Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls 🍌


  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk (or more for desired consistency)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Proof the Yeast

  1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until frothy. This ensures the yeast is active.

Step 2: Make the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter (reserve ¼ cup for later), eggs, mashed bananas, sugar, and salt.
  2. Add the proofed yeast mixture to the banana mixture and stir to combine.
  3. Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing after each addition. Stop adding flour when the dough becomes smooth and slightly sticky but still manageable.
  4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until elastic and smooth.

Step 3: Let It Rise

  1. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it once to coat with oil. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
  2. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

  1. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional vanilla extract until creamy and well combined.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

  1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air bubbles.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle approximately 12x16 inches.
  3. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 6: Roll and Cut

  1. Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough like a jelly roll.
  2. Pinch the seam closed and place the log seam-side down on a cutting board.
  3. Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife to cut the roll into 12 equal pieces.

Step 7: Second Rise

  1. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and arrange the cinnamon rolls in the pan, spacing them evenly.
  2. Cover with a damp cloth and let the rolls rise again for about 30–45 minutes, or until puffy.

Step 8: Bake

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Step 9: Make the Glaze

  1. While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk as needed to reach your preferred consistency.
  2. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving.

Tips for Success

  • Use Ripe Bananas : The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your rolls will be.
  • Don’t Overwork the Dough : Kneading too much can make the rolls dense instead of light and fluffy.
  • Let Them Rise Properly : Both rises are crucial for achieving soft, pillowy rolls.
  • Customize the Filling : Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for extra crunch and flavor.

Variations to Try

  • Chocolate Swirl : Mix in mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the filling for a decadent twist.
  • Nutella-Filled Rolls : Replace the cinnamon-sugar filling with Nutella for an ultra-rich version.
  • Pumpkin Spice Version : Swap some of the mashed bananas with pumpkin purée and add pumpkin pie spice to the dough.

Conclusion

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine two beloved classics into one irresistible package. Soft, sweet, and bursting with flavor, they’re perfect for lazy weekend mornings or special occasions. So grab your ripe bananas, preheat the oven, and get ready to indulge in these heavenly treats!

Happy baking! 🍞🍌