Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls: A Delicious Twist on Two Classics

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls: Prepare to have your breakfast game forever changed! Imagine the comforting, moist crumb of homemade banana bread swirled together with the gooey, spiced sweetness of classic cinnamon rolls. It’s a flavor explosion that will have everyone begging for seconds.

While the exact origins of combining banana bread and cinnamon rolls are shrouded in delicious mystery, both treats hold a special place in our hearts and kitchens. Banana bread, born out of necessity during the Great Depression as a way to use overripe bananas, has evolved into a beloved comfort food. Cinnamon rolls, with their Scandinavian roots and migration to America, have become a symbol of warmth and indulgence, often enjoyed during holidays and special occasions.

What makes these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of textures and tastes. The soft, slightly dense banana bread dough provides a delightful contrast to the creamy, cinnamon-sugar filling. The aroma alone, a blend of ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and sweet vanilla, is enough to make your mouth water. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a weekend brunch or a special weekday treat. Get ready to experience a new level of breakfast bliss!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Banana Bread Dough:
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• For the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling:
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk, plus more as needed
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the Banana Bread Dough:

1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. I like to use an electric mixer for this, but you can definitely do it by hand if you’re feeling ambitious!
2. Add the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix until well combined. Don’t worry if it looks a little lumpy – that’s perfectly normal with mashed bananas.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cinnamon rolls. A few streaks of flour are okay.
5. Lightly flour a clean surface. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and gently knead it a few times to form a smooth ball. Don’t overwork it!
6. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. This rising time is crucial for developing the light and airy texture of the cinnamon rolls.

Assembling the Cinnamon Rolls:

1. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
2. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Try to keep the thickness even throughout the rectangle.
3. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg for the filling. Mix until well combined and spreadable.
4. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough rectangle. Make sure to get all the way to the edges!
5. Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it closed.
6. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss (my secret weapon!), cut the log into 12 equal slices. I find that dental floss creates a cleaner cut and prevents the rolls from getting squished.
7. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place the cinnamon rolls in the prepared baking dish, spacing them evenly apart.
8. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and let the cinnamon rolls rise in a warm place for another 30 minutes. This second rise will make them even more fluffy and delicious.

Baking the Cinnamon Rolls:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
3. Let the cinnamon rolls cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes before frosting. This allows them to set slightly and prevents the frosting from melting too much.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined.
3. Add the milk and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Frosting and Serving:

1. Once the cinnamon rolls have cooled slightly, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
2. Serve warm and enjoy! These banana bread cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven before serving.

Tips for Success:

• Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cinnamon rolls will be.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can result in tough cinnamon rolls. Mix until just combined.
• Let the dough rise properly: The rising time is crucial for developing the light and airy texture of the cinnamon rolls.
• Use dental floss to cut the rolls: Dental floss creates a cleaner cut and prevents the rolls from getting squished.
• Don’t overbake the rolls: Overbaking can result in dry cinnamon rolls. Bake until they are golden brown and cooked through.
• Adjust the frosting consistency: Add more milk to the frosting if it’s too thick, or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin.

Variations:

• Add nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon-sugar filling for extra flavor and texture.
• Add chocolate chips: Add chocolate chips to the dough or the cinnamon-sugar filling for a chocolatey twist.
• Use a different frosting: Try using a vanilla glaze or a maple frosting instead of cream cheese frosting.
• Make it vegan: Substitute the butter with vegan butter, the eggs with flax eggs, the buttermilk with almond milk mixed with lemon juice, and the cream cheese with vegan cream cheese.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls! I hope you love them as much as I do. They’re the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. And they’re sure to impress your friends and family!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are truly a game-changer. They’re the perfect marriage of comforting banana bread and the irresistible sweetness of cinnamon rolls, creating a breakfast or brunch experience that’s simply unforgettable. I know, I know, it sounds almost too good to be true, but trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!

Why is this recipe a must-try? Well, first and foremost, it’s incredibly delicious. The moist, banana-infused dough is perfectly complemented by the warm cinnamon-sugar filling, and the creamy glaze adds the perfect finishing touch. But beyond the taste, these rolls are also surprisingly easy to make. I’ve broken down the steps to be as clear and straightforward as possible, so even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can confidently whip up a batch of these beauties. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up those overripe bananas that are sitting on your counter! No more banana bread fatigue – transform them into something truly special.

But the best part? The versatility! These rolls are fantastic on their own, warm from the oven, but you can also get creative with your serving suggestions. Imagine serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. Or, for a truly indulgent brunch, pair them with crispy bacon and a side of fresh fruit.

And speaking of variations, the possibilities are endless! Feel free to experiment with different fillings. Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a lovely crunch, or you could try adding a layer of Nutella for a chocolatey twist. For a more festive flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture. You could even incorporate chocolate chips into the dough for an extra dose of sweetness. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a cream cheese frosting instead of the glaze for a tangier flavor profile. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make these rolls your own!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic: Serve warm with the vanilla glaze as written.
* Nutty: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon-sugar filling.
* Chocolatey: Spread a thin layer of Nutella over the dough before adding the cinnamon-sugar filling, or add chocolate chips to the dough.
* Festive: Add pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
* Tangy: Use a cream cheese frosting instead of the vanilla glaze.
* Dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
* Brunch: Pair with crispy bacon and fresh fruit.

I truly believe that these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls will become a new favorite in your household. They’re perfect for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or simply a special treat for yourself. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of this recipe.

I’m so excited for you to try these rolls! And more importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did your family and friends think? Please, share your photos and stories in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create recipes that you’ll love. Happy baking! I can’t wait to see what you create!