These Banana Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that combine the comforting flavors of banana bread and cinnamon rolls. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, they feature a soft banana dough, a sweet cinnamon filling with sliced bananas, and a rich cream cheese icing. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or looking for a cozy dessert to enjoy at home, these rolls will surely impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Combination: Experience the best of both worlds with the taste of banana bread and cinnamon rolls in one delicious bite.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or brunch gatherings, making every moment special.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these rolls.
- Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for an extra twist in flavor.
- Satisfying Texture: Enjoy soft, fluffy rolls that are perfectly paired with creamy icing.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes creating these scrumptious Banana Cinnamon Rolls even easier. Gather your kitchen essentials so you can focus on enjoying the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining all your ingredients smoothly without any mess.
- Rolling pin: Helps flatten the dough evenly, ensuring consistent baking results.
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface to bake your rolls to golden perfection.
Ingredients
These banana cinnamon rolls taste like banana bread and cinnamon rolls combined! It has a banana dough, cinnamon filling with sliced bananas, and a cream cheese icing.
For the Dough
- 3/4 cup Milk (warmed to 110℉)
- 2 1/4 tsp Active dry yeast (11 grams (1 whole packet))
- 1 Large egg (room temperature and lightly beaten)
- 2/3 cup Mashed bananas (mash 2 bananas and then measure)
- 5 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/4 cup White granulated sugar
- 10 TBSP Unsalted butter (room temperature and cubed)
For the Filling
- 3/4 cup Brown sugar (packed light or dark)
- 1 TBSP Ground cinnamon
- 2 Bananas (sliced thinly)
For the Cream Cheese Icing
- 4 oz Cream cheese (room temperature)
- 4 TBSP Unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup Powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
How to Make Banana Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by warming your milk until it reaches about 110℉. In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk with active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. Then add in your beaten egg and mashed bananas.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients while mixing until a dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Transfer your dough onto a floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about an hour or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare Filling
While waiting for the dough to rise, mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside some sliced bananas for topping later.
Step 5: Roll Out Dough
Once risen, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick on a floured surface. Spread softened butter over it evenly before sprinkling your cinnamon-sugar mixture across the top.
Step 6: Add Bananas
Evenly distribute thinly sliced bananas over the filling before rolling up the dough tightly from one end to another.
Step 7: Cut into Rolls
Slice the rolled dough into equal sections approximately 1 inch wide. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet with space in between each roll.
Step 8: Second Rise
Cover the rolls again with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
Step 9: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350℉. Bake your rolls for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Step 10: Make Icing
As they bake, whip together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 11: Drizzle Icing
Once baked and slightly cooled, drizzle cream cheese icing over warm rolls before serving.
Enjoy these warm Banana Cinnamon Rolls as they bring comfort to any occasion!
How to Serve Banana Cinnamon Rolls
Banana cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast or dessert, these rolls will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Classic Serving
- Serve the rolls warm with a drizzle of cream cheese icing on top. This classic combination enhances the flavors of the banana and cinnamon.
With Fresh Fruit
- Pair your banana cinnamon rolls with a side of fresh fruit such as berries or sliced oranges. The acidity from the fruit balances the sweetness of the rolls.
Coffee Companion
- Enjoy a roll alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. This pairing makes for a perfect mid-morning snack or afternoon pick-me-up.
Ice Cream Treat
- For a decadent dessert, serve warm banana cinnamon rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melts into the warm roll for an irresistible combination.
Brunch Spread
- Include banana cinnamon rolls on your brunch table next to savory options like quiche or breakfast casserole. They add a sweet touch that everyone will love.
How to Perfect Banana Cinnamon Rolls
To ensure your banana cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
Use ripe bananas: For the best flavor, make sure your bananas are very ripe. The natural sweetness and moisture enhance the dough.
Knead properly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This helps create fluffy and soft rolls.
Let rise adequately: Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial for achieving light and airy rolls.
Check oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures. Even slight variations can affect the outcome.
Avoid overbaking: Keep an eye on your rolls as they bake to prevent them from becoming dry. A golden brown color indicates they’re ready.
Best Side Dishes for Banana Cinnamon Rolls
Banana cinnamon rolls pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes that complement their rich flavors.
Greek Yogurt: A dollop of plain Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tanginess, balancing the sweetness of the rolls.
Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and make for a hearty brunch option when served alongside the sweet rolls.
Bacon Strips: Crispy bacon brings a salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, sweet banana cinnamon rolls.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and texture, making it a perfect complement to your baked goods.
Granola Parfait: Layered granola with yogurt and fresh fruit creates an exciting texture contrast that pairs nicely with soft cinnamon rolls.
Chia Seed Pudding: The creamy texture of chia seed pudding offers a unique twist and is packed with nutrition, balancing out your meal.
Cinnamon Apples: Sautéed apples with cinnamon enhance the roll’s flavors while providing a deliciously warm side dish.
Mimosas: For an adult twist, serve mimosas made from orange juice and champagne for a festive touch at brunch gatherings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making banana cinnamon rolls, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold ingredients can prevent the dough from rising properly. Always ensure that your milk and eggs are at room temperature before starting.
- Not measuring flour accurately: Too much flour can lead to dense rolls. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement by spooning flour into your measuring cup and leveling it off.
- Skipping the proofing time: Rushing through the proofing process can result in less fluffy rolls. Allow your dough to rise until it has doubled in size for the best texture.
- Overbaking the rolls: Keep an eye on your rolls as they bake. Overbaking can dry them out; they should be golden brown when done.
- Forgetting to sift powdered sugar: Sifting powdered sugar prevents clumps in your icing. Always sift before mixing for a smooth finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store banana cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing Banana Cinnamon Rolls
- Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Banana Cinnamon Rolls
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover rolls with foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place one roll on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 15-20 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5-7 minutes, checking frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about banana cinnamon rolls that you might find helpful.
How do I make banana cinnamon rolls gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I use ripe bananas?
Absolutely! In fact, using overripe bananas enhances the flavor of your banana cinnamon rolls, making them even sweeter and more flavorful.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, check the yeast’s expiration date. Warmth is also essential; make sure your environment is warm enough for yeast activation.
How do I customize my banana cinnamon rolls?
You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut to the filling for added texture and flavor, making these rolls even more delicious!
Final Thoughts
Banana cinnamon rolls combine the best of both worlds—banana bread and cinnamon rolls—into one delightful treat. They’re perfect for breakfast or dessert and can be easily customized with various fillings or toppings. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Banana Cinnamon Rolls
Indulge in the delightful comfort of Banana Cinnamon Rolls, a perfect blend of soft banana dough and a sweet cinnamon filling. These scrumptious rolls are ideal for breakfast or dessert, topped with velvety cream cheese icing that adds a rich finish. Easy to make and customizable, they can accommodate any craving—be it chocolate chips or nuts. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a cozy treat at home, these rolls will impress all at the table. Experience the warm flavors of banana bread and cinnamon rolls combined into one irresistible pastry.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast/Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Milk (warmed to 110℉)
- 2 1/4 tsp Active dry yeast
- 1 Large egg (beaten)
- 2/3 cup Mashed bananas
- 5 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup Brown sugar
- 1 TBSP Ground cinnamon
- 4 oz Cream cheese (room temperature)
- 4 TBSP Unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup Powdered sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Warm milk to about 110℉ and mix with active dry yeast; let froth for 5 minutes.
- In another bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar; add to wet mixture until dough forms.
- Knead dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- Let rise in a greased bowl covered with a towel for about an hour until doubled.
- Prepare filling by mixing brown sugar and cinnamon; set aside sliced bananas.
- Roll out dough into a rectangle, spread butter, sprinkle cinnamon mixture, and layer sliced bananas.
- Roll tightly from one end, slice into one-inch sections, and arrange on a baking sheet.
- Let rolls rise again for about 30 minutes; preheat oven to 350℉.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix cream cheese and butter for icing; drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
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