Get ready to fall in love with the delightful marriage of two breakfast favorites in these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. Imagine ultra-soft, pillowy rolls infused with sweet mashed bananas, painted with a swirl of cinnamon-sugar, and crowned with silky cream cheese frosting. Each bite is irresistibly aromatic, bursting with cozy banana bread flavor and the gooey, comforting center we crave from classic cinnamon rolls. Whether you’re gathering family for a leisurely brunch or just want the kitchen to smell absolutely heavenly, Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the treat you didn’t know you needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of everyday ingredients can transform into the cloud-soft, cinnamon-swirled wonders that are Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. Let’s break down why each is crucial, so you can bake with confidence and a bit of kitchen magic!
- Mashed ripe bananas: Choose very speckled bananas for maximum sweetness and deep, authentic banana flavor in every fluffy bite.
- Warm milk (110°F): Perfectly activates the yeast, helping the dough rise to new heights of tenderness.
- Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and partners with the bananas to gently sweeten the dough.
- Active dry yeast: This gives the rolls their signature pillowy texture—make sure it foams so you know it’s lively!
- Unsalted butter (melted and softened): Adds that classic rich, buttery flavor to the dough and filling, and keeps the rolls ultra-moist.
- Large egg: Helps bind the dough and keep it tender.
- Salt: Just a touch balances the sweet elements and sharpens all the flavors.
- All-purpose flour: Start with 3 1/2 cups and add more as needed for a soft, slightly sticky dough that’s easy to shape.
- Packed brown sugar: Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the cinnamon swirl in the center of each roll.
- Ground cinnamon: The star of the show, infusing each roll with classic warmth and spice.
- Cream cheese: For the creamy, tangy frosting that pairs irresistibly with banana and cinnamon.
- Powdered sugar: Creates a silky, smooth frosting that spreads like a dream.
- Vanilla extract: Adds that cozy, bakery-style depth to the frosting.
- Milk (for frosting): Use just enough to get your desired spreadable consistency.
How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin your baking adventure by whisking together the warm milk, granulated sugar, and that ever-important packet of yeast in a large mixing bowl. Letting this sit for about 5–10 minutes helps the yeast bloom and go wonderfully frothy, ensuring your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls rise like champs.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add your mashed bananas, melted butter, egg, and salt into the foamy yeast mixture. Give everything a thorough stir—this is where the banana bread magic starts. Then, gradually add in the flour, starting with three and a half cups, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. It should be soft and slightly sticky, but not unmanageable.
Step 3: Knead and First Rise
Turn the dough onto a floured surface or keep things simple with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Knead for 6–8 minutes until it’s smooth, elastic, and springs back when poked. Tuck the dough into a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, until it’s doubled in size and puffed with potential.
Step 4: Roll and Fill
Punch down the dough to release some of that lovely air. Roll it into a rectangle, roughly 16 by 12 inches. Spread an even layer of softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon from edge to edge. This is the heart of every great Banana Bread Cinnamon Roll—the gooey, spiced core.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Roll up the dough tightly from the long side to create a gorgeous spiral, then slice into twelve generous rolls. Tuck them into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, cut-side up, and cover them for a second rise—about 30 to 45 minutes—until they’re puffy and ready for the oven.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes. Watch for that irresistible golden-brown top and a kitchen filled with the scent of bananas and cinnamon sugar. Try not to peek too often!
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are cooling slightly, whip up the frosting: beat softened cream cheese and butter until creamy, then blend in the powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk. Spread the frosting generously over the warm rolls so it melts into every swirl.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
Give your creation a flourish! Dust finished rolls with extra cinnamon, a handful of toasted chopped walnuts or pecans, or even banana slices for a little unexpected color and crunch. A pinch of nutmeg or a drizzle of caramel sauce can add a playful twist to their bakery-style charm.
Side Dishes
Serve up Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls alongside a big bowl of fresh fruit salad (think berries, oranges, and kiwi for a bright counterpoint), a creamy yogurt parfait, or a pile of crispy smoked bacon if you want something savory on the side. They also pair beautifully with rich espresso or an iced coffee.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your rolls in a circular pan for a “pull-apart bread” effect, or bake them in individual ramekins for personalized morning treats. For a festive brunch, set up a DIY cinnamon roll bar with different frostings (think maple or mocha) and sprinkle bowls so guests can customize their own Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls creation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container. They’ll keep fresh at room temp for about two days, or tuck them in the fridge for up to five days if you want to stretch out your indulgence.
Freezing
For long-term enjoyment, freeze unfrosted rolls individually or as a whole pan, tightly wrapped. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm before frosting for that just-baked experience.
Reheating
To recapture that oven-fresh softness, pop a roll in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or reheat in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10 minutes. If already frosted, cover loosely with foil to keep the topping from melting away.
FAQs
Can I make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! These rolls are just as easy to make by hand. Use a sturdy spoon for mixing and your hands for kneading on a floured surface. It might take an extra minute or two, but the results are just as heavenly.
What if my bananas aren’t super ripe?
For the best flavor, you want soft, heavily speckled bananas. If yours are underripe, pop them (unpeeled) in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes until the skins blacken. Cool before mashing to create the sweet, intense banana flavor these rolls love.
Can I add extras to the filling?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in a handful of mini chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or pecans before rolling up the dough. These extras give Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls extra flavor and wonderful texture.
Can I prepare them the night before?
Yes—assemble the rolls all the way up to the second rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them rest at room temperature for 45–60 minutes before baking for a fabulous, low-stress brunch treat.
What’s the best way to keep the rolls soft?
To preserve their tender, fluffy texture, avoid overbaking. Once done, cover cooled rolls tightly with plastic wrap or foil to lock in moisture, especially if you’re storing them for more than a day.
Final Thoughts
I wholeheartedly encourage you to gather those ripe bananas and treat yourself to a batch of Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. There’s something truly special about combining the flavors of your favorite banana bread with a swirled, gooey cinnamon roll—it’s comfort, nostalgia, and a dash of fun all in one bite. Happy baking!
Print
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including rise time)
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delightful Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a fusion of two beloved treats, combining the flavors of banana bread with the irresistible sweetness of cinnamon rolls. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat any time of day!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
Filling:
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Add bananas, melted butter, egg, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead and let rise.
- Rolling and Filling: Roll out dough, spread with butter, sprinkle cinnamon sugar, roll up, and slice into rolls.
- Baking: Arrange rolls in a baking dish, let rise, then bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes.
- Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter, add sugar, vanilla, and milk. Spread over warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- You can refrigerate the rolls overnight and let them rise before baking.
- Customize the filling with nuts or chocolate chips for variation.
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