Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
If you love the cozy comfort of traditional cinnamon rolls and the sweet, tender flavor of banana bread, get ready to fall head over heels for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. This recipe marries the best of both worlds by infusing a soft cinnamon roll dough with mashed bananas, creating a uniquely moist, fluffy, and flavorful treat that feels warm and luscious with every bite. Whether you’re craving a weekend brunch centerpiece or a divine afternoon pick-me-up, these rolls deliver a perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and creamy icing that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls is a joy because each component is simple yet plays a crucial role in building the flavor, texture, and aroma that make these rolls so special. From the ripe bananas that add natural sweetness to the creamy blend of cinnamon and brown sugar filling, every item enhances your final creation.
- Warm milk: Activates the yeast and ensures a tender, airy dough.
- Active dry yeast: The magic behind the fluffy rise of the rolls.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the banana’s natural sweetness and helps yeast activation.
- Melted unsalted butter: Adds richness and softness to the dough.
- Large eggs: Bind and enrich the dough giving structure and moisture.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that forms the dough’s texture.
- Mashed banana: Delivers moistness, flavor, and that signature banana bread taste.
- Softened unsalted butter (for filling): Creates a luscious, spreadable base for cinnamon sugar.
- Brown sugar: Deep, caramel sweetness essential for the cinnamon filling.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings that warm, spicy aroma we all adore in cinnamon rolls.
- Chopped walnuts (optional): Adds delightful crunch and nutty contrast.
- Cream cheese, softened: For the irresistibly creamy frosting topping.
- Softened unsalted butter (for icing): Adds silkiness and richness to the frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese icing perfectly.
- Vanilla extract: Lends a subtle fragrance that enhances the frosting’s flavor.
How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing warm milk with active dry yeast and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy — this signals that your yeast is alive and ready to give your rolls their wonderful rise and light texture.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
To the bubbly yeast mixture, add melted unsalted butter, eggs, salt, and the all-important mashed bananas. Stir everything together until perfectly blended, creating a rich and fragrant wet base for your dough.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Gradually introduce the all-purpose flour, mixing until the dough begins to form. Then knead on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes to develop elasticity. This step might take some effort, but it’s essential to get that soft and chewy texture we’re aiming for.
Step 4: First Rise
Transfer your dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and place in a warm spot. Let it rise for approximately 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. This is where the magic happens and your dough gains volume and that irresistible fluffiness.
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
Meanwhile, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a bowl until evenly combined. This luscious mixture will become the gooey heart of your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls, infusing every bite with warm spice and sweet caramel notes.
Step 6: Roll Out the Dough
Once risen, roll the dough out on a floured surface into a large 20×14-inch rectangle. Spread your cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough, and if you like a bit of texture, sprinkle chopped walnuts on top for a delightful crunch.
Step 7: Shape and Cut the Rolls
Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long side, creating a long log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 even rolls and place them into a greased baking dish, spaced out just enough for one more rise.
Step 8: Second Rise and Bake
Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30 minutes. While they’re puffing up, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once risen, bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, signaling they’re ready to be enjoyed.
Step 9: Prepare the Icing and Finish
While the rolls are baking, whip up the cream cheese icing by beating together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread this heavenly frosting over the warm rolls straight from the oven, letting it melt into every crevice.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
For a finishing touch that truly wows, try sprinkling some extra chopped walnuts or a light dusting of cinnamon over the icing. Toasted coconut flakes or even a drizzle of maple syrup can add a delightful twist to your presentation, making them all the more irresistible.
Side Dishes
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls pair beautifully with fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples, which provide a refreshing contrast to the rolls’ rich sweetness. A steaming cup of coffee, chai, or hot chocolate completes the experience, turning your snack or breakfast into a cozy ritual.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun brunch or gathering, serve these rolls on a wooden board with small bowls of additional frosting, nuts, or fresh fruit. You can even slice them and layer between two plates as a sandwich-style treat for an unexpected look that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For extended freshness, store them in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped, where they’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to a week.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these rolls later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled rolls in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm slightly before serving to revive their soft texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave an individual roll for about 20-30 seconds or warm them gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. Adding a light covering of foil in the oven helps keep them moist and prevents drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using frozen bananas works perfectly once they are thawed and mashed. They actually tend to be sweeter and softer, making the dough extra moist and flavorful.
Do I have to use cream cheese in the frosting?
The cream cheese frosting is what gives these rolls that luscious, tangy sweetness, but you can substitute with a simple powdered sugar glaze if you prefer a lighter topping.
Can I skip the nuts for allergies?
Yes, the walnuts are optional and can be omitted without compromising the overall deliciousness of the Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls.
What if my dough doesn’t rise properly?
If the dough isn’t rising, your yeast might be inactive. Make sure your milk is warm but not hot, and your yeast is fresh. Sometimes a longer rise in a slightly warmer place helps encourage better activity.
Is it okay to double this recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! Doubling the recipe is straightforward. Just be sure to use a larger mixing bowl and baking dish, and give yourself extra time for the dough to rise properly.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve made these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for plain cinnamon rolls before. They’re soft, sweet, cozy, and bursting with flavor — a truly special treat to enjoy with loved ones or savor all by yourself. Give this recipe a try and get ready to add a new favorite to your baking repertoire. Happy baking!
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Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the sweet, comforting flavors of banana bread with the classic, gooey cinnamon roll experience. Soft, fluffy rolls filled with a cinnamon-sugar-walnut mixture and topped with a rich cream cheese glaze make for an irresistible treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup mashed banana (about 2–3 medium bananas)
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Icing
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk with the active dry yeast and granulated sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: To the yeast mixture, add the melted butter, eggs, salt, and mashed banana. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, stirring until the dough starts to come together. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined. Optionally, chop walnuts can be added for extra texture and flavor.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the risen dough into a 20×14-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough, then sprinkle chopped walnuts on top if using.
- Shape the Rolls: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 even rolls and place them spaced slightly apart in a greased baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the Rolls: Bake the cinnamon rolls in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top.
- Prepare the Icing: While the rolls are baking, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Finish and Serve: Once the rolls are done baking and still warm, spread the cream cheese icing generously over the top. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use bananas that are ripe with brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- If you prefer nut-free rolls, simply omit the walnuts without compromising taste.
- Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Ensure the dough is kneaded well for fluffy and soft rolls.
- These rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- To reheat, warm in the oven at 300°F (149°C) for 5-10 minutes or microwave briefly until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking, Rising, Kneading
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: banana bread cinnamon rolls, banana cinnamon rolls, sweet breakfast rolls, cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing, banana bread recipe, baked breakfast treats
