Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls With Maple Cream Cheese Swirl

Get ready to experience the best of both worlds with these incredibly soft and flavorful Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls! We’ve taken the classic comfort of banana bread and swirled it with a decadent maple cream cheese filling, then topped it all off with a luscious maple glaze and toasted coconut. These aren’t just cinnamon rolls; they’re a warm hug in every bite. Perfect for a weekend brunch, a cozy breakfast, or a sweet treat any time of day, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. Let’s dive into what makes these rolls so special, starting with the ingredients!

What You’ll Need

• 250g (2 cups) All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our rolls! All-purpose flour provides the perfect structure. Make sure to measure correctly – spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag, to avoid packing it too tightly. A little extra is needed for dusting your work surface.
• 1 tsp (5g) Baking Soda: This is our leavening agent, helping the rolls rise and become wonderfully fluffy. Ensure your baking soda is fresh for optimal results.
• ½ tsp (2.5g) Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors. We’re using fine sea salt for a clean taste.
• 2 tsp (6g) Ground Cinnamon: The star spice! We’re using high-quality ground cinnamon for a warm, aromatic flavor.
• 100g (½ cup) Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning. Standard white granulated sugar works perfectly.
• 100g (½ cup) Brown Sugar: Brown sugar contributes a lovely molasses flavor and keeps the rolls extra moist. Light or dark brown sugar can be used, depending on your preference – dark brown sugar will give a more intense molasses flavor.
• 100g (½ cup) Unsalted Butter, Melted: Melted butter creates a tender crumb and adds richness. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the recipe.
• 2 Large Ripe Bananas, Mashed (≈200g): The heart of our banana bread flavor! The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the rolls will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
• 2 Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness. Use large eggs at room temperature for better emulsification.
• 1 tsp (5ml) Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile. We’re using alcohol-free vanilla extract to ensure it’s suitable for everyone.
• 120ml (½ cup) Milk (or Plant-Based Milk): Adds moisture and helps create a soft dough. You can use dairy milk or your favorite plant-based alternative, such as almond or oat milk.
• 150g (5.3oz) Cream Cheese, Softened: The base of our luscious maple cream cheese swirl! Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps.
• 2 tbsp (30ml) Maple Syrup: Adds a beautiful maple flavor to the cream cheese swirl. Use pure maple syrup for the best taste.
• 1 tbsp (15g) Unsalted Butter, Softened (for swirl): Contributes to the creamy texture of the swirl.
• ½ tsp (2.5ml) Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract (for swirl): Enhances the maple cream cheese flavor.
• 2 tbsp (30g) Unsalted Butter (for glaze): Creates a smooth and glossy glaze.
• 2 tbsp (30ml) Maple Syrup (for glaze): Adds a delicious maple flavor to the glaze.
• 1 tbsp (8g) Powdered Sugar, Optional (for glaze shine): Adds a subtle sweetness and a beautiful shine to the glaze.
• 2 tbsp (15g) Toasted Coconut Flakes: Adds a delightful texture and tropical flavor.
• Pinch of Ground Cinnamon (for garnish): A final touch of warmth and aroma.

Ingredient Substitutions

While we recommend using the ingredients as listed for the best results, here are a few substitutions you can make if needed:

• Flour: You can substitute up to ½ cup of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor.
• Milk: Any plant-based milk will work well in place of dairy milk.
• Maple Syrup: Honey can be used as a substitute for maple syrup, but it will alter the flavor slightly.
• Cream Cheese: While not ideal, you could try using mascarpone cheese in a pinch, but the texture will be different.

Let’s Bake: Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures even baking. While the oven heats, generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Using butter or baking spray prevents sticking and makes for easy removal of the finished rolls.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisking is crucial here – it aerates the ingredients and ensures they are evenly distributed, leading to a consistent texture in your rolls.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, mashed bananas, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until everything is smooth and well incorporated. Ensure the bananas are thoroughly mashed to avoid lumps in the final product.
4. Combine Wet & Dry: Gently pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir *just* until a soft dough forms. The key here is to avoid overmixing. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough rolls. A slightly sticky dough is perfectly fine.
5. Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and gently roll it into a rectangle approximately 30cm x 40cm (12 x 16 inches). This shape is ideal for creating a beautiful swirl.
6. Prepare the Maple Cream Cheese Swirl: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely creamy and free of lumps. Softened ingredients are essential for a smooth, spreadable swirl.
7. Swirl It Up: Spread the maple cream cheese mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a 2cm (¾ inch) border around the edges. This border prevents the filling from squeezing out during rolling.
8. Roll & Cut: Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll the dough into a log. A tight roll is important for a well-defined swirl. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal pieces, approximately 2 inches each.
9. Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the rolls, seam-side up, in the prepared baking dish, spacing them evenly. This allows for even baking and prevents them from sticking together.
10. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
11. Make the Maple Glaze: While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter, then stir in the maple syrup and powdered sugar (if using). Keep the glaze warm until ready to use.
12. Glaze & Garnish: Once the rolls are out of the oven, immediately drizzle the warm maple glaze over them. Sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes and a pinch of ground cinnamon for added flavor and visual appeal.
13. Rest & Serve: Let the rolls rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the glaze to set slightly and the flavors to meld.

Why Banana Bread and Cinnamon Rolls are a Match Made in Heaven

The combination of banana bread and cinnamon rolls isn’t just delicious – it’s strategically brilliant. Banana bread provides a naturally moist and tender base, thanks to the bananas. This inherent moisture prevents the rolls from becoming dry, a common issue with traditional cinnamon rolls. The cinnamon spice complements the banana flavor beautifully, creating a warm and comforting flavor profile. The maple cream cheese swirl adds a touch of sophistication and balances the sweetness perfectly. It’s a textural and flavor explosion in every bite!

Tips for Perfectly Ripe Bananas

Using truly ripe bananas is *essential* for this recipe. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your rolls will be. Look for bananas that are heavily speckled with brown spots. If your bananas aren’t quite ripe enough, you can speed up the process by placing them in a paper bag with an apple or tomato for a day or two. The ethylene gas released by these fruits will help ripen the bananas more quickly.

Mastering the Maple Cream Cheese Swirl

The maple cream cheese swirl is the star of the show! To ensure a smooth and creamy swirl, make sure your cream cheese and butter are fully softened. Beat them together until light and fluffy before adding the maple syrup and vanilla extract. Don’t overbeat, as this can make the mixture too thin. If the swirl seems too soft to spread easily, chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before using.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap a roll in plastic wrap and microwave for 10-15 seconds, or bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes. A quick spritz of water before reheating can help restore some of the moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use self-raising flour?

If using self-raising flour, omit the baking soda from the recipe.

Can I make these vegan?

Yes! Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and vegan cream cheese. Ensure your maple syrup is 100% pure maple syrup.

Can I freeze these rolls?

Unbaked rolls can be frozen. Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Pin it for Later!

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Swirl are a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can easily find it when you’re ready to bake! [Pinterest Save Button/Link]

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