If you’re searching for a cozy, comforting treat that blends the best of two beloved classics, you’re going to adore this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. Imagine the soft, tender crumb of banana bread intertwined with the swirls of fragrant cinnamon sugar, all topped off with luscious cream cheese frosting. It’s like your favorite morning indulgence had a warm, delicious lovechild that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime sweet craving. Trust me, once you try these rolls, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe truly shine are the simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to deliver incredible flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role, from the yeast that creates that fluffy dough to the ripe bananas that add natural sweetness and moisture.
- Active dry yeast: This magical ingredient helps the dough rise and gives the rolls their airy, soft texture.
- Warm milk: Used to activate the yeast and keep the dough tender.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough.
- Mashed ripe banana: Provides natural sweetness, moisture, and that unmistakable banana flavor in both dough and filling.
- Large egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
- Unsalted butter (melted and softened): Contributes to the softness and flavor of both dough and filling.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- All-purpose flour: Gives structure to the dough.
- Brown sugar: Used in the cinnamon filling for a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and fragrant spice to every bite.
- Cream cheese: Softened to create a dreamy frosting that melts wonderfully over warm rolls.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting while keeping it smooth and creamy.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a delicate, fragrant note to the frosting.
- Milk (optional): Adjusts the frosting consistency to perfection.
How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by dissolving the active dry yeast in warm milk with a tiny pinch of sugar. This is the moment you ignite the dough’s rise, so letting it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy means your yeast is happily alive and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Mix the Dough Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the mashed ripe bananas, granulated sugar, egg, melted butter, and salt for a beautifully moist and flavorful base. Stir in your bubbly yeast mixture, then gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms that’s ready for kneading.
Step 3: Knead and Rise the Dough
Turn your dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 6 to 8 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic under your hands. This kneading step is important to develop that classic cinnamon roll chew. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it up, and let it rest in a warm spot for about an hour until it doubles in size – this rise builds the airy texture you crave.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling and Shape Rolls
Once risen, punch the dough down gently and roll it out into a 9 by 14 inch rectangle. Mix the filling ingredients — mashed banana, brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter — until they form a luscious paste. Spread this evenly over the dough, then roll tightly from the long side to create those irresistible spirals. Slice the roll into 8 to 10 rolls and arrange them in a greased baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for another 30 to 45 minutes for that perfect fluff.
Step 5: Bake and Frost
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while your rolls finish their second rise. Bake them for 22 to 26 minutes until the tops are a gorgeous golden brown. As they bake, whip up the cream cheese frosting by beating together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk until silky smooth. Slather this glorious frosting over the warm rolls right after they come out of the oven – the warmth helps it melt in beautifully, finishing off the Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe in the most delicious way.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe presentation, sprinkle a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans over the cream cheese frosting for a satisfying crunch. For a fresh burst, you might add thinly sliced bananas or a light dusting of cinnamon as a finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning pick-me-up. If you want to make it into a fuller brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait to balance the richness of the rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these cinnamon rolls in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a charming rustic look. You can also drizzle some caramel sauce or maple syrup on top for extra indulgence. If you’re hosting, pile the rolls on a beautiful platter and let everyone help themselves to this spectacular Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe treats should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness. Make sure they are cooled completely before sealing to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to save your rolls for later, you can freeze them either before or after baking. Wrap the unbaked roll slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or freeze fully baked and frosted rolls in an airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To enjoy your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe like they’re freshly baked, microwave individual rolls for 15 to 20 seconds or warm them in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 to 10 minutes. This simple step revives that soft, gooey texture that makes these rolls so craveable.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Ripe bananas are key for the best flavor and texture.
Is it possible to make these rolls without cream cheese frosting?
Yes! You can switch the cream cheese frosting for a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk or a drizzle of honey if you prefer a lighter finish.
How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?
Look for a golden brown color on top and a slightly firm texture. You can also gently tap the center roll; it should feel springy and not doughy.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the filling?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips make wonderful additions to the filling, adding texture and extra flavor.
Do I need a stand mixer to make the dough?
Not at all. While a stand mixer can make kneading easier, this recipe works perfectly well with hand mixing and kneading on a floured surface.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is truly one of those crowd-pleasing treats that feels like a warm hug in carb form. It combines familiar flavors with a fresh twist to create something special that’s sure to brighten your morning or sweeten your afternoon. I hope you give these rolls a try — they’re just waiting to bring a little joy and comfort straight to your kitchen table.
Print
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 rolls
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the soft, moist texture of banana bread with the classic swirl of cinnamon rolls. Perfectly tender dough is filled with a sweet cinnamon and banana mixture, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. Ideal for a comforting breakfast or brunch treat.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup mashed ripe banana
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed banana, granulated sugar, egg, melted butter, and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and stir well. Gradually add flour, starting with 2 cups, mixing until a soft dough forms. Adjust with additional flour if necessary.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, ensuring proper gluten development.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mix mashed banana, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter until well combined.
- Shape Rolls: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 9×14 inch rectangle. Spread the banana-cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
- Form Rolls: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 8 to 10 equal rolls and place them in a greased 9-inch round or square baking dish, cut side up.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls finish their rise.
- Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls for 22 to 26 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Frosting: While the rolls are baking, beat together softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. Adjust milk to achieve desired frosting consistency.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls once they come out of the oven. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- These rolls are best enjoyed warm and fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Add chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the filling for extra richness and texture.
- Reheat leftovers briefly in the microwave to restore a soft, gooey texture.
