Description
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the best of two beloved treats: moist banana bread and classic cinnamon rolls. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, the rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with warm cinnamon and brown sugar, topped with a sweet vanilla glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 2 ½ – 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ tsp salt
Filling
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk (or heavy cream for richness)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: Mix the warm milk and granulated sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy, indicating it is active.
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly. Add the egg, melted butter, salt, and the yeast mixture to the mashed bananas. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, starting with 2 ½ cups, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and let rise: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, mixing until smooth and well blended.
- Shape the rolls: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a 12 by 18 inch rectangle. Evenly spread the prepared cinnamon-brown sugar filling over the dough. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log. Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal slices to form the rolls.
- Second rise: Place the sliced rolls into a greased baking pan, spacing them slightly apart. Cover the pan and allow the rolls to rise again for 30 to 40 minutes until puffed.
- Bake the rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top and are cooked through.
- Prepare the glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or heavy cream), and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving to add sweetness and moisture.
Notes
- The amount of flour needed can vary; start with less and add as needed to achieve a soft dough that is not too sticky.
- For a richer glaze, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- Letting the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot ensures better yeast activation and fluffier rolls.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- These cinnamon rolls can also be reheated gently in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: banana bread cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls, banana bread, breakfast rolls, sweet rolls, cinnamon sugar rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls
