Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you adore the comforting sweetness of banana bread and the gooey, spiced allure of cinnamon rolls, then you are in for a treat with this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. This delightful mashup combines the best of both worlds, delivering soft, tender rolls infused with ripe banana flavor and swirled with cinnamon and brown sugar, finished with a luscious cream cheese icing. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack, these rolls will become an instant favorite that feels like a warm hug in pastry form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all it takes to whip up this heartwarming dish. Each component plays a crucial role, from the ripe bananas adding natural sweetness and moisture, to the warm milk that activates the yeast ensuring a soft, fluffy texture.

• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas: Choose bananas that are very ripe for maximum sweetness and flavor.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances the natural sugars in the bananas and gives the dough a gentle sweetness.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and keeps the dough tender.
• 1/2 cup milk, warmed to about 110°F: The perfect temperature to activate the yeast without killing it.
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast: The key to those wonderfully soft and risen rolls.
• 2 large eggs: Provide structure and help enrich the dough.
• 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting: The foundation of the dough, giving it body and chew.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: For the cinnamon sugar filling, creating that luscious gooey center.
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Gives the filling a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The warm spice that defines the filling’s irresistible flavor.
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Base of the icing that adds tangy richness.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Combines with cream cheese to create smooth, shiny frosting.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the icing perfectly.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant, sweet aroma to the frosting.

How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by waking up the yeast with warm milk mixed with just a pinch of sugar. Let it sit until it becomes foamy and bubbly — this signals the yeast is alive and ready to give your rolls that amazing rise and fluffiness.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, mix your mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, and eggs until everything is smooth and combined. This mixture forms the flavorful base that makes these rolls differ from your typical cinnamon roll dough.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients and Flour

Add your activated yeast mix into the banana mixture, then gradually stir in the flour and salt. You’ll want to keep stirring until a soft dough forms, just wet enough to be easy to knead but not sticky.

Step 4: Knead and Let Rise

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Coat a bowl with oil, place the dough inside, cover it, and let it rest in a warm spot until doubled in size — this usually takes about 1 to 2 hours.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

While your dough is rising, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon into a smooth paste. This cinnamon sugar filling is the heart of gooey deliciousness inside every roll.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

After the dough has doubled, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Getting this right ensures your rolls will have those beautiful spirals bursting with filling.

Step 7: Spread Filling and Roll Up

Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border on the edges so the filling doesn’t leak. Starting from one long side, roll the dough into a tight log for those perfect swirls.

Step 8: Slice and Arrange

Cut the rolled log into 12 even slices, then place them spaced out in a greased baking dish. This spacing helps them puff up and bake evenly without sticking too much.

Step 9: Second Rise

Cover the rolls and let them rise again in a warm spot for 30 to 45 minutes, until puffy and nearly doubled in size. This step is essential for soft, fluffy rolls with that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 10: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown on top and fully cooked through. Your kitchen will fill with a hypnotizing aroma that will have everyone eagerly awaiting.

Step 11: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

While the rolls bake, whip together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This luscious frosting adds the perfect tangy sweetness on top.

Step 12: Ice and Serve

Once out of the oven, allow the rolls to cool slightly, then generously spread the cream cheese icing while they are still warm so it melts into all those nooks and crannies. Serve immediately for the most heavenly experience.

How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the icing for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft rolls. A dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey can add an extra special touch too.

Side Dishes

These cinnamon rolls pair wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad or a simple bowl of yogurt topped with berries to balance their sweetness and add a refreshing contrast for a well-rounded bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these rolls in a rustic wooden tray lined with parchment paper for a cozy brunch vibe, or arrange them in a circle on a large platter for a stunning centerpiece. You can even drizzle extra icing in a zigzag pattern for visual appeal that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover banana bread cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will stay moist and delicious for up to two days. For best texture, store them with a piece of bread or a damp paper towel to maintain softness.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen rolls can be stored for up to 3 months, making it easy to enjoy this treat anytime you want.

Reheating

To reheat, unwrap the rolls and warm them in a microwave for about 20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. Add a little extra cream cheese frosting if desired and enjoy them warm, as if freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen bananas work perfectly for this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing to avoid soggy dough.

Do I have to use active dry yeast?

Active dry yeast is recommended because it creates the best rise and texture, but instant yeast can be used if you adjust the method slightly. Just mix it directly with the flour instead of activating it separately.

Can I make the dough in a stand mixer?

Yes, using a stand mixer with a dough hook can make kneading easier and less messy. Mix on medium speed until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 5 to 7 minutes.

How ripe should the bananas be?

For the best flavor and natural sweetness, use bananas that are very ripe with plenty of brown spots. Avoid overly blackened bananas as they may be too mushy and watery.

Can I substitute whole wheat flour?

You can swap up to half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour, but keep in mind the rolls may be denser and less fluffy. Adjust liquid if the dough feels too dry.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a total game changer — a perfect blend of nostalgia and new favorite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a quiet morning at home, these rolls bring comfort, joy, and a bit of magic to your kitchen. Don’t wait to try making them yourself; your taste buds will thank you!

Print