One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’re craving a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls that also captures the comforting flavors of banana bread, look no further than this One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. Combining the moist richness of ripe bananas with the warm spice of cinnamon, these rolls are an absolute game-changer. They’re soft, aromatic, slightly sweet, and surprisingly easy to whip up in just one bowl, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack any time of day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create an incredible blend of flavors and textures. Each component plays a special role—from the natural sweetness of bananas to the warm depth of cinnamon, these ingredients ensure your rolls have that perfect balance of softness, moisture, and spice.

• Mashed ripe bananas (1 1/2 cups): The star ingredient for moisture and natural sweetness, making the dough tender and flavorful.
• Maple syrup or honey (1/4 cup): Adds a lovely sweetness with a subtle complexity, enhancing the banana’s natural sugars.
• Unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup): Keeps the rolls moist while contributing a slight tang and richness without extra fat.
• Melted coconut oil or butter (1/4 cup): Brings a subtle richness and helps with tenderizing the dough for soft rolls.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Elevates the sweetness and adds warm aromatic notes.
• Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons, divided): Brings that signature warm spice, perfect for that irresistible cinnamon swirl.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): The leavening agent that helps the rolls rise and stay fluffy.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances flavor and enhances the sweetness.
• All-purpose flour or gluten-free flour (2 1/2 cups): The base that holds everything together and provides structure.
• Coconut sugar or brown sugar (1/4 cup plus an additional 1/4 cup): For sweetness in both dough and the cinnamon swirl filling, adding caramel notes.
• Chopped walnuts (1/4 cup, optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty contrast to the soft rolls.
• Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): To make the sweet, smooth glaze that finishes the rolls beautifully.
• Almond milk or milk of choice (1-2 tablespoons): Thins the glaze to just the right consistency for drizzling.

How to Make One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Preheat the Oven

To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or a similarly sized pan. This ensures your rolls won’t stick and they will bake evenly to a perfect golden brown.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Mash your ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Then stir in the maple syrup (or honey), unsweetened applesauce, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. This vibrant wet mixture packs all the moisture and sweetness your dough needs.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form the Dough

Directly into the same bowl, add the baking soda, salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and flour. Stir everything together until a thick dough forms—it should feel soft but sturdy enough to roll out without cracking.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of coconut sugar (or brown sugar) with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. This fragrant combo will be the luscious cinnamon swirl that you sprinkle over the dough, creating that classic cinnamon roll magic.

Step 5: Roll Out and Add the Filling

Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough into a rectangle about a quarter inch thick. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top, then add chopped walnuts if you’re using them for an added crunch and texture.

Step 6: Shape the Rolls

Carefully roll the dough up from the longer side into a tight log. Slice the log into 8 to 10 equal pieces, arranging the rolls gently but snugly into your prepared baking dish. This helps them bake soft and pull apart easily once baked.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Bake the rolls for 30 to 35 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and firm to the touch. The smell of warm cinnamon and banana bread will fill your kitchen and make the wait absolutely worth it.

Step 8: Make the Sweet Glaze

While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar with almond milk (or your milk of choice) until smooth and pourable. This simple glaze will add a luscious finishing touch.

Step 9: Glaze and Serve

Once your One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are out of the oven, immediately drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls. As it melts slightly, it creates a sugary, glossy topping that’s impossible to resist.

How to Serve One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra-special finish, sprinkle additional chopped walnuts or a pinch of cinnamon over the glaze. You could also add a little fresh fruit like sliced bananas or a handful of berries for a bright, fresh contrast against the sweet rolls.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair beautifully with a simple cup of coffee or tea, making them perfect for a cozy morning or afternoon treat. For a heartier meal, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance sweetness with savory and tart flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these cinnamon rolls warm in a rustic wooden board for a cozy, inviting vibe. You could also pull them apart in a bowl to let guests take bites easily, or even slice and toast leftovers for a quick breakfast with a crispy edge and gooey center.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the banana bread cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure the glaze is absorbed or store it separately to keep the texture from getting too sticky.

Freezing

You can freeze the rolls before baking by rolling them, slicing, and arranging in a baking dish covered tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. You can also freeze fully baked and cooled rolls for convenience.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the rolls in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 8-10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual rolls for about 20 seconds, though an oven reheating keeps them perfectly soft and fresh-tasting.

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! In fact, overripe bananas with plenty of brown spots are best for the One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe as they provide extra sweetness and moisture, making the rolls tender and flavorful.

Is it possible to make these rolls dairy-free?

Yes! By using coconut oil instead of butter and almond milk or another plant-based milk for the glaze, you can easily make this recipe completely dairy-free without sacrificing taste or texture.

Can I substitute gluten-free flour?

Definitely. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour. This modification lets you enjoy these delicious rolls even if you’re gluten sensitive.

How sweet are the rolls? Can I reduce the sugar?

The sweetness from bananas and maple syrup means the rolls are moderately sweet but not overly sugary. You can reduce the added sugars slightly if you prefer a less sweet treat, but keep some for that classic cinnamon roll flavor.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and shape the rolls, then refrigerate them covered overnight. Bring them to room temperature before baking to allow for better rising and fluffiness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to impress your friends or simply treat yourself, the One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a delicious and simple way to enjoy fresh baked sweetness bursting with banana and cinnamon goodness. It’s a cozy, comforting recipe that invites warm smiles and satisfied sighs—so grab your mixing bowl and get baking!

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