Introduction
There’s something truly magical about the combination of bananas and cinnamon, and these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls take it to a whole new level! Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, sweet roll that blends the deliciousness of ripe bananas with the warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon. Topped with a luscious glaze, each bite is a burst of flavor that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack. Trust me; your kitchen will smell heavenly as these rolls bake!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful rolls:
- Dough:
- 1½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2½ tsp instant yeast
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup milk, warm
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
Directions and Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the instant yeast, warm milk, and sugar. Allow this mixture to sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes foamy and fragrant.
- Next, add the mashed bananas, melted butter, vanilla extract, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix and knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen beautifully, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangle. Spread the softened butter over the surface of the dough, then generously sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Carefully roll the dough into a tight log and slice it into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls into a greased baking dish and cover them again. Allow them to rise for another 30 minutes, letting them puff up even more.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and utterly irresistible.
- While the rolls are cooling slightly, whisk together the glaze ingredients in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls just before serving for that delightful finishing touch!
Notes or Tips
- For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the filling.
- If you prefer a sweeter glaze, adjust the amount of milk to achieve your desired consistency.
- Make sure your bananas are nice and ripe for the best flavor — the more speckles, the better!
Cooking Techniques
Kneading the dough is essential for developing gluten, which gives the rolls their lovely structure. Be gentle when rolling and slicing the dough to maintain the airiness that makes these rolls so soft. Letting the dough rise adequately is key — a longer rise will yield a fluffier roll!
FAQ
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature before rolling it out.
- What if I don’t have instant yeast? You can substitute with active dry yeast; just make sure to activate it in warm water first before adding to the other ingredients.
- How should I store these rolls? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for later enjoyment!
Conclusion
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful spin on a classic favorite. With their warm, doughy goodness and sweet aroma, they’re sure to become a cherished recipe in your home. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven for an experience that combines nostalgia with irresistible flavor. Happy baking!