieces (about 1 inch wide). Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or a large round cake pan.
5. Let the Rolls Rise:
Second Rise: Cover the rolls loosely with a kitchen towel and allow them to rise again for about 30 minutes, or until they have puffed up and filled the pan.
6. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted into the center of a roll should come out clean.
Optional Step: If the rolls are browning too quickly before they’re fully cooked, cover them loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.
7. Prepare the Glaze:
While the rolls are baking, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract in a small bowl. Adjust the milk as needed to achieve a smooth and pourable glaze.
8. Drizzle and Serve:
Once the cinnamon rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Then, drizzle the glaze generously over the top of the warm rolls.
Serve the rolls immediately while they’re still warm and gooey!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
With Coffee: These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls make the perfect addition to a cozy breakfast or brunch. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of fresh orange juice for a satisfying morning.
As a Dessert: Enjoy them for dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
🌟 Why You’ll Love These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls:
Two Comforting Favorites in One: Combining the flavors of banana bread with cinnamon rolls makes for an irresistible treat that’s both familiar and fresh.
Fluffy & Buttery: The dough is soft, buttery, and light, with a delightful banana flavor that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon swirl.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Easy to Make: While they may look impressive, these rolls are surprisingly easy to make with simple ingredients and minimal effort.
🧑🍳 Tips for Success:
Use Ripe Bananas: Make sure your bananas are fully ripe for the best banana flavor. Overripe bananas with lots of brown spots are ideal!
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can result in dense rolls, so mix the dough just until everything is combined, then let it rise.
Let the Dough Rise in a Warm Place: Yeast dough rises best in a warm, non-drafty environment. If it’s too cold, it will take longer to rise.
Customize the Filling: Feel free to add chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the filling for an extra touch of flavor and texture.
🍴 Final Thoughts:
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect combination of two beloved breakfast treats—cinnamon rolls and banana bread—into one gooey, sweet, and indulgent dessert. Whether you’re serving them for brunch or as a special treat for a weekend morning, these rolls are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave everyone asking for the recipe. Enjoy every bite of this banana-infused cinnamon swirl magic!