Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

These banana bread cinnamon rolls are a delightful twist on two beloved treats! Combining the rich flavors of banana bread and the gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls, they make for a perfect addition to any breakfast or brunch gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, these rolls are sure to impress with their sweet aroma and indulgent cream cheese frosting. The unique blend of fresh bananas and warm spices makes them a standout choice for all.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of bananas, brown sugar, and cinnamon creates a deliciously sweet filling that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, these rolls can be prepared by bakers of all skill levels.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble these banana bread cinnamon rolls the night before and bake them fresh in the morning!
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, these rolls cater to any time of day.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: The creamy topping elevates the flavors and adds a luscious finish that complements the warm rolls perfectly.

Tools and Preparation

To make your banana bread cinnamon rolls, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will help streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Baking dish
• Whisk
• Plastic wrap

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine ingredients thoroughly without making a mess.
• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out dough evenly, ensuring your cinnamon rolls cook uniformly.
• Baking dish: A sturdy dish helps achieve the perfect texture as the rolls bake.

Ingredients

These banana bread cinnamon rolls are made with an easy yeast dough made with fresh banana. The rolls get rolled up with brown sugar, cinnamon, and even more sliced bananas! I top them with cream cheese frosting for the best brunch treat. You can assemble these day before baking too!

For the Dough

• 1 cup (240 ml) milk (lukewarm (about 120-130°F), see note)
• 6 Tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 4 ½-5 cups (540 – 600 g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (see note)
• 1½ teaspoons salt

For the Filling

• ½ cup mashed banana (about 1 large banana)
• 4 Tablespoons (1/2 stick, 57 g) unsalted butter (very soft)
• ½ cup (107 g) packed light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 2 large bananas (thinly sliced)

For Topping

• ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream (slightly warmed for pouring on rolls before baking)
• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 4 tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 ½ cups (170 g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine lukewarm milk and melted butter.
2. Add granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt; mix until combined.
3. Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms. Knead until smooth.

Step 2: Let It Rise

1. Place the dough in a greased bowl; cover with plastic wrap.
2. Allow it to rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Make the Filling

1. In another bowl, mix mashed banana with softened butter.
2. Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon until well combined.

Step 4: Roll Out Dough

1. On a floured surface, roll out dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
2. Spread the banana mixture evenly over the dough.

Step 5: Add Sliced Bananas

1. Distribute thinly sliced bananas across the filling mixture.

Step 6: Roll Up

1. Starting from one long side, carefully roll up the dough tightly into a log shape.
2. Pinch seams to seal; cut into equal pieces.

Step 7: Second Rise

1. Place slices in a greased baking dish; cover with plastic wrap.
2. Let rise again for about 30 minutes.

Step 8: Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Pour heavy cream over the risen rolls before baking.
3. Bake for about 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 9: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; mix until creamy.

Step 10: Serve

1. Drizzle cream cheese frosting over warm cinnamon rolls.
2. Enjoy your delicious banana bread cinnamon rolls!

How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

These delicious banana bread cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, there are many ways to serve and enjoy these sweet rolls.

With Cream Cheese Frosting

• Spread the luscious cream cheese frosting on top of each roll for a rich and creamy finish.

Warm with Fresh Bananas

• Serve the rolls warm and top them with additional sliced bananas for an extra burst of flavor.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for a sweet and indulgent touch that complements the cinnamon.

Paired with Coffee

• Enjoy your rolls alongside a steaming cup of coffee to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.

Served with Whipped Cream

• Top each roll with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light and airy contrast.

How to Perfect Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

To make sure your banana bread cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips. They will help you achieve that soft, fluffy texture and rich flavor.

• Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your dough will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness.

• Check yeast freshness: Ensure your instant yeast is fresh. This helps the rolls rise properly, giving them their fluffy texture.

• Don’t skip the resting time: Allow the dough to rest as directed in the recipe. This gives it time to rise and develop flavor.

• Roll tightly: When rolling up the dough, make sure to roll it tightly. This ensures that every bite has plenty of filling and prevents gaps in your rolls.

• Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on your rolls while they bake. Ovens vary, so check them a few minutes before the recommended baking time is up.

Best Side Dishes for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Pairing side dishes with banana bread cinnamon rolls can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the rolls.

2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy and crunchy contrast.

3. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein, making this a more balanced breakfast option.

4. Bacon or Sausage: The savory flavors from crispy bacon or sausage complement the sweetness of the rolls.

5. Smoothie Bowl: A colorful smoothie bowl offers a refreshing and nutritious side that pairs well with sweet rolls.

6. Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns add texture and heartiness to your brunch spread.

7. Pancakes: For those who love extra sweetness, serving pancakes alongside can make for an indulgent breakfast feast.

8. Chia Seed Pudding: This healthy option provides fiber and makes for a delightful contrast in texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making banana bread cinnamon rolls can be a delightful experience, but some common mistakes can ruin your effort. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Not using ripe bananas: Bananas should be well-ripened for the best flavor and sweetness. Avoid using green bananas as they won’t provide the right taste.

• Incorrect yeast temperature: Yeast needs warm temperatures to activate. Using milk that is too hot can kill the yeast. Aim for lukewarm (about 120-130°F).

• Overworking the dough: Kneading the dough too much can lead to tough rolls. Mix until just combined and smooth for the best texture.

• Skipping the proofing step: Allowing the dough to rise properly is essential for fluffy rolls. Don’t rush this process; give it enough time to double in size.

• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much or too little flour can affect the dough’s consistency. Use a spoon to scoop flour into your measuring cup and level it off.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store banana bread cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will last for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat each roll individually on medium power for about 30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place rolls in a skillet with a lid on low heat, adding a splash of water to create steam; heat for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are banana bread cinnamon rolls?
Banana bread cinnamon rolls are fluffy, sweet rolls made with banana-infused dough, rolled with cinnamon and brown sugar, topped with cream cheese frosting.

Can I make banana bread cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them the day before you plan to bake. Just cover and refrigerate overnight, then bake when ready.

How do I customize my banana bread cinnamon rolls?
Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or different spices like nutmeg for extra flavor. You can also try different frostings!

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but using whole wheat flour might change the texture slightly. Start with half whole wheat and half all-purpose if you’re unsure.

Do I need special equipment to make these rolls?
No special equipment is needed! Just basic kitchen tools like mixing bowls and a rolling pin will do.

Final Thoughts

These banana bread cinnamon rolls are not only delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy them as a cozy breakfast or a delightful dessert. Feel free to customize them with your favorite ingredients or toppings, making them unique every time you bake!