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Craving a sweet twist on a classic treat? Try my easy Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls! They combine the cozy taste of banana bread with the delightful swirl of cinnamon. You need just a few simple ingredients and easy steps to whip these up. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a treat that is both delicious and fun to make. Let’s dive into the recipe and satisfy your cravings!

Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of ripe bananas and cinnamon creates a warm, comforting flavor that is perfect for breakfast or a snack.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and requires minimal ingredients, making it accessible even for beginner bakers.
- Versatile Treat: Serve these rolls warm with glaze for a delightful dessert or enjoy them plain for a quick breakfast option.
- Fun to Customize: Add your favorite nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to the filling for a personalized twist on this classic recipe.
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
To make these delicious rolls, you need some key ingredients. Here’s what you will need:
– 2 ripe bananas, well-mashed
– 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
These ingredients create a soft and moist dough, perfect for cinnamon rolls with a banana twist.
Filling Ingredients
The filling brings sweet, warm flavors to the rolls. You will need:
– 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
This mix gives the rolls a delightful cinnamon and sugar flavor that pairs well with the bananas.
Glaze Ingredients
The glaze adds a sweet finish to your rolls. For the glaze, gather:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons milk
– 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
This simple glaze will make your rolls look and taste even better. Drizzle it over the warm rolls for a lovely touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the rolls bake evenly. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish and set it aside. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas well. Make sure they are smooth. Then, add the melted butter to the bananas. Stir until they blend together nicely. Next, mix in the packed brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir it all until the batter is smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, fine sea salt, ground cinnamon, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add this dry mix to the banana mixture. Stir gently until just combined. If you want, fold in the chopped walnuts for a nice crunch.
Rolling and Filling the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle. Aim for about 1/4 inch thick. This thickness helps the rolls bake well. Next, take softened butter and spread it evenly over the dough. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the buttered dough.
Now, starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Slice the log into 1-inch thick rolls. Arrange the rolls cut side up in the prepared baking dish. Make sure they fit snugly together.
Baking and Glazing the Rolls
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake the rolls for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown. While the rolls bake, prepare the glaze. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Continue until you reach a smooth consistency.
Once the rolls are done baking, drizzle the glaze over them while they are still warm. This allows the glaze to seep into the rolls. Enjoy the warm, sweet aroma that fills your kitchen!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Dough Consistency
To get the right dough, mix your wet and dry parts well. Make sure your bananas are very ripe. This helps the dough stay moist and sweet. When you mix the flour in, do not overdo it. Just mix until you do not see dry flour. This keeps your rolls soft and fluffy.
Enhancing Flavor and Texture
For extra flavor, add a pinch of salt. It makes the sweetness pop. You can also toss in chopped walnuts for crunch. They give a nice bite to the soft rolls. Make sure to use fresh cinnamon. Fresh spices can really boost the taste.
Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment
Serve these rolls warm for the best experience. Drizzle some extra glaze on top for sweetness. You can also add fresh banana slices or extra walnuts as a garnish. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea. This makes for a perfect treat any time of day.
Pro Tips
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cinnamon rolls will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best results.
- Roll Evenly: When rolling out the dough, ensure it’s an even thickness for uniform baking. This will help each roll cook evenly and maintain a consistent texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense rolls instead of fluffy ones.
- Serve Warm: These cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. The glaze melts beautifully into the warm rolls, enhancing the overall experience.
Variations
Nut-Free Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
If you want nut-free rolls, just skip the walnuts. This keeps the rolls soft and safe for those with nut allergies. The bananas give enough flavor, so you won’t miss them. The texture will still be great, and your rolls will be just as moist and tasty.
Cream Cheese Filling Option
For a rich twist, use cream cheese as the filling. Mix 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Spread this mix on the dough instead of butter. This will add a creamy layer that pairs well with the banana flavor. You will love the extra richness.
Adding Chocolate Chips or Dried Fruits
Want a fun twist? Add chocolate chips or dried fruits. Mix in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or your favorite dried fruits like raisins or cranberries into the dough before rolling. This adds a sweet surprise in each bite. The chocolate pairs great with the cinnamon too.
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storing Leftovers
To keep your banana bread cinnamon rolls fresh, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can store them at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, put them in the fridge. They will stay good for about a week in the fridge. Always keep them sealed to avoid drying out.
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to enjoy your rolls again, reheating is easy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm. You can also microwave a roll for about 20-30 seconds. This method works well if you want a quick treat.
Freezing for Future Enjoyment
If you want to save some rolls for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat them as mentioned above for the best taste. This way, you can enjoy banana bread cinnamon rolls anytime!
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for the recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just thaw them first. Drain any excess liquid after thawing. Then, mash them well. Frozen bananas work great in this recipe. They give your rolls a moist texture.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
You can use white sugar instead. Just add a little molasses for flavor. For every cup of brown sugar, mix in one tablespoon of molasses. This will give the same rich taste. You can also try coconut sugar for a healthier option.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
Check for a golden brown color on top. The rolls should feel firm yet soft to touch. You can insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the rolls are done. Enjoy the delicious smell that fills your kitchen!
This blog post showed you how to create delicious banana bread cinnamon rolls. We covered the essential ingredients, filling options, and glaze recipes. You learned specific steps for prepping, rolling, and baking your rolls. Plus, we shared tips to perfect your dough and enhance flavor. Don’t forget about fun variations and storage advice for later.
Now, you can impress friends and family with your tasty treats. Enjoy baking and sharing your delicious result
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Delicious cinnamon rolls infused with the flavor of ripe bananas, topped with a sweet glaze.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 9
Calories 250 kcal
- 2 pieces ripe bananas, well-mashed
- 1 third cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 half cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 fourth teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.25 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
- 0.25 cup packed brown sugar (for filling)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for filling)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
- 0.5 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for glaze)
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking dish and set it aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the well-mashed bananas with the melted butter, stirring until they are fully integrated.
Add the packed brown sugar to the banana mixture, followed by the egg and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well-combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, fine sea salt, ground cinnamon, and all-purpose flour. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the banana batter, stirring gently until just combined. If desired, fold the chopped walnuts into the dough for added texture.
On a lightly floured surface, carefully roll out the dough into a rectangle approximately 1/4 inch thick for even baking.
For the filling, use a spatula to evenly spread the softened butter over the rolled-out dough. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then evenly sprinkle this mixture over the buttered surface of the dough.
Starting from one edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Once rolled, slice the log into 1-inch thick rolls for even baking.
Place the cinnamon rolls into the prepared baking dish with the cut side facing up, arranging them snugly.
Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they achieve a beautiful golden brown color.
While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until you achieve a smooth consistency.
As soon as the rolls are done baking, drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls while they are still in the dish, allowing it to seep into the crevices.
Serve warm, drizzled with extra glaze and garnish with fresh banana slices or chopped walnuts.
Keyword banana, cinnamon rolls, dessert
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