Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Banana Caramel Glaze Recipe

 

If you love the cozy warmth of cinnamon rolls paired with the moist, sweet notes of banana bread, then you are going to absolutely adore this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Banana Caramel Glaze Recipe. This delightful treat combines soft, tender dough infused with ripe banana and cinnamon-spiced sugar, all crowned with a luscious banana caramel glaze that feels like a warm hug in every bite. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds and maybe even thirds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, working together to craft those irresistible Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Banana Caramel Glaze Recipe flavors. From the ripe bananas that bring natural sweetness and moisture, to the bread flour that gives the rolls their chewy, tender crumb, each item is simple yet essential.

• Small very ripe banana (110 grams): Used for the tangzhong to add moisture and tenderness.
• Bread flour (23 grams): Combined with banana for the tangzhong to improve dough texture.
• Water (120 grams): The base for the tangzhong, aiding in dough softness.
• Active dry yeast (8 grams): The magic ingredient that makes the dough rise beautifully.
• Granulated sugar (45 grams): Provides sweetness and feeds the yeast for fermentation.
• Whole milk (100-110°F, 120 grams): Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
• Salted butter, melted (28 grams): Brings richness and helps the dough stay soft.
• Large very ripe banana, mashed (125 grams): Infuses the dough with natural banana flavor.
• Vanilla bean paste (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with aromatic warmth.
• Bread flour (430 grams): The main flour to form the dough’s structure.
• Kosher salt (5 grams): Balances sweetness and strengthens dough gluten.
• Dark brown sugar (200 grams): Moist and intense, it’s the heart of the cinnamon-sugar filling.
• Ground cinnamon (16 grams): Fills every bite with that warm, spicy scent we crave.
• All-purpose flour (18 grams): Helps thicken the filling and prevent sogginess.
• Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): A pinch in the filling to balance flavors.
• Large very ripe banana, diced (125 grams): Mixed into the filling for bursts of banana sweetness.
• Salted butter, softened (57 grams): Spread on dough for rich layers of flavor.
• Large very ripe banana, mashed (125 grams): Base for the banana caramel glaze.
• Maple syrup (120 grams): Adds natural sweetness and depth to the glaze.
• Salted butter (14 grams): Enriches the caramel glaze for a silky finish.
• Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings balance and highlights the banana’s sweetness in the glaze.

How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Banana Caramel Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tangzhong

Start your journey to ultimate softness by making the tangzhong—a cooked mixture of mashed small banana, bread flour, and water. Cook it gently over medium heat while stirring constantly until it thickens into a gluey paste. This step is what gives these rolls their irresistibly tender texture. Let it cool to room temperature before moving on.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In your stand mixer, awaken the yeast by combining it with sugar, warm milk, and melted butter. Then whisk in one large mashed banana, vanilla bean paste, and the cooled tangzhong. Add the bread flour and salt, and let the mixer’s hook do its magic for 15-18 minutes until your dough becomes stretchy and tacky, showing those perfect gluten strands.

Step 3: First Rise

Shape the dough into a smooth ball with a damp hand and place it in a warm spot to rise. This first proof takes about 60-90 minutes, and you’ll know it’s ready when doubled in size. This rise lets the flavors develop and the dough get airy and light.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

Mix the dark brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and salt in a medium bowl for that classic cinnamon-sugar flavor. Quarter and dice one large banana into tiny pieces and toss them in the sugar mixture, ensuring every little banana nugget is coated in sweet spice. This filling is the soul of the rolls!

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

On a lightly floured surface, gently roll your dough into a large rectangle, about 20 by 15 inches. Spread softened butter evenly across the dough and sprinkle the banana-sugar filling over the entire surface. Roll up the dough lengthwise to form a log, then carefully cut it into 15 one-inch buns using floss or a rubber band for clean slices. Transfer the buns to a parchment-lined pan in 5 rows of 3 for a perfect fit.

Step 6: Second Rise and Bake

Cover the rolls and let them puff up for another hour, increasing roughly one-third in size. This second rise is essential for that fluffy finish. Preheat your oven to 375°F convection (400°F standard) and bake the rolls for 25-28 minutes until golden with a tantalizing aroma filling your kitchen.

Step 7: Make the Banana Caramel Glaze

While the rolls bake, prepare the star glaze by mashing a ripe banana and blending it with maple syrup, or blend both for smoothness. Heat this mixture in a pot to boiling, then simmer with butter and salt until the glaze thickens and becomes gloriously fragrant. This glaze is the crowning jewel, turning your rolls into a dessert masterpiece.

Step 8: Glaze and Enjoy

Once the rolls come out of the oven, let them rest a few minutes before drizzling the warm banana caramel glaze over the top. Slice up your fresh, fragrant Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Banana Caramel Glaze Recipe and share with your favorite people, or keep them all to yourself for a seriously indulgent treat.

How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Banana Caramel Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

Boost the presentation and flavor by sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top after glazing. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few banana chips adds a special touch and a lovely texture contrast that pairs beautifully with the sweet glaze.

Side Dishes

These rolls shine on their own but pairing them with fresh berries or a simple fruit salad complements the banana and cinnamon flavors perfectly. A cup of rich coffee or warm chai tea will elevate your morning or brunch experience to something truly memorable.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the rolls on a pretty cake stand for a brunch centerpiece or serve them alongside whipped cream and a drizzle of additional maple syrup. For gatherings, individual servings wrapped in parchment and tied with a cute ribbon make delightful edible gifts your guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover rolls (though unlikely), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The moisture from the bananas keeps them soft, but make sure to keep them covered so they don’t dry out.

Freezing

To preserve these beauties longer, freeze the baked, cooled rolls in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to one month. You can also freeze the unbaked, shaped rolls after the second rise and bake them fresh when you’re ready. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Reheating

Warm individual rolls in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or pop them in a 350°F oven wrapped in foil for 10 minutes to restore that fresh-baked softness and caramel warmth. Add a little extra drizzle of banana caramel glaze if desired.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

While all-purpose flour can work in a pinch, bread flour gives these rolls the ideal chewy and stretchy texture that makes them so special. Bread flour’s higher protein content helps build stronger gluten, perfect for soft, elastic dough.

How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?

The riper, the better! Overripe bananas with brown spots are sweeter and more flavorful, making your rolls and glaze beautifully moist and packed with banana goodness.

Can I make these rolls dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the whole milk and butter for your favorite plant-based milk and dairy-free butter. The texture might be slightly different but the rolls will still be delicious and moist.

Is it possible to double the recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe scales up nicely, just make sure you have a large enough mixer and baking pans. Allow enough time for the dough to rise properly since larger batches can take longer.

What’s the best way to cut the cinnamon rolls?

To keep the rolls neat and avoid squishing delicate dough, use unflavored dental floss or a thin piece of strong thread to slice through the rolled log. A sharp knife can be messy and flatten the buns.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about combining banana bread and cinnamon rolls into one show-stopping treat, and this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Banana Caramel Glaze Recipe nails it every time. The layers of tender dough, sweet banana filling, and luscious glaze create a cozy, heartwarming dessert or breakfast that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and fill your home with the amazing aroma of fresh-baked love.

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