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Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

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Introduction

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the moist, rich flavor of classic banana bread with the gooey swirl of cinnamon sugar rolls. Soft, fluffy, and dripping with glaze, these rolls are perfect for brunch, holidays, or whenever ripe bananas are calling your name.

Origin

This recipe is a creative mash-up of two beloved baked goods. As home bakers experimented with banana bread variations, folding the flavors into yeast-raised dough became a natural evolution for indulgent breakfast treats.

Cultural Significance

Banana bread symbolizes comfort and resourcefulness, while cinnamon rolls represent celebration and weekend baking. Together, they create a nostalgic yet modern favorite.

Ingredients and Quantities

Dough

  • ¾ cup warm milk (about 43°C / 110°F)
  • 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup mashed ripe bananas (about 1–2 bananas)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3½ cups all-purpose flour

Filling

  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

Cream Cheese Glaze

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tbsp milk

Optional Additions

  • Chopped walnuts or pecans
  • Chocolate chips
  • Nutmeg or allspice
  • Maple glaze instead of cream cheese

Tips for Success

  1. Use Very Ripe Bananas: Deep flavor and moisture.
  2. Don’t Over-Flour: Dough should be soft.
  3. Warm Rise Spot: Helps fluffy rolls.
  4. Glaze While Warm: Best melt and coverage.

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast:
    • Stir warm milk, yeast, and sugar.
    • Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  3. Make Dough:
    • Add banana, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and salt.
    • Gradually mix in flour until soft dough forms.
    • Knead 6–8 minutes until smooth.
  5. First Rise:
    • Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and rise 1–1½ hours until doubled.
  7. Fill & Roll:
    • Roll dough into a rectangle.
    • Spread butter, sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon.
    • Roll tightly and slice into 12 rolls.
  9. Second Rise:
    • Arrange in greased baking dish.
    • Cover and rise 30–45 minutes.
  11. Bake:
    • Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
    • Bake 25–30 minutes until golden.
  13. Glaze:
    • Beat glaze ingredients until smooth.
    • Spread over warm rolls.

Description

These rolls are ultra-soft with a tender banana-infused crumb, swirled with cinnamon sugar and finished with rich cream cheese glaze. Sweet, gooey, and comforting.

Nutritional Information (per roll, approx.)

  • Calories: 390 kcal
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated fat: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Sugars: 30 g
  • Protein: 7 g

Conclusion

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect fusion of two comfort classics. They’re indulgent, bakery-worthy, and guaranteed to impress.

Recommendation

Serve warm with coffee or chai. Perfect for brunch spreads, holidays, or gifting to neighbors (if you can part with them!).

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

Use whole-wheat flour for half the dough, reduce sugar slightly, or add nuts for balance—without losing the joy of this indulgent bake.

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