Imagine the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls mingling with the caramelized scent of bananas foster wafting through your kitchen. These Bananas Foster Cinnamon Rolls transform the classic New Orleans dessert into a decadent breakfast treat that’s sure to impress. The warm spices, gooey caramel, and sweet bananas create a symphony of flavors that elevate ordinary cinnamon rolls to something truly extraordinary.
Perfect for weekend brunches or special occasions, this recipe combines the comfort of homemade cinnamon rolls with the sophisticated flavors of bananas foster. The result is a delightfully indulgent pastry that balances sweetness with warm spices and the natural goodness of ripe bananas.
Why You’ll Love This
- Ready in just 45 minutes, making them perfect for weekend mornings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen
- Uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator
- The banana filling adds moisture and natural sweetness, resulting in incredibly tender rolls
- Impressive enough for guests but easy enough for a family breakfast treat
- Can be prepped the night before and baked in the morning for fresh-from-the-oven goodness
Ingredients
- 1 can Grand cinnamon rolls with icing
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup French vanilla coffee creamer
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ tablespoons pecan chips
- Store-bought caramel sauce
- 1-2 ripe bananas, sliced
- Icing packet from cinnamon roll can
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons French vanilla coffee creamer
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Grease a 9-inch round baking pan or pie dish with non-stick cooking spray or a thin layer of melted butter.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Open the can of cinnamon rolls, reserving the icing packet for later. Place the rolls in the greased baking pan, arranging them with a little space between each roll.
- Pour the French vanilla coffee creamer into the spaces between the cinnamon rolls. This will create a moist environment for baking and add flavor.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
- Pour about two-thirds of the cinnamon-butter mixture evenly over the cinnamon rolls, ensuring each roll gets coated.
- Arrange approximately 8 banana slices on top of and around the cinnamon rolls. Place them strategically so each serving will have some banana.
- Pour the remaining cinnamon-butter mixture over the bananas and cinnamon rolls, distributing it evenly.
- Sprinkle the pecan chips over the top of the rolls, focusing on areas with the butter mixture so they’ll stick.
- Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown.
- While the rolls are cooling slightly, make the enhanced icing. In a medium bowl, combine the reserved icing packet from the can with powdered sugar, French vanilla creamer, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Whisk until smooth.
- Once the cinnamon rolls have cooled for about 5 minutes but are still warm, pour the icing evenly over the top, allowing it to drizzle down the sides and between the rolls.
- Finish by drizzling store-bought caramel sauce over the iced cinnamon rolls.
- Serve immediately while still warm for the best taste and texture.
Tips & Variations
- For a homemade version, use your favorite cinnamon roll recipe instead of refrigerated dough
- Make it alcohol-free by substituting the rum with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup and 1/4 teaspoon of rum extract
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom to the banana mixture for an exotic twist
- For extra decadence, mix 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with the icing before drizzling
- Use slightly underripe bananas if you prefer them to hold their shape better during baking
- Try adding a handful of chocolate chips to the banana mixture for a chocolate-banana variation
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Bananas Foster Cinnamon Rolls warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an over-the-top dessert experience. For breakfast or brunch, pair them with fresh fruit and a strong cup of coffee to balance the sweetness.
These rolls also make a wonderful centerpiece for a special breakfast alongside savory options like a vegetable frittata or crispy bacon to create a balanced sweet and savory spread.
Notes
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before serving.
- The rolls are done when they’re golden brown on top and no longer doughy in the center.
- If the tops are browning too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the banana foster mixture and refrigerate it separately. Assemble and bake the next morning for fresh rolls.
Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?
While you can freeze them after baking, the banana texture may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, enjoy them fresh.
What if I don’t have dark rum?
You can substitute with bourbon, spiced rum, or simply omit the alcohol altogether for a family-friendly version.
Can I use brown bananas?
Very ripe bananas work beautifully in this recipe, adding more sweetness and banana flavor to the final dish.
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