Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls: The Ultimate Recipe

Banana bread cinnamon rolls: Prepare to have your breakfast game forever changed! Imagine the comforting, moist sweetness of banana bread swirled together with the gooey, spiced perfection of a cinnamon roll. It’s a flavor explosion that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!).

While cinnamon rolls have a rich history, tracing back to Sweden and other parts of Northern Europe, the addition of banana bread elevates this classic treat to a whole new level of indulgence. Banana bread itself is a relatively modern invention, gaining popularity in the early 20th century as a way to use overripe bananas. Combining these two beloved baked goods is a stroke of genius, creating a hybrid that’s both familiar and exciting.

People adore this dish for its incredible taste and satisfying texture. The soft, pillowy dough, infused with the banana’s natural sweetness, is perfectly complemented by the warm cinnamon spice. The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy counterpoint, creating a balanced and irresistible flavor profile. Plus, these banana bread cinnamon rolls are surprisingly easy to make, making them a perfect weekend baking project or a special treat for any occasion. The aroma alone, wafting through your kitchen, is enough to make anyone fall in love!

Ingredients:

• For the Banana Bread Dough:
• 3 very 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 salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 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. First, let’s get those bananas mashed! In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas really well with a fork until they’re mostly smooth. A few small lumps are okay, but we don’t want any big chunks.
2. Next, in the same bowl with the mashed bananas, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. I like to use an electric mixer for this, but you can also do it by hand with a sturdy spoon. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy – this usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a mixer.
3. Now, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed (or by hand) until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can make the rolls tough. A few streaks of flour are okay at this point.
6. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together into a smooth ball. Don’t overwork it!

Rolling and Filling the Dough:

1. Lightly flour your work surface again. Using a rolling pin, roll the banana bread dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Try to keep the thickness even throughout.
2. Now, for the delicious cinnamon-sugar filling! In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well until it forms a smooth paste.
3. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the entire surface of the rolled-out dough. Make sure to get it all the way to the edges!
4. Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough into a log. Try to keep the roll as tight as possible to prevent gaps in the cinnamon rolls.
5. Once you’ve rolled the entire log, pinch the seam to seal it tightly.

Slicing and Baking the Cinnamon Rolls:

1. Using a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss, trim off the ends of the log (about 1/2 inch on each end) and discard them. This will give you nice, even cinnamon rolls.
2. Cut the log into 12 equal slices. I find it helpful to mark the center of the log first, then cut it in half, then cut each half into thirds, and then cut each third in half again. This helps ensure that all the rolls are roughly the same size.
3. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the cinnamon rolls in the prepared dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
4. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and let the cinnamon rolls rise in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size. This is an important step for getting light and fluffy rolls!
5. While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. Once the rolls have risen, remove the plastic wrap and bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center of one of the rolls should come out clean.
7. Let the cinnamon rolls cool in the baking dish for about 10-15 minutes before frosting.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. While the cinnamon rolls are cooling, let’s make the cream cheese frosting! In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until it is fully incorporated.
3. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until the frosting is light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Frosting and Serving:

1. Once the cinnamon rolls have cooled slightly, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Don’t be shy with the frosting – it’s what makes these rolls extra special!
2. Serve the banana bread cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy! They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

And 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, I might be biased, but trust me on this one – you absolutely *have* to try them.

Why are they a must-try? Well, beyond the obvious deliciousness, they’re surprisingly easy to make. We’ve broken down each step to ensure even beginner bakers can achieve cinnamon roll perfection. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to use up those overripe bananas that are inevitably sitting on your counter. No more banana bread boredom! This recipe elevates those humble bananas into something truly special. The soft, moist banana-infused dough, swirled with a generous cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting… honestly, what’s not to love?

But the best part? These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are incredibly versatile. Feel free to get creative with your fillings! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a delightful crunch. A drizzle of caramel sauce before baking would take them to a whole new level of decadence. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a hint of nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.

For serving suggestions, these rolls are fantastic warm, straight from the oven. A dollop of vanilla ice cream on top transforms them into a truly indulgent dessert. They’re also wonderful with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast. If you’re making them for a crowd, consider arranging them on a platter for a beautiful and impressive presentation. And don’t be afraid to get the kids involved in the baking process – they’ll love helping to roll the dough and spread the filling!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic: Serve warm with cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
* Nutty: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon-sugar filling.
* Caramel Delight: Drizzle caramel sauce over the rolls before baking.
* Spiced: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dough.
* Chocolate Chip: Sprinkle chocolate chips into the filling for a chocolatey twist.
* Ice Cream Sundae: Top warm rolls with vanilla ice cream and your favorite sundae toppings.

I’m so confident that you’ll love these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls that I can’t wait to hear about your experience. Please, give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below! Did you make any variations? What were your favorite toppings? Share your photos and tag me on social media – I’d love to see your creations! Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite! I truly believe that this recipe will become a staple in your household, just as it has in mine. So go ahead, preheat that oven, and get ready to experience the magic of banana bread meets cinnamon rolls! You won’t regret it.

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