Introduction
Imagine combining the comforting flavors of banana bread with the soft, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls. That’s exactly what these Soft Banana Cinnamon Swirl Rolls offer—a delightful twist on a classic treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. The ripe banana in the dough adds natural sweetness and a tender crumb, while the cinnamon swirl brings the warmth and spice we all love in a cinnamon roll.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Banana and Cinnamon: A Match Made in Heaven
Banana and cinnamon are a flavor combination that works wonders. The banana adds a subtle sweetness and moisture to the dough, making these rolls extra soft and fluffy. Paired with the warm, spicy cinnamon filling, it’s a combination that will have you coming back for seconds—or thirds!
Simple and Quick
These rolls come together with just a few simple ingredients and don’t require any yeast, making them quicker and easier to prepare than traditional cinnamon rolls. Perfect for those mornings when you want a homemade treat without the wait.
The Perfect Comfort Food
There’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the house. These banana cinnamon swirl rolls are the ultimate comfort food, bringing warmth, sweetness, and a touch of nostalgia to your kitchen.
Ingredients List
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup mashed banana (about 1 ripe banana)
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Necessary Tools for Preparation
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Baking dish
- Spatula
- Whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the softened butter, mashed banana, milk, and egg. Mix until all ingredients are well combined, and a smooth dough forms. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour until it’s manageable.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a small mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be creamy and spreadable.
Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle, about ¼-inch thick.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface of the dough using a spatula.
- Starting from one of the long sides, roll the dough tightly into a log.
- Cut the log into slices about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. You should get about 12 rolls.
- Place the cinnamon rolls in a buttered baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll for them to expand as they bake.
Bake:
- Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The tops should be lightly browned, and your kitchen should be filled with the irresistible scent of banana and cinnamon.
Prepare the Glaze:
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
- If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Serve:
- Once the cinnamon rolls are done baking, allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes.
- Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls, letting it seep into the swirls and coat the tops.
- Serve the cinnamon rolls warm or at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they’ll stay soft and delicious even after they’ve cooled.
What to Serve with These Cinnamon Rolls
These banana cinnamon swirl rolls are perfect on their own, but they’re also delicious paired with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk. For an extra special treat, serve them with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips for Perfecting Your Cinnamon Rolls
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your rolls will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix the dough just until it comes together. Overmixing can make the rolls tough instead of soft and tender.
- Even Filling Distribution: Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the dough to ensure every bite is full of that delicious cinnamon flavor.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Make These Rolls Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls and place them in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, bake them as directed. This makes for an easy and stress-free breakfast treat.
Can I Freeze These Cinnamon Rolls?
Yes, these cinnamon rolls freeze well. After baking and cooling, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
Can I Add Nuts or Raisins to the Filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the filling by adding chopped nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips for a fun twist.
Conclusion
These Soft Banana Cinnamon Swirl Rolls are a delightful combination of banana bread and cinnamon rolls, offering the best of both worlds in one delicious treat. They’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these rolls are a perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out some of my other baked goodies, like Classic Cinnamon Rolls or Banana Nut Muffins.
Interactive Elements
Did you make these rolls? I’d love to see your creations! Share your photos on Pinterest and tag them with #BananaCinnamonRolls. And don’t forget to leave a review below—I’d love to hear what you think!
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 14g
- Sugar: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
Enjoy baking these soft and flavorful cinnamon rolls!
