If you’re a fan of banana bread and cinnamon rolls, then you’re in for a treat with this delicious fusion of both! Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the moist sweetness of banana bread. By adding ripe bananas, brown sugar, and cinnamon to traditional refrigerated cinnamon rolls, you create a mouthwatering breakfast or dessert that’s rich in flavor and texture. The walnuts add a crunchy element that perfectly complements the softness of the rolls, making each bite satisfying and irresistible. This easy-to-make recipe will quickly become a family favorite, and it’s ideal for those mornings when you crave something a little extra special.

The best part? You only need about 40 minutes to prepare these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls, from start to finish. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a warm, homemade treat that combines all your favorite flavors. Whether served with a hot cup of coffee or enjoyed as an afternoon snack, these rolls are sure to impress. Let’s dive into how to make these delightful rolls and discover why they’re perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

Made with refrigerated cinnamon rolls, this recipe cuts down on prep time while still delivering a homemade taste. In just 40 minutes, you can have these delicious rolls fresh from the oven.

2. Perfect Fusion of Flavors

The banana bread-inspired filling combined with cinnamon rolls creates a sweet, comforting flavor that’s both familiar and exciting.

3. Great for Breakfast or Dessert

These rolls can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Whether you want a decadent breakfast treat or a satisfying dessert, these rolls are versatile enough for both.

4. Minimal Ingredients

With only a few ingredients like ripe bananas, cinnamon, brown sugar, and walnuts, you can easily make these rolls using what you likely already have in your pantry.

5. Moist and Fluffy

The addition of ripe bananas ensures that the rolls are moist and tender, giving them a texture similar to banana bread, while the cinnamon adds a warm, comforting flavor.

Ingredients

Refrigerated cinnamon rolls
Ripe bananas
Chopped walnuts
Brown sugar
Melted butter
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg

Variations

Vegan Version: Use dairy-free butter and plant-based cinnamon rolls to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips to the filling for a delicious twist on banana bread and cinnamon rolls.
Cream Cheese Icing: Swap the included icing with cream cheese icing for a richer, tangy topping that pairs perfectly with the banana flavor.
Caramelized Bananas: For an extra caramelized flavor, sauté the bananas in a little butter and brown sugar before adding them to the rolls.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish. Set the dish aside.

Step 2: Slice and Chop

Slice the ripe bananas into thin rounds and chop the walnuts into small pieces.

Step 3: Make the Brown Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well until combined.

Step 4: Roll Out the Cinnamon Rolls

Unroll the cinnamon rolls on a flat surface, keeping the dough in one piece.

Step 5: Add Butter and Brown Sugar

Spread the melted butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over the butter.

Step 6: Add Bananas and Walnuts

Distribute the sliced bananas and chopped walnuts evenly over the sugar mixture.

Step 7: Roll and Slice

Roll the dough up tightly, starting from one end, and slice the roll into individual pieces.

Step 8: Bake the Rolls

Place the sliced rolls into the greased baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.

Step 9: Serve

Once the rolls are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, topped with the included icing from the cinnamon roll can.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful they will be in your rolls.
Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overstuff the rolls with the banana and walnut mixture, as this could cause them to spill out during baking.
Keep Dough Rolled Tightly: Make sure to roll up the dough tightly so the rolls hold their shape during baking.
Bake Evenly: Ensure the rolls are evenly spaced in the baking dish to prevent them from sticking together.

How to Serve

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are perfect on their own, but they can also be paired with a side of fresh fruit, a dollop of whipped cream, or a hot cup of coffee. If you’re serving them as a dessert, consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Freezing

To freeze the rolls, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Reheating

Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cinnamon rolls for this recipe?

Yes, frozen cinnamon rolls can be used. Just make sure to thaw them before rolling and assembling.

2. Can I use a different nut instead of walnuts?

Absolutely! You can use pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts for a different texture and flavor.

3. Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?

Yes, adding chocolate chips to the filling would create a delicious banana-chocolate combination.

4. Can I make the dough from scratch?

While this recipe uses refrigerated cinnamon rolls for convenience, you can certainly make your own cinnamon roll dough from scratch for a more homemade touch.

5. How do I make the rolls extra gooey?

For extra gooeyness, brush the dough with more melted butter before baking, or drizzle caramel sauce over the rolls after they’re baked.

6. How do I make sure the bananas don’t turn mushy?

Slice the bananas just before assembling the rolls to avoid them becoming too soft and mushy during baking.

7. Can I use non-dairy butter for a vegan version?

Yes, you can use plant-based butter in place of regular butter to make these rolls vegan-friendly.

8. What if I don’t have walnuts?

You can substitute walnuts with other nuts like pecans, or leave them out entirely if you prefer a simpler roll.

9. Can I make these rolls without the icing?

Yes, the rolls are delicious on their own, but the icing adds a nice sweetness. You can also substitute with cream cheese icing.

10. Can I prepare these rolls the night before?

You can prepare the rolls the night before, cover them, and refrigerate them. The next morning, just bake them as instructed.

Conclusion

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect hybrid of two beloved breakfast favorites. With the richness of banana bread and the classic comfort of cinnamon rolls, this dish is sure to please anyone looking for something sweet and indulgent. Easy to make and quick to prepare, these rolls are ideal for family gatherings, weekend breakfasts, or even as a dessert. Whether you’re a cinnamon roll enthusiast or a banana bread lover, this recipe is bound to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy warm, with a dollop of icing, and savor every bite!