If you have a soft spot for warm, comforting treats that combine the cozy spice of cinnamon with the naturally sweet flavor of ripe bananas, this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine tender, fluffy rolls swirled with cinnamon sugar and infused with the rich, moist goodness of banana bread — all baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re looking for a weekend brunch idea, a special breakfast, or just a delicious way to coax the most out of overripe bananas, these rolls hit every note you didn’t know you were craving. Let me walk you through how these come together to create a simply irresistible snack or dessert!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the ripe bananas providing moisture and natural sweetness, to the cinnamon adding that classic warming spice. You’ll find that using basic pantry staples brings about a deeply satisfying and flavorful treat.
- Ripe bananas: Use beautifully ripe ones for maximum sweetness and moisture in your dough.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives your rolls structure and tenderness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the bananas.
- Baking powder: The secret to light, fluffy rolls that rise wonderfully in the oven.
- Ground cinnamon: This spice brings that quintessential cinnamon roll flavor that pairs so perfectly with banana.
- Unsalted butter: Melted, it enriches the dough and enhances flavor complexity.
- Whole milk (or almond milk): Provides moisture and a tender crumb in the rolls.
- Large eggs: Bind ingredients together and add to the richness of the dough.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth, rounding out the banana and cinnamon flavors beautifully.
How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your baking dish well. This ensures your rolls bake evenly and don’t stick, creating perfectly golden bottoms and edges every time.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until you have a luscious, cohesive batter that smells amazing already!
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon. This step is critical to evenly distribute the cinnamon and leavening agent throughout the dough, ensuring balanced flavor and texture.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your rolls tender rather than tough. The dough will feel soft and a little sticky — that’s perfect!
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough out into a rectangular shape about 1/4 inch thick. This thin layer will let the cinnamon swirl take center stage when you cut and bake your rolls.
Step 6: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
Spread softened butter evenly over the dough’s surface, then sprinkle generously with a cinnamon sugar mixture. This layer not only adds flavor but creates that classic gooey, sweet center inside each roll.
Step 7: Roll and Slice
Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from one of the longer edges. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 even pieces — this gives you perfectly sized rolls that bake evenly and look stunning.
Step 8: Bake until Golden and Delicious
Arrange the sliced rolls upright in your greased baking dish, giving them a little space to rise slightly. Pop them into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye out for that irresistible golden-brown top that signals they’re ready to come out!
How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Once baked, these rolls bring a lot to the table on their own, but you can take them over the top by adding a drizzle of cream cheese glaze, a sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish that’s sure to impress.
Side Dishes
For a truly delightful breakfast or brunch, serve these cinnamon rolls alongside fresh fruit like berries or a side of creamy yogurt. A hot cup of coffee or a spiced chai latte completes the experience perfectly, balancing sweetness and spice in the best way.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow guests, try serving your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe in a rustic cast-iron skillet or arrange them in a decorative pattern on a large wooden board. Adding a few edible flowers or fresh mint leaves elevates the presentation without extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover rolls (not that you will, but just in case), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and delicious — just like fresh from the oven.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked rolls arranged in the pan, covered tightly with plastic wrap, for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw them overnight in the fridge and proceed with baking as usual for fresh results anytime.
Reheating
To enjoy your cinnamon rolls warm after storage, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds. This revives their moisture and melt-in-your-mouth texture beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use almond milk instead of whole milk?
Absolutely! Almond milk works wonderfully and keeps the rolls moist, making this recipe friendly for those avoiding dairy without losing any flavor or tenderness.
Do the rolls need to rise before baking?
These rolls use baking powder instead of yeast, so they don’t require a long rising period. Just a little rest to let them settle before baking is enough to get that perfect texture.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the dough?
Yes! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips is a fantastic way to customize your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe and add some delightful texture and flavor contrast.
How ripe should the bananas be?
Very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots are best because they bring the most natural sweetness and moisture, which makes the rolls tender and flavorful.
Is this recipe suitable for breakfast or dessert?
Both! These rolls are versatile enough to serve as a decadent breakfast treat or a satisfying dessert, especially when paired with coffee or a sweet glaze.
Final Thoughts
There is just something magical about the combination of banana bread and cinnamon rolls that brings cozy comfort right into your kitchen. This Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a wonderful way to bring smiles to the table, whether for family breakfasts or special brunches with friends. I really hope you give it a try and fall in love with these soft, flavorful rolls that feel like a warm hug in every bite!
Print
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully soft and flavorful Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the rich taste of ripe bananas with warm cinnamon spice. Perfectly tender and baked to golden perfection, these rolls are an irresistible treat for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3/4 cup whole milk (or almond milk)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For Filling
- Softened butter for spreading (about 2 tablespoons)
- Cinnamon-sugar mixture (2 tbsp sugar mixed with 1 tbsp cinnamon approx.)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking during baking.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until all wet ingredients are well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon. Slowly fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the rolls tender.
- Roll Out Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick, ensuring even thickness for uniform rolling.
- Add Filling: Spread softened butter evenly over the rolled dough, then sprinkle generously with your cinnamon-sugar mixture to add sweetness and spice.
- Roll and Slice: Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into equal-sized pieces, aiming for about 12 rolls.
- Arrange and Rise: Place the cinnamon rolls in the greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each to allow for slight rising.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Notes
- You can substitute whole milk with almond milk for a dairy-free option.
- For a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon in the filling slightly.
- Allow rolls to cool slightly before serving for best flavor and texture.
- Optional: drizzle with cream cheese glaze or icing for extra indulgence.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the texture soft and fluffy.
