Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls: The Ultimate Breakfast Mashup

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Introduction

Imagine waking up to the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked banana bread mingling with the sweet, spiced scent of cinnamon rolls. That’s exactly what you get with these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls—a heavenly fusion of two beloved classics. These rolls combine the moist, tender crumb of banana bread with the gooey, buttery swirls of cinnamon rolls, creating a breakfast (or dessert!) that’s impossible to resist.

Perfect for lazy weekend mornings, holiday brunches, or even as a sweet afternoon treat, this recipe is surprisingly simple yet delivers bakery-quality results. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas means you can cut back on sugar without sacrificing flavor, while the cinnamon-spiced filling adds just the right amount of warmth.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, including pro tips for extra flavor, make-ahead tricks, and serving suggestions. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas) – the riper, the sweeter!
½ cup warm milk (110°F/45°C) – whole milk works best for richness
¼ cup granulated sugar – balances the banana’s natural sweetness
2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet) – ensures a fluffy rise
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (+ extra for dusting) – spooned and leveled
1 tsp salt – enhances all the flavors
1 tsp cinnamon – adds warmth to the dough
¼ cup melted butter – for richness and tenderness
1 large egg – binds the dough and adds structure

For the Filling:

½ cup brown sugar – for deep caramel notes
2 tsp cinnamon – the star of the show
¼ cup softened butter – helps the filling melt into gooey perfection
½ cup chopped walnuts (optional) – adds crunch

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar – sifted for smoothness
2 tbsp milk – adjust for desired thickness
½ tsp vanilla extract – rounds out the flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dough

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy (this ensures the yeast is active).
  2. Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. Mix wet and dry: Add the melted butter and egg to the banana mixture, then gradually stir in the dry ingredients until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook).
  5. First rise: Place in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

2. Roll & Fill

  1. Shape the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
  2. Spread the filling: Smear softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, and walnuts (if using).
  3. Roll it up: Starting from the long side, roll tightly into a log.
  4. Slice: Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut into 12 even rolls.

3. Second Rise & Bake

  1. Arrange in pan: Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them.
  2. Second rise: Cover and let rise for 30 minutes until puffy.
  3. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

4. Glaze & Serve

  1. Make the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
  2. Drizzle over warm rolls and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Success

✅ Extra banana flavor? Add ½ tsp banana extract to the dough.
🔥 Gooey center? Spread 2 tbsp maple syrup under the filling before rolling.
⏳ Overnight option: After shaping, refrigerate overnight. Let sit at room temp for 30 minutes before baking.
🍌 Use overripe bananas: The blacker, the sweeter and more flavorful!
🌰 Nut-free? Skip walnuts or swap with chocolate chips.

Serving Suggestions

  • Warm with coffee – The ultimate breakfast pairing.
  • À la mode – Serve with vanilla ice cream for dessert.
  • Brunch centerpiece – Pair with fresh fruit and yogurt.

Storage & Reheating

  • Room temp: Keep covered for up to 2 days.
  • Freeze unbaked: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before baking.
  • Reheat: Microwave for 15 seconds or warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes.

Conclusion

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate comfort food—soft, sweet, and packed with cozy flavors. The natural sweetness of bananas means they’re just indulgent enough without being overly sugary, making them perfect for breakfast or dessert.

With simple ingredients and easy techniques, this recipe is foolproof for bakers of all levels. The best part? Your kitchen will smell like a bakery while they bake! Whether you’re serving them fresh out of the oven or freezing for later, these rolls are guaranteed to be a hit.

Final thought: Once you try these, you’ll never look at banana bread—or cinnamon rolls—the same way again!

Enjoy baking, and happy eating! 🍌🍞✨

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