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

Scale

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