Banana Bread Cinnamon Swirl Rolls

Welcome to the ultimate guide on making the perfect Banana Bread Cinnamon Swirl Rolls! This delightful treat combines the comforting flavors of banana bread with the sweet, spicy kick of cinnamon swirls. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will have you whipping up a batch of these irresistible rolls in no time. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet afternoon snack, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your household.

(Note: the recipe card directly below.PDF )

Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Cinnamon Swirl Rolls

There are so many reasons to love this Banana Bread Cinnamon Swirl Rolls recipe. First and foremost, it’s incredibly flavorful. The combination of ripe bananas, sweet cinnamon, and a soft, fluffy dough creates a symphony of tastes that will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, the aroma of these rolls baking in the oven is simply divine.

But that’s not all. This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you want to add a cream cheese frosting, swap out the cinnamon for another spice, or make it vegan, the options are endless.

And let’s not forget about the leftovers. These rolls taste even better the next day, making them the perfect meal prep option. Just reheat and enjoy!

Ingredients for Banana Bread Cinnamon Swirl Rolls

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Banana Bread Cinnamon Swirl Rolls:

For the Dough:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• (Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

One of the best things about this Banana Bread Cinnamon Swirl Rolls recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few variations you might want to try:

• Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap out the glaze for a cream cheese frosting. Mix 4 oz of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, 1 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract until smooth.
• Nutty Banana Rolls: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon swirl mixture for a nutty crunch.
• Chocolate Chip Banana Rolls: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of chocolate chips over the cinnamon swirl before rolling up the dough.
• Vegan Banana Rolls: Use plant-based milk and butter, and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water).

How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Swirl Rolls

Making Banana Bread Cinnamon Swirl Rolls is a breeze. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you along the way:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
   • In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas.
   • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms.
   • Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
   • In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
   • Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough.
   • Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the butter.
3. Assemble the Rolls:
   • Roll out the risen dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 12×18 inches.
   • Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough.
   • Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the butter.
   • Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
   • Cut the log into 12 equal-sized rolls.
4. Bake the Rolls:
   • Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Prepare the Glaze:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
   • Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls before serving.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to make your Banana Bread Cinnamon Swirl Rolls even better:

• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your rolls will be.
• Adjust the Cinnamon: Taste the cinnamon sugar mixture and adjust the cinnamon to suit your taste.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the rolls as they bake to ensure they don’t overbake and become dry.
• Freeze Leftovers: These rolls freeze beautifully. Just let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

How to Serve

Banana Bread Cinnamon Swirl Rolls are a delightful treat on their own, but they’re even better with a few sides. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Coffee or Tea: Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack.
• Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced meal.
• Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Banana Bread Cinnamon Swirl Rolls recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Here’s how to make it ahead and store it:

• Make Ahead: You can make the dough and assemble the rolls up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Let the rolls come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before baking.
• Reheat: Reheat the rolls in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
• Freeze: To freeze, let the rolls cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without yeast?

Yes, you can make a quick version using baking powder and baking soda. However, the texture will be slightly different.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the rolls may be denser. You might need to add a bit more liquid to the dough.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough and assemble the rolls up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Let the rolls come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before baking.

Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes, these rolls freeze beautifully. Just let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

How can I make these rolls vegan?

Use plant-based milk and butter, and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water).

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the rolls?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the cinnamon swirl mixture for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

And there you have it—the ultimate guide to making irresistible Banana Bread Cinnamon Swirl Rolls. This delightful treat is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re looking for a cozy breakfast, a sweet afternoon snack, or a delicious dessert, these rolls have you covered. So, grab your ingredients and get baking! Your taste buds will thank you.

Happy baking!

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