Banana bread and cinnamon rolls are two beloved comfort foods that evoke nostalgia and warmth. Combining these two classics, One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls brings together the rich flavors of ripe bananas and the sweet, spicy aroma of cinnamon. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert, this recipe not only tastes delicious but is also easy to prepare. With a simple method that requires just one bowl, you can whip up a batch of these soft, fluffy rolls in no time. Let’s dive into the details of making this delightful treat!
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Filling
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons almond milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions and Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed ripe bananas, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, sugar, and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. The mashed bananas should be well incorporated, creating a creamy base.
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial as it activates the yeast, which will help the dough rise.
- Combine Mixtures: Add the yeast mixture to the banana mixture and stir until fully combined. The combination of the yeast and banana mixture will create a fragrant base for the rolls.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and ground cinnamon to the mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. It’s essential to incorporate the flour slowly to prevent clumping.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic, which indicates that the gluten has developed properly.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. This rising period is essential for achieving the fluffy texture of the rolls.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling:
- Mix Filling Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine melted coconut oil, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. This mixture will provide the sweet, spicy flavor that makes these rolls irresistible.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your rolls are prepared.
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch to ensure the rolls are fluffy and soft.
- Add the Filling: Brush the rolled-out dough with the filling mixture, ensuring even coverage. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the dough.
- Form the Rolls: Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Ensure it’s tight enough to hold the filling but not so tight that it squishes out.
- Cut the Rolls: Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces. This will yield perfectly sized rolls that bake evenly.
Step 4: Second Rise and Bake
- Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover them with a damp towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise will make them even fluffier.
- Bake the Rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. The kitchen will be filled with the delightful aroma of banana and cinnamon as they bake.
Step 5: Prepare the Glaze
While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze:
- Mix Glaze Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable; add more almond milk if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
- Glaze the Rolls: Once the rolls are out of the oven, drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls. The heat from the rolls will help the glaze seep into the nooks and crannies, enhancing the flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them a versatile treat for any time of day.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend. However, the texture and flavor may vary slightly, so you may need to adjust the liquid content.
2. How can I store leftover rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or warm in the oven.
3. Can I make these rolls vegan?
Yes, this recipe is already vegan-friendly, as it uses coconut oil instead of butter and almond milk in the glaze.
4. What can I use instead of bananas?
If you don’t have bananas, you can use unsweetened applesauce or pumpkin puree as a substitute. Keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly.
5. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or chocolate chips to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion
One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful and comforting treat that combines the rich flavors of bananas and cinnamon. With minimal effort and a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of these delicious rolls that will surely impress family and friends. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether enjoyed warm out of the oven or glazed and ready to serve, these rolls are a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of banana bread and cinnamon rolls in one delicious bite. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the sweet aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls in your home!