There’s something magical about the smell of baking banana bread cinnamon rolls wafting through the house. Imagine a warm, gooey swirl of cinnamon sugar, soft banana goodness, and that heavenly aroma filling your kitchen. It’s like a hug from Grandma, but better because it’s edible. These delightful rolls are not just food; they are an experience that brings back memories of cozy mornings and lazy weekends.

I remember the first time I made these for a brunch with friends. As I pulled them out of the oven, the golden-brown swirls glistened temptingly, and the sweet scent enveloped us all. Everyone couldn’t resist diving in, and I was practically a rock star in my own kitchen. Trust me; you’ll want to make these to create your own delicious memories!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These banana bread cinnamon rolls are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for any skill level
- The flavor profile combines rich bananas with sweet cinnamon, creating pure bliss in every bite
- Their visual appeal will impress your guests as they emerge from the oven, golden brown and irresistible
- You can enjoy these rolls for breakfast or dessert, making them versatile for any occasion
My family couldn’t stop raving about how delicious these rolls were when I served them at our last brunch gathering.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ripe Bananas: Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor; they should be speckled brown.
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All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating soft dough; sift it to avoid lumps.
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Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness while brown sugar adds moisture and depth.
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Cinnamon: The star spice here! Use fresh ground cinnamon for the best aroma and flavor.
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Yeast: Instant yeast is preferred for ease; it helps the dough rise quickly.
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Milk: Whole milk brings richness; warm it slightly before adding to activate the yeast.
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Butter: Melted butter enriches both the dough and filling; don’t skip this step!
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Eggs: Eggs add structure and moisture to your rolls; use large eggs at room temperature.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances flavor—always opt for pure vanilla if possible.
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Pinch of Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavors in your rolls.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Dough: Begin by warming 1 cup of milk until it’s slightly warm—think cozy bathwater temperature! Combine this with 1 packet of instant yeast in a mixing bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly.
Mash Those Bananas: While waiting for the yeast, take 2-3 ripe bananas and mash them into a smooth puree using a fork or potato masher. You want it creamy but not too watery!
Create Your Dough: In your mixing bowl with yeast, add mashed bananas, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup melted butter, 1 egg (lightly beaten), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until combined.
Knead It Out: Gradually add 3 cups of all-purpose flour while mixing until a sticky dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead gently for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
Let It Rise: Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until doubled in size.
Create the Filling: Once risen, punch down your dough gently! Roll it out into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick on a floured surface. Spread melted butter over it evenly before sprinkling brown sugar and cinnamon liberally across the top.
Roll It Up: Starting from one end of the rectangle, carefully roll up the dough tightly into a log shape. Pinch seams to seal once rolled up completely.
Slicing Time: Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss (yes!) cut into equal pieces—about 12 generous slices work best! Place these into a greased baking dish snugly together.
Bake Them Off: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover those beauties again with a towel while you wait another 30 minutes so they can puff up once more before baking.
The Final Touch: Bake for around 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top and cooked through—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Enjoy this delightful banana bread cinnamon roll experience that will surely become a cherished recipe in your home! Each bite promises warmth and satisfaction—a true hug in pastry form!
You Must Know
- Banana bread cinnamon rolls are a delightful twist on two favorites, combining the moistness of banana bread with the gooey sweetness of cinnamon rolls
- The aroma of baking bananas and spices will fill your kitchen, making it a cozy haven
- Perfect for brunch or dessert!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To make banana bread cinnamon rolls efficiently, start by preparing the dough while your bananas are baking. This ensures everything blends perfectly and saves time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your rolls by adding chocolate chips or nuts for texture. You can also swap regular sugar for brown sugar for extra caramel flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover banana bread cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to restore their softness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect banana bread cinnamon rolls, use overripe bananas; they add natural sweetness and moisture
- Ensure not to over-knead the dough, as this can lead to tough rolls
- Allow them to rise in a warm place for light and fluffy results
Baking these banana bread cinnamon rolls always brings back sweet memories of family gatherings, where everyone devoured them and begged for seconds. The smiles on their faces made it all worth it!
FAQ
Can I freeze banana bread cinnamon rolls?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking or after they’ve cooled completely.
How long do these cinnamon rolls last?
They can last up to three days in an airtight container at room temperature.
What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
Applesauce or mashed bananas work great as egg substitutes in this recipe.
Indulgent Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Experience the warmth of homemade banana bread cinnamon rolls that blend the moistness of ripe bananas with the sweet, spiced goodness of cinnamon. Perfect for brunch or dessert, these delightful rolls will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and create cherished memories around the table.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup whole milk (warm)
- 1 packet instant yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Warm the milk until slightly warm and combine it with instant yeast in a mixing bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined.
- Gradually mix in flour until a sticky dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until doubled in size.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread melted butter on top, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll tightly into a log shape and slice into equal pieces (about 12 slices). Place in a greased baking dish.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Let rolls rise again for another 30 minutes before baking.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (85g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
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