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 warmth of a classic cinnamon roll. It’s a flavor explosion that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!).

While the exact origins of combining banana bread and cinnamon rolls are shrouded in delicious mystery, both treats have deep roots in American baking. Banana bread, born out of necessity during the Great Depression as a way to use overripe bananas, quickly became a beloved staple. Cinnamon rolls, with their Scandinavian heritage, have long been a symbol of cozy mornings and family gatherings. Marrying these two iconic desserts creates a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible.

What makes banana bread cinnamon rolls so incredibly popular? It’s the perfect blend of comfort and indulgence. The soft, tender dough, infused with the subtle sweetness of banana, provides a delightful base for the rich cinnamon-sugar filling. The creamy glaze adds a final touch of decadence, making each bite a truly unforgettable experience. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a weekend brunch or a special treat any day of the week. Get ready to bake up a batch of these heavenly rolls and experience the magic for yourself!

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! I like to use a fork for this, making sure there are no large chunks left. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your rolls will be.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Don’t rush this step; it’s important for the texture of the dough.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. Now, add the mashed bananas to the wet ingredients and mix until well combined. The mixture might look a little lumpy, but that’s perfectly fine.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough rolls. A few streaks of flour are okay at this point.
7. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for a few minutes, until it forms a smooth ball. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
8. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. 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 light and airy rolls.

Rolling and Filling the Dough:

1. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down 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 it forms a smooth paste.
4. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough rectangle. Make sure to get it 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, cut the log into 12 equal slices. I find that dental floss works really well for clean cuts.

Baking the Cinnamon Rolls:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Place the cinnamon rolls in the prepared baking dish, cut-side up. Leave a little space between each roll to allow for expansion during baking.
3. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise will make them even fluffier.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center of a roll should come out clean.
5. Let the rolls cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes before frosting.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. While the rolls are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined.
3. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. I like mine to be thick but still spreadable.

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.
3. If you want to reheat them, simply microwave them for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at a low temperature.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! These banana bread cinnamon rolls are truly a game-changer. They’re the perfect marriage of two beloved comfort foods, resulting in a breakfast, brunch, or dessert experience that’s simply unforgettable. The moist, banana-infused dough, swirled with that warm, spicy cinnamon sugar filling, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting… honestly, what’s not to love?

I know, I know, you might be thinking, “Another recipe to try?” But trust me on this one. This isn’t just another recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of treat that will have your family and friends begging for more. It’s the perfect way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter, transforming them into something truly extraordinary. And let’s be real, who can resist the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the house? It’s pure happiness in a bite!

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to get creative and put your own spin on it!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Go Nuts! Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or even macadamia nuts to the cinnamon sugar filling for a delightful crunch.
* Chocolate Chip Delight: Sprinkle chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white – your choice!) into the dough before rolling it up.
* Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the dough or the filling for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.
* Maple Glaze: Swap out the cream cheese frosting for a simple maple glaze made with powdered sugar and maple syrup.
* Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the finished rolls for an extra decadent treat.
* Breakfast Upgrade: Serve these warm with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for the ultimate weekend brunch.
* Ice Cream Pairing: For a truly indulgent dessert, serve these warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite combination! The possibilities are endless. Maybe you’ll even discover a new variation that becomes a family tradition.

I truly believe that these banana bread cinnamon rolls are a must-try for anyone who loves baking and enjoys indulging in delicious treats. They’re relatively easy to make, require simple ingredients, and deliver an explosion of flavor with every bite. Plus, they’re guaranteed to impress everyone who tries them.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a baking adventure! I promise you won’t regret it. And when you do make them, please, please, please share your experience with me! I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how much everyone enjoyed them. You can leave a comment below, tag me on social media, or even send me a picture of your beautiful creations. I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Happy baking! I am sure you will love this banana bread cinnamon rolls recipe.

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