These Homemade Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the delicious flavors of banana bread with the gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls. Soft, tender, and packed with cinnamon and banana flavor, this recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ tsp)
- ¼ cup warm water
- ½ cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 small bananas)
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup milk, warmed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, flour, sugar, milk, melted butter, salt, and egg. Mix until combined.
- Add the yeast mixture to the dough and knead for about 5-7 minutes, either by hand or using a dough hook on a stand mixer, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about ¼-inch thick.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
3. Roll and Cut:
- Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the dough into 12 even rolls.
- Place the rolls into a greased baking dish, cover them with a kitchen towel, and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
4. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and fully baked in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly while you prepare the glaze.
5. Make the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls.
Tips for Homemade Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough and filling the night before and let the rolls rise overnight in the fridge. Bake them fresh the next morning!
- Add-ins: Feel free to add chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon filling for an extra twist.
- Storage: Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Warm them up in the microwave for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
FAQs About Homemade Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls:
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. You won’t need to dissolve the instant yeast in warm water; you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?
Yes, these cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully. Simply freeze the unbaked rolls after cutting them, and bake them directly from frozen. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I use a dairy-free substitute?
Absolutely! You can use almond or oat milk in place of regular milk and vegan butter instead of regular butter.
How can I make the rolls more banana-flavored?
If you want an even stronger banana flavor, add an extra ¼ cup of mashed banana to the dough. Just be sure not to add too much, or the dough may become too sticky.
Homemade Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls offer the perfect blend of banana bread and classic cinnamon rolls, making them a standout treat for breakfast or dessert. Soft, fluffy, and filled with sweet cinnamon, they’re sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!