Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a cozy breakfast treat that combines the comfort of banana bread with the swirly sweetness of cinnamon rolls, Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are about to become your new favorite guilty pleasure. This recipe brings together the best of both worlds—ultra-soft, banana-infused dough, a ribbon of buttery cinnamon sugar, and a luscious cream cheese glaze. Every bite will remind you of family brunches, lazy weekends, or those afternoons where you just want to treat yourself. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to homemade rolls, you’ll fall in love with this irresistible mashup!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls lies in its gloriously simple ingredient list. Each component works in harmony, transforming modest pantry staples into pillowy, melt-in-your-mouth rolls with a depth of flavor that only ripe bananas and brown sugar can deliver.

• Ripe Bananas: Use very speckled bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor in the dough.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the perfect texture that’s both soft and sturdy enough to hold the filling.
• Active Dry Yeast: Gives the rolls their signature fluffy rise—double-check your yeast’s expiration for perfect results.
• Whole Milk: Adds richness and a tender crumb; use room temperature milk to activate the yeast more efficiently.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps activate the yeast.
• Brown Sugar: Essential for that gooey, caramel-like cinnamon swirl inside.
• Unsalted Butter: Brings richness to both dough and filling—let it soften for easy mixing.
• Egg: Binds the dough and adds necessary moisture and tenderness.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star of the swirl—don’t be shy with it for big flavor.
• Salt: Balances out all the sweetness and boosts the flavors.
• Cream Cheese: Base of that dreamy glaze; make sure it’s softened for smooth spreading.
• Powdered Sugar: Ensures a silky, pourable glaze for finishing touch.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor with a warm, fragrant note in the glaze and dough.

How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Make the Banana Dough

Start by mashing your ripe bananas until smooth. In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, warm milk, melted butter, granulated sugar, and yeast. Let this mixture sit for about five minutes—you’ll notice the yeast activate and become foamy, ensuring a light and airy dough. Next, mix in the egg, salt, and vanilla extract, followed by the flour. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then knead for about 8 to 10 minutes, either by hand or with a mixer fitted with a dough hook, until smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for one hour in a warm spot. You’re looking for the dough to double in size, getting beautifully puffy and soft—the perfect foundation for your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls!

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Filling

While your dough is rising, mix together your softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until you have a thick, sandy paste. This will spread easily and ensures every bite of the roll is packed with that classic sweet-spiced swirl that defines a truly great cinnamon roll.

Step 4: Roll, Fill, and Slice

After the first rise, punch down the dough and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle that’s roughly 12×18 inches—no need to be exact, just get it nice and even. Spread the cinnamon filling all over, going right to the edges. Roll up tightly from the longer side, then slice into 12 equal pieces. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, swirl side up, leaving just a touch of room between each so they can puff up during the next rise.

Step 5: Second Rise and Bake

Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise again, this time for about 30 to 40 minutes, until noticeably puffier and nearly doubled. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through—your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

While the rolls cool just slightly, whip together your cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract for the glaze. Slather it generously over the warm rolls and let it melt into every crevice. Now, dig in while they’re still a little gooey in the center for the ultimate experience!

How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

For a stunning final flourish, sprinkle the rolls with chopped toasted walnuts or pecans, a few banana slices, or even a dusting of cinnamon. You could also drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the top for extra decadence—these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are an open canvas for creativity!

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with crispy bacon, fluffy scrambled eggs, or a fruit salad for a balanced brunch spread. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or spiced chai on the side brings out the flavors and turns any morning into a special occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the rolls stacked high on a rustic cake stand for a centerpiece-worthy breakfast, or nestle them in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. You can even tuck a warm Banana Bread Cinnamon Roll into a brunch box with fresh berries for the sweetest take-home treat after a gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls will keep best if stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you’re planning to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge to maintain freshness—though they rarely last that long once people know they’re around!

Freezing

To freeze, let the rolls cool completely after baking and before glazing. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or use a freezer-safe container. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm and glaze as usual.

Reheating

For that just-baked magic, gently reheat Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls in the microwave for about 20 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. Add a bit of extra glaze if desired after warming, and they’ll taste as good as fresh.

FAQs

Can I make these rolls the night before?

Absolutely! After slicing and placing the rolls in the baking dish, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, set them at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed for fresh Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls at brunch time.

What can I use if I don’t have cream cheese for the glaze?

If cream cheese is unavailable, try making a vanilla glaze by mixing powdered sugar with milk and a splash of vanilla extract. It’s a bit lighter but still pairs deliciously with the banana and cinnamon flavors.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Definitely! Feel free to sprinkle chopped walnuts, pecans, or mini chocolate chips over the cinnamon-sugar layer before rolling up the dough. These additions give the Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls extra crunch or a surprise burst of sweetness.

Are there any tricks for ensuring a super-fluffy dough?

Make sure your yeast is active and your liquids are at the right temperature—just warm, not hot. Also, allow the dough to rise in a draft-free spot for the full times suggested in the recipe. Patient rising time means extra-fluffy rolls every single time.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Swapping in dairy-free milk, vegan butter, and an egg substitute (like flax egg), plus a vegan cream cheese for the glaze, makes these rolls plant-based without sacrificing the incredible flavor and texture that makes Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls so irresistible.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably joyful about pulling a warm pan of Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls out of the oven, knowing you’re about to enjoy a mashup of two classic favorites. Don’t be surprised when these rolls become a most-requested recipe for family breakfasts or casual get-togethers—give them a try and share the comfort and happiness with everyone you love!

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