There is something undeniably delightful about the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls combined with the naturally sweet and moist goodness of bananas. This One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe brilliantly fuses two beloved treats into one easy, fuss-free baking adventure. Using just a single bowl, you can create soft, tender rolls swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a simple glaze that melts into every crevice. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying something new, this recipe feels like a warm hug you can share with friends and family on any cozy morning or special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is as straightforward as the prep itself. Each component plays an important role, from providing moisture and sweetness to delivering that comforting cinnamon warmth and tender crumb that make these rolls irresistibly good.
- Mashed ripe bananas (1 1/2 cups): The star of the show, lending natural sweetness and moisture that keeps the rolls soft.
- Maple syrup or honey (1/4 cup): Adds a deeper, wholesome sweetness with a subtle hint of flavor complexity.
- Unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup): Helps keep the dough tender and moist while reducing the need for additional fats.
- Melted coconut oil or butter (1/4 cup): Essential for richness and a soft texture in the dough.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with its warm, fragrant notes.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons, divided): Provides the iconic spicy warmth—part mixed in the dough and part in the swirl.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): The leavening agent that helps these rolls rise perfectly.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- All-purpose or gluten-free flour (2 1/2 cups): Gives structure to your rolls, making them tender yet sturdy.
- Coconut sugar or brown sugar (1/4 cup + 1/4 cup): Used both in the dough and the cinnamon swirl, adding a caramel-like depth.
- Chopped walnuts (optional, 1/4 cup): Provides a delightful crunch and nutty contrast to the soft rolls.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): For the classic sweet glaze that ties everything together.
- Almond milk or milk of choice (1-2 tablespoons): Used to thin the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
How to Make One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 Celsius). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish, or any similar-sized pan, to prevent the rolls from sticking and to create those beautifully browned edges.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients in One Bowl
This is where the magic of the One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe truly shines. In a large mixing bowl, mash ripe bananas until smooth. Add the maple syrup or honey, unsweetened applesauce, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until well combined into a luscious, fragrant batter.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Form Dough
To the same bowl, sprinkle in the baking soda, salt, and one teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Then add your flour and mix everything until it forms a thick dough that’s easy to handle but still slightly sticky. This simplicity means no extra bowls and less cleanup—just deliciousness in one place.
Step 4: Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl Mix
In a small separate bowl, combine the coconut sugar or brown sugar with the remaining tablespoon of ground cinnamon. This mixture will give your rolls their iconic cinnamon swirl that bakes into sticky, sweet layers.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough and Add the Swirl
Lightly flour your work surface and gently roll the dough into a rectangle about a quarter-inch thick. Evenly sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar mixture over the dough, then scatter chopped walnuts on top if you like a bit of crunch and nuttiness with every bite.
Step 6: Roll and Slice the Dough
Starting from the long edge, carefully roll up the dough into a tight log. Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into 8 to 10 even pieces and arrange them snugly in your greased baking dish, ready for baking.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Pillowy
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are a warm golden brown and the rolls feel firm yet springy to the touch. Your kitchen will fill with the most inviting aroma!
Step 8: Make and Drizzle the Glaze
While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar with almond milk or your milk of choice until smooth and pourable. When the rolls come out of the oven, drizzle this glaze generously over the warm buns. The glaze melts into every swirl, adding just the right amount of sweetness and shine.
How to Serve One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To make these banana bread cinnamon rolls even more visually appealing and flavorful, top with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or a light dusting of cinnamon powder. A few fresh banana slices on the side add a fresh, natural touch that complements the baked rolls beautifully.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for breakfast or brunch. For a heartier spread, serve them alongside creamy yogurt or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness with some acidity and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or a special occasion, arrange the rolls on a decorative platter and drizzle extra glaze just before serving. You could also serve each roll in individual ramekins for a charming, personal touch that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the rolls soft and moist, although they’re best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
For longer storage, these rolls freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the oven to bring back their freshly baked goodness.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual rolls in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a preheated 350-degree oven for 10 minutes. Adding a small splash of water before warming helps restore their moist, soft texture.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe as they’re sweeter and easier to mash, intensifying the banana flavor in your cinnamon rolls.
Is it possible to make these rolls gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like wheat flour. This will keep the texture tender and delicious.
Can I replace coconut oil with another fat?
Coconut oil adds a subtle flavor but butter works excellently as well, giving a rich, creamy taste that complements the bananas and cinnamon beautifully.
How sticky should the dough be after mixing?
The dough should be thick and slightly sticky but manageable to roll out with a lightly floured surface—if it’s too sticky, dust in a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
What milk alternatives work best for the glaze?
Almond milk is lovely for a subtle nutty flavor, but oat, soy, or regular dairy milk all work well. Just adjust the amount to get that perfect glaze consistency for drizzling.
Final Thoughts
This One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a cozy, comforting way to brighten up any morning or satisfy your sweet tooth without any complicated steps or dishes. The ease of using just one bowl, combined with the luscious flavors of banana and cinnamon, creates a treat you’ll be excited to bake over and over again. So gather your ingredients, get that delicious aroma filling your kitchen, and treat yourself and your loved ones to these irresistible rolls—you won’t regret it!
Print
One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the moist sweetness of ripe bananas with warm cinnamon and a delightful glaze. Made in a single bowl and baked to golden perfection, they offer a delicious twist on traditional cinnamon rolls with the comforting flavors of banana bread and a subtly sweet cinnamon swirl, perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil (or butter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
Filling
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons almond milk (or milk of choice)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch (or similar size) baking dish to ensure the cinnamon rolls don’t stick and bake evenly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add the maple syrup or honey, unsweetened applesauce, melted coconut oil or butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until all ingredients are well combined, creating a flavorful wet base.
- Add Dry Ingredients: To the same bowl, add the baking soda, salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and the flour. Mix thoroughly until a thick dough forms, ready for rolling out.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the coconut sugar or brown sugar with the remaining 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. This mixture will be used to create the sweet cinnamon swirl inside the rolls.
- Roll out Dough: Lightly flour your working surface and roll the dough out into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the surface and add chopped walnuts if desired, giving texture and nutty flavor.
- Form Rolls: Carefully roll the dough from the long edge into a tight log, maintaining the cinnamon sugar layer inside. Slice the log into 8-10 even rolls and arrange them spaced evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls turn golden brown and are firm to the touch, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Prepare Glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together the powdered sugar and almond milk (or milk of choice) in a small bowl until smooth to create a sweet glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Remove the cinnamon rolls from the oven and immediately drizzle with the prepared glaze. Serve warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- You can substitute coconut oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
- Walnuts are optional; feel free to omit or substitute with other nuts like pecans.
- Use gluten-free flour if you need a gluten-free option.
- For a vegan version, use maple syrup and plant-based milk for the glaze.
- If you prefer sweeter rolls, increase the cinnamon sugar filling slightly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving for a fresh-baked warmth.
