Ah, Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls! Just the sound of it brings a big smile to my face! This delightful treat blends the best of two worlds—who wouldn’t love soft, gooey cinnamon rolls with the comforting flavor of banana bread? I remember the first time I whipped these up on a lazy Sunday morning, the smell of sweet bananas and cinnamon wafting through the house pulled my family from their beds like moths to a flame. That cozy aroma instantly makes everything feel like a warm hug.
What I love most about these rolls, apart from how incredibly delicious they are, is that they’re super easy to make! They’re perfect for brunches, afternoon snacks, or just because you want to indulge a little. Plus, they can easily be adapted to fit whatever you have on hand. Let’s dive into how to create this sweet, banana-flavored masterpiece!
What’s in Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls?
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, giving it structure. I usually go for a good quality brand since it really does make a difference in the texture!
Sugars (granulated and brown): We’re using both granulated and brown sugar for the perfect balance of sweetness. Brown sugar adds that nice caramel undertone that just sings in the filling.
Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents help our rolls puff up beautifully—no one wants flat cinnamon rolls, right?
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all those delicious flavors. Trust me, a little salt goes a long way in baking!
Unsalted butter: We’ll be melting some for the dough and softening some for the filling. I love using high-quality butter for that rich, creamy taste.
Mashed ripe bananas: The star of the show! Ripe bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture to the rolls. Make sure they’re nice and mushy for the best flavor!
Buttermilk: Adds a slight tang and helps keep the rolls moist and tender. You can substitute with regular milk if that’s what you have on hand, but the buttermilk is definitely worth it!
Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough together, making it come alive!
Ground cinnamon: Essential for that yummy cinnamon filling. This will fill your kitchen with the most delightful fragrance.
Cream cheese: Used in the frosting, it gives that rich, tangy sweetness that complements the rolls perfectly. Make sure it’s softened, or you’ll end up with lumps!
Is Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Good for You?
Now, let’s not kid ourselves—this is a treat, so it’s not exactly a health food! But, there are some perks.
Bananas: They’re packed with potassium and fiber. Including bananas gives these rolls a bit of nutritional value, at least!
Buttermilk: Provides beneficial probiotics which can be good for gut health.
Of course, moderation is key! These rolls are best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily breakfast staple. Share them with friends or family, and you’ll feel a little less guilty indulging together!
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 1 large banana)
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
–
For the Filling
– 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
– 2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Frosting
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
– 1-2 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
*Yields about 10 rolls—perfect for sharing!*
How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls?
1. **Prepare the Dough:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine the melted butter, mashed banana, buttermilk, and egg. Mix until smooth.
2. Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. You want a soft dough—if it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour.
3. **Roll the Dough:** Dust your work surface with flour and roll out the dough into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
4. **Make the Filling:** Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Spread the softened butter over the rolled-out dough and sprinkle this heavenly mixture evenly on top.
5. **Form the Rolls:** Tightly roll the dough starting from one end. Slice the log into 1-inch thick pieces and lay them cut-side up in a greased baking dish.
6. **Preheat the Oven:** Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let the rolls rise for 20-30 minutes while it warms up.
7. **Bake the Rolls:** Bake them for 25-30 minutes until they are golden brown and smelling divine.
8. **Make the Frosting:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cream cheese, milk, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth. Adjust the milk for your desired frosting consistency.
9. **Frost and Serve:** Let the rolls cool for a few minutes post-baking before drizzling the frosting on top. When you serve them warm, oh boy, you won’t want to stop!
Roll with It – Tips and Variations!
– If you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to add nuts or even chocolate chips to the filling! I’ve even thrown in some chopped pecans before, and they were a magical addition.
– For a little extra spice, you can add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon filling.
– Not in the mood for frosting? These rolls are phenomenal on their own—just as delish and less messy!
I really hope you give these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls a whirl! Trust me, your kitchen and loved ones will thank you for it! And when you do try them, please come back and let me know how they turned out. Happy baking, my friend!
