Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls: A Decadent Delight

Imagine the warm, comforting aroma of banana bread intertwining with the irresistible spice of cinnamon rolls. That’s the magic you’ll unlock with this recipe for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls – a truly unique and utterly delicious dessert that elevates the classic cinnamon roll to a whole new level. Forget everything you thought you knew about cinnamon rolls; this recipe redefines indulgence with the moist, flavorful heart of banana bread baked right into every swirl. The combination is surprisingly harmonious, creating a breakfast treat or afternoon snack that’s both familiar and utterly innovative. This recipe isn’t just about baking; it’s about creating a sensory experience, a moment of pure joy that will leave you craving more. Prepare to be amazed by the ease of preparation and the incredible results. Let’s embark on this baking adventure together and create these magnificent Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls!

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

These delicious cinnamon rolls combine the moistness of banana bread with the classic comfort of cinnamon rolls. A perfect treat for breakfast or dessert!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 rolls

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• 9x13 inch baking pan
• Mixing Bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber Spatula
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Ingredients

  

Banana Bread Dough

• 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 cup Unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
• 0.75 cup Granulated sugar
• 2 Large eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1 cup Mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)

Cinnamon Filling

• 0.25 cup Unsalted butter, softened (½ stick)
• 0.5 cup Packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Glaze (Optional)

• 4 ounces Cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups Powdered sugar
• 2-4 tablespoons Milk or cream
• 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla extract

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the mashed bananas.
• In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the filling. Spread the banana bread dough evenly in the prepared pan.
• Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool slightly before frosting (optional).
• For the cream cheese frosting: Beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk/cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread over the cooled banana bread cinnamon rolls.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use brown sugar in the banana bread dough as well. You can also add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough or filling. Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Keyword baked goods, banana bread, cinnamon rolls, comfort food, delicious, easy recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly **flavorful**. The moist, subtly sweet banana bread perfectly complements the warm spice of the cinnamon filling. The result is a balanced sweetness that isn’t overly sugary, making it appealing to a wide range of palates. Second, it’s surprisingly **easy to make**. While it involves a few steps, each one is straightforward and well-explained, making it accessible even to beginner bakers. The process is enjoyable and rewarding, allowing you to indulge in the therapeutic act of baking without feeling overwhelmed. Third, these rolls are incredibly **versatile**. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, an afternoon treat, or even a special occasion dessert. They can be served warm with a glaze or enjoyed at room temperature. The possibilities are endless! The recipe is easily adaptable, too, so you can experiment with different additions like nuts, chocolate chips, or even a streusel topping. Finally, these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are simply **irresistible**. The combination of textures – soft, fluffy banana bread, gooey cinnamon filling, and a delightful glaze – is a symphony of flavor and texture that will leave you wanting more. This is more than just a recipe; it’s a journey to baking bliss. You’ll want to make these again and again!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Beyond the deliciousness, there are many compelling reasons to try this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls recipe. It’s a fantastic way to **use up ripe bananas**. Instead of letting those perfectly ripe bananas go to waste, transform them into something extraordinary. This recipe is a perfect example of resourceful baking, turning a common household ingredient into a culinary masterpiece. The recipe is also a great opportunity to **impress your friends and family**. These rolls are far from ordinary and will surely be a conversation starter at any gathering. The unique combination of flavors and textures makes them a truly special treat that will be remembered long after the last roll has been devoured. Furthermore, this recipe provides a wonderful **opportunity for creative exploration**. You can adapt it to your own preferences, adding your favorite nuts, spices, or glazes to personalize the experience. The base recipe is a solid foundation for experimentation, letting you unlock your inner baker and unleash your creativity. And lastly, making these rolls is a fantastic way to **spend quality time in the kitchen**. The process is both relaxing and fulfilling, allowing you to escape the daily grind and engage in a creative and rewarding activity. This recipe is an investment in your own well-being, as well as a delicious reward for your efforts.

Ingredients and Utensils for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Gathering the right ingredients and tools is crucial for baking success. This section outlines precisely what you’ll need to create these delightful Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. The detailed list below ensures you have everything ready before you begin, minimizing any interruptions during the baking process.

Ingredients:

• For the Banana Bread:
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (vegan butter substitute for vegan option)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs (flax eggs for vegan option)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
• For the Cinnamon Filling:
• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened (vegan butter substitute for vegan option)
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• For the Glaze (optional):
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-4 tablespoons milk or cream (plant-based milk for vegan option)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Utensils:

• Mixing bowls (at least two, one large and one medium)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer is recommended for smoother batter)
• Parchment paper (to line the baking pan)
• Knife or spatula for spreading the filling
• Whisk for making the glaze
• Rolling pin
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter for cutting the rolls
• Cooling rack

Detailed Recipe Steps for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your delicious Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. Remember to read through the entire recipe before starting to ensure a smooth baking process.

Step 1: Prepare the Banana Bread Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. **Ensure all dry ingredients are thoroughly combined to avoid lumps in the final product.**
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender crumb. **Use an electric mixer for best results.**
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. **Mix until well incorporated.**
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. **Do not overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough rolls.**
6. Stir in the mashed bananas until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

1. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth. **Make sure the butter is completely softened for easy blending.**
2. Stir in the ground cinnamon until thoroughly mixed.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Rolls

1. Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
2. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the batter. **Use a spatula or knife to ensure complete coverage.**
3. Carefully score the batter into 12 equal squares (or rectangles, if you prefer a different shape). You can use a knife or a pizza cutter for this.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. **Keep an eye on the rolls to prevent over-baking.**

Step 4: Make the Glaze (Optional)

1. While the rolls are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. **Add milk gradually to achieve the desired consistency.**
2. Once the rolls are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over them. You can customize the glaze thickness as you wish.

Tips and Variations for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Experimenting with this recipe opens up a world of delicious possibilities. Here are some tips and variations to help you personalize your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls:

• Add-ins: Consider adding chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans), chocolate chips, raisins, or even shredded coconut to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
• Spice it up: Experiment with different spices in the cinnamon filling, such as nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice.
• Glaze variations: Try a cream cheese frosting, a caramel drizzle, or even a simple powdered sugar dusting instead of the milk-based glaze.
• Make it vegan: Substitute vegan butter, flax eggs, and plant-based milk to create a delicious vegan version.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to enjoy these rolls even if you have dietary restrictions.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough rolls. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
• Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to ensure the rolls are baked through. If the toothpick comes out clean, they are ready.
• Let them cool completely before glazing: This prevents the glaze from melting and creating a soggy mess.

Nutritional Values and Benefits of Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

While Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are undeniably indulgent, they also offer some nutritional benefits thanks to their key ingredients. It’s important to note that nutritional values will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Bananas: Rich in potassium, fiber, and vitamin B6. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, while fiber aids digestion. Vitamin B6 is essential for brain development and function. The natural sugars in bananas provide a quick energy boost.

Cinnamon: A powerful spice with anti-inflammatory properties and potential benefits for blood sugar control. It adds warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.

Whole wheat flour (if used): Offers more fiber than all-purpose flour, contributing to improved digestive health.

Note: The nutritional information provided below is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredient details.

(Insert estimated nutritional information here: Calories, Fat, Carbohydrates, Protein, Sugar, Fiber, etc. This will need to be calculated using a nutrition calculator based on the specific ingredients and their quantities.)

FAQs about Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Conclusion

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a true testament to the magic of combining familiar flavors in unexpected ways. The moist banana bread base perfectly complements the warm cinnamon swirl, creating a truly unforgettable treat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and yields incredibly delicious results. Don’t hesitate to share your own variations and experiences in the comments below! And don’t forget to pin this recipe to your Pinterest board for later. Check out my Pinterest page for more baking inspiration! Also, check out some of our other delicious recipes like Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars or Gluten-Free Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips for more sweet treat inspiration! Happy baking!