Introduction
There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of freshly baked goods wafting through the kitchen, and these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls deliver just that! Imagine fluffy rolls infused with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, rolled with a warm cinnamon-sugar filling, and topped off with a luscious icing. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent afternoon treat, these rolls are oh-so-easy to make, and a delightful way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that is sure to please both family and friends!
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (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 your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish to prepare for the rolls.
- In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas and melted butter together until thoroughly combined.
- Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and flour. Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into the banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with the cinnamon; this will be your filling.
- On a floured surface, roll out the banana bread dough into a rectangle that is about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the melted butter evenly over the rolled-out dough and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
- If desired, sprinkle the chopped nuts over the cinnamon-sugar layer for an added crunch.
- Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log shape.
- Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and arrange them in your greased baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, prepare the icing by mixing the powdered sugar with enough milk to achieve a drizzling consistency.
- Once the rolls are baked, allow them to cool for a few minutes before drizzling the icing on top.
Notes or Tips
Feel free to customize your cinnamon rolls! Instead of nuts, you can add chocolate chips for a decadent twist, or even a swirl of Nutella if you want to get adventurous. For a touch of extra flavor, consider adding a dash of nutmeg along with the cinnamon. Make sure your bananas are really ripe for the best sweetness!
Cooking Techniques
Using ripe bananas not only enhances the natural sweetness but also contributes to the moist texture of the rolls. When rolling out your dough, take care to keep an even thickness so they bake uniformly. Besides, letting the rolls cool for a few minutes before icing them will ensure the icing doesn’t melt away into the rolls, creating a beautiful glaze instead!
FAQ
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls, slice them, and store them in the refrigerator overnight. Just let them come to room temperature before baking.
What if I don’t have enough bananas?
If you’re short on bananas, you can replace each banana with 1/4 cup of applesauce for a similar texture and moisture.
Conclusion
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are not only a delightful treat but also a wonderful way to bring warmth and joy into your home. With their soft, fluffy texture and sweet, aromatic flavor, they make for a scrumptious breakfast or a comforting afternoon snack. So gather your ingredients, ignite that warm baking spirit, and indulge in these delightful rolls that celebrate the beautiful marriage of banana bread and cinnamon rolls. Happy baking!