Introduction
There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of fresh-baked goods wafting through your home. Now, imagine blending the deliciously familiar flavor of banana bread with the delightful twist of cinnamon rolls. These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack, bringing warmth and sweetness to any occasion. With a soft, fluffy interior and a hint of cinnamon, these rolls are truly irresistible!
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed (for filling)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for filling)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until well blended and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This creates the perfect base for your dough.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
- For the filling, in a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined, creating a decadent paste.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the banana dough out into a rectangle, approximately 1/4 inch thick, allowing it to stretch beautifully.
- Spread the filling mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, and if desired, sprinkle with chopped nuts for an additional crunch.
- Starting from one edge, carefully roll the dough into a log, keeping it tight for those perfect swirls. Cut the log into equal-sized rolls, about 1-2 inches thick.
- Place the rolls in the greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each one for rising.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they achieve a golden brown hue and your kitchen is filled with delightful aromas.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before drizzling the sweet icing on top, letting it cascade down in delicious waves.
Notes or Tips
- Make sure your bananas are very ripe for the sweetest flavor and best texture.
- You can add chocolate chips to the filling for an extra indulgent touch!
- These rolls can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days, but they’re best enjoyed fresh!
Cooking Techniques
The key to achieving the perfect Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls lies in the dough. Be gentle when mixing and rolling; overworking the dough can lead to tough rolls. Additionally, allow the rolls to cool slightly before adding the icing. This helps it to set beautifully while still being luscious and gooey.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen bananas? Absolutely! Just ensure they are fully thawed and well-drained before mashing.
- What can I substitute for eggs? You can use a flax egg or unsweetened applesauce as a binding agent.
- Can I make these rolls ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the rolls, cover them tightly, and let them rise in the fridge overnight. Bake them fresh in the morning!
Conclusion
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a true testament to the joy of home baking. They bring together the comforting flavors of bananas and warm spices, wrapped up in a fluffy roll that is simply irresistible. Whether you enjoy them at breakfast or as a sweet snack, they’re sure to delight family and friends. So roll up your sleeves, get baking, and savor the smiles these delicious rolls are sure to bring!