Swirled Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Fluffy Swirled Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe – Breakfast Joy!

Soft, pillowy dough meets the comforting warmth of swirled banana bread cinnamon rolls in this irresistible morning treat.

Sweet bananas meld perfectly with rich cinnamon, creating a heavenly pastry that elevates your breakfast routine.

The aroma of freshly baked rolls will drift through your kitchen, tempting everyone nearby.

Tender spirals of dough wrap around a luscious filling that promises pure indulgence.

Each bite blends the familiar comfort of banana bread with the classic charm of cinnamon rolls.

Sprinkled with a delicate glaze, these rolls transform an ordinary morning into a delectable celebration.

Prepare to savor every decadent, mouthwatering moment of this delightful breakfast creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 9

Banana Roll Ingredient Essentials

For Dough Base:
  • Warm Milk: Activates yeast and provides moisture for soft, tender texture.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Essential for bread rising, select fresh and unexpired.
  • Sugar: Feeds yeast and adds subtle sweetness to dough.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create tender crumb.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and provides structure to the rolls.
  • Ripe Banana: Brings natural sweetness and moisture to the recipe.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and volume for the dough.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast growth.
For Filling Ingredients:
  • Softened Butter: Creates smooth, spreadable base for filling.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and moisture.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Delivers warm, aromatic flavor profile.
  • Chopped Nuts: Optional ingredient for added crunch and texture.
For Glaze Components:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates rich, tangy base for smooth topping.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken glaze.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complementary flavor.
  • Milk: Adjusts glaze consistency for perfect spreadability.

Equipment Needed for Cinnamon Banana Rolls

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining dough ingredients and mixing.
  • Small bowl: Perfect for activating yeast and proofing.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Whisk: Helps blend wet ingredients smoothly.
  • Rolling pin: Needed to roll out dough into rectangle shape.
  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Ideal for baking and presenting cinnamon rolls.
  • Sharp knife or bench scraper: Used to cut dough into even rolls.
  • Towel: Helps cover rolls during second rise.
  • Electric mixer or whisk: Perfect for making cream cheese glaze.
  • Spatula: Useful for spreading glaze and scraping bowl.
  • Baking sheet or wire rack: Optional for cooling rolls after baking.

Instructions for Rolling Banana Bread Cinnamon Buns

  • Create theal Dough

Warm up your milk and wake up the yeast with a sprinkle of sugar. Let them dance together until foamy. Mash those ripe bananas and mix with melted butter, egg, and remaining sugar. Fold in flour and salt until a soft dough emerges. Knead the dough lovingly on a floured surface until smooth and bouncy. Tuck the dough into a cozy greased bowl and let it rest and rise in a warm spot for about an hour.

  • Craft the Cinnamon Swirl

Blend softened butter with brown sugar and cinnamon into a dreamy, spreadable mixture that’ll make your kitchen smell incredible.

  • Shape and Roll Your Treasure

Roll out the puffy dough into a rectangular canvas. Generously spread the cinnamon mixture across the surface. Roll the dough tightly into a beautiful log and slice into 12 delectable rounds. Nestle these spirals into a greased baking dish.

  • Final Rise and Baking

Let the rolls puff up under a soft towel. Slide them into a preheated 350F oven and bake until golden and irresistible.

  • Drizzle with Creamy Goodness

Whip cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk into a silky glaze. Generously coat the warm rolls and serve immediately.

Ways to Sweeten or Top Banana Rolls

  • Ensure your yeast is fresh and active for the perfect rise, checking expiration dates and storing properly in a cool, dry place.
  • Use overripe, spotty bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture, which intensifies the bread's natural flavor and softness.
  • Swap regular flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to maintain the rolls' texture and structure for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Replace chopped nuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for a crunchy twist, or skip nuts entirely for nut-free versions. Consider toasting seeds briefly for enhanced flavor depth.
  • Prepare rolls the night before, cover, and refrigerate after the second rise. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to allow gentle warming and ensure even cooking.

Serving Rolls for Breakfast or Dessert

  • Sweet Brunch Centerpiece: Create a stunning breakfast spread by arranging these banana bread cinnamon rolls as the star attraction, surrounded by fresh berries and a steaming pot of coffee.
  • Dessert Transformation: Elevate these rolls into a decadent dessert by serving them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a light drizzle of caramel sauce.
  • Family Sharing Platter: Present the rolls on a large wooden board, letting everyone grab and enjoy together, perfect for lazy weekend mornings or casual gatherings with loved ones.
  • Gifting Delight: Package these rolls in cute parchment paper or a rustic gift box for a homemade treat that's sure to impress friends, neighbors, or breakfast hosts.

Tips to Store Cinnamon Rolls and Keep Moisture

  • Store leftover rolls in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
  • Prepare rolls up to the point of cutting and placing in the baking dish, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to allow dough to return to room temperature.
  • Fully baked and cooled rolls can be frozen for 2-3 weeks. Wrap each roll separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature and warm gently in the microwave before serving.
  • Keep cream cheese glaze separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes and stir before drizzling over reheated rolls for the best consistency.

FAQs

  • Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Just reduce the rising time slightly and skip the proofing step since instant yeast activates faster.

  • How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?

Use very ripe bananas with dark brown or black spots. They’re sweeter and will provide more intense banana flavor to the rolls.

  • Can I prepare the rolls the night before?

Absolutely! After cutting the rolls, cover them and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before baking.

  • What if my dough doesn't rise properly?

Ensure your yeast is fresh and your warm milk is not too hot. Ideal temperature is around 110°F. A warm, draft-free environment helps the dough rise effectively.

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Swirled Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Swirled Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe


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4.7 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Homemade banana bread cinnamon rolls merge classic comfort with sweet bakery innovation. Delicate dough swirls with warm cinnamon and ripe banana notes, promising a delightful breakfast treat you’ll savor down to the last crumb.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup milk (120 ml)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (7 g) active dry yeast
  • 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) butter (melted)
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup (70 g) brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 g) butter (softened)
  • 2 tbsps ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsps cream cheese
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) warm water
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: Combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar, allowing the mixture to foam and become aromatic for 7-10 minutes.
  2. Blend Wet Ingredients: Whisk melted butter, egg, mashed bananas, and remaining sugar into a smooth, unified base.
  3. Combine Mixtures: Integrate the activated yeast into the banana-butter blend, creating a liquid foundation.
  4. Develop Dough: Fold in flour and salt, kneading gently to form a soft, elastic dough with a smooth consistency.
  5. First Rise: Place dough in a greased container, cover with a damp cloth, and let expand in a warm, draft-free spot for 60-90 minutes.
  6. Prepare Filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a spreadable, uniform filling.
  7. Shape Rolls: Roll out the dough into a rectangular shape, spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly, and optionally sprinkle nuts.
  8. Form and Cut: Tightly roll the dough from its long edge, then slice into 12 even sections and arrange in a baking dish.
  9. Second Rise: Cover rolls with a light cloth and allow to proof for 35-40 minutes.
  10. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake until rolls turn golden brown, approximately 22-26 minutes.
  11. Glaze and Serve: Whip cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk into a silky glaze, drape over warm rolls, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Banana Selection: Choose overripe bananas with dark brown spots for maximum sweetness and intense banana flavor, ensuring a richer taste profile.
  • Yeast Activation: Verify milk temperature between 100-110°F to prevent killing yeast; lukewarm liquid guarantees proper fermentation and soft dough texture.
  • Kneading Technique: Develop gluten by kneading dough until smooth and elastic, which creates lighter, airier cinnamon rolls with better rise and structure.
  • Proofing Environment: Place dough in warm, draft-free area around 80-85°F for optimal rising, using a slightly warm oven or covered spot to encourage proper expansion.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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