Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
If you adore the comforting flavors of banana bread and the irresistible swirl of cinnamon rolls, then you are in for a treat with this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. This delightful creation fuses the moist, tender texture of banana bread with the classic soft, gooey cinnamon roll, all crowned with a luscious cream cheese icing. Every bite bursts with warm spices and rich banana flavor, making it a perfect breakfast or anytime indulgence that feels like a hug on a plate. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple for your weekend mornings or a special occasion centerpiece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the length of this recipe—the ingredients are straightforward but essential for achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture in your banana bread cinnamon rolls. Each item plays its part, from the ripe bananas adding natural sweetness and moisture, to the yeast creating that delightful fluffiness.
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas: Overripe bananas bring sweetness and moisture that elevate the dough’s flavor and softness.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast: This is the magic ingredient that makes your rolls wonderfully light and airy.
- ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F): Feeds the yeast and helps create the tender dough.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough without overwhelming the banana flavor.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): Gives richness and a tender crumb to the rolls.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and contributes to a rich texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 3 to 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure to the rolls, with just the right chew.
- For the filling – ½ cup brown sugar: Deepens caramel notes inside those sweet swirls.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Brings that signature warm spice essential for cinnamon rolls.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened): Spreads easily, adding richness and helping the filling stick.
- For the cream cheese icing – 4 ounces cream cheese (softened): Offers tangy creaminess to balance the sweet rolls.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened): Adds silkiness and body to the frosting.
- ¾ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the icing to perfection.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the icing’s flavor with a lovely aroma.
- 1–2 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the icing to the ideal consistency for spreading.
How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Prepare the Dough
Start by whisking your warm milk together with the active dry yeast in a small bowl and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it’s foamy and bubbly—this tells you the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine your mashed ripe bananas with melted butter, sugar, egg, and salt. Once your yeast mixture is ready, stir it into your banana mixture. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until you form a soft dough. The dough will be slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 2: Knead and Let Rise
Turn your dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 6 to 8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic—this step helps develop the gluten, giving your rolls that perfect chewy texture. Once kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about one hour, or until it has doubled in size. Watching it puff up like that is always so satisfying.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling and Shape the Rolls
While your dough is rising, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl for the filling. When the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a large 16 by 12-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Roll the dough tightly from a long edge, creating a beautiful spiral filled with cinnamon and sugar. Slice your log into 12 even rolls for perfectly sized portions.
Step 4: Second Rise and Bake
Place the rolls snugly but not overcrowded into a greased 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Cover the pan with a towel and let the rolls rise again for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F while they puff up. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and irresistibly inviting. The smell wafting through your kitchen during this time is enough to tempt anyone!
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Icing and Finish
As the rolls bake, combine your softened cream cheese and butter with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk until smooth and fluffy. Once the rolls are fresh from the oven and still warm, generously spread the cream cheese icing all over them so it melts into every crevice. This finishing touch adds a luscious, tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the banana and cinnamon flavors.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
While the classic cream cheese icing is a star on its own, you can elevate presentation by sprinkling a few chopped toasted walnuts or pecans on top for a delightful crunch and nutty aroma. Fresh banana slices or a light dusting of cinnamon can also add visual appeal and hint at the flavors inside.
Side Dishes
Pair these rolls with a cup of steaming coffee or chai tea for a cozy breakfast or brunch. A side of fresh fruit salad offers a refreshing contrast to the rich sweetness of the rolls, balancing your plate with bright, juicy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming brunch spread, serve the Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe in a pretty ceramic dish with a cloth napkin lining to keep them warm. Alternatively, plate a single roll with a drizzle of honey and a dollop of whipped cream for a fancy dessert presentation that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh without drying out. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, but bring them to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.
Freezing
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months and thawed overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. If frozen, allow thawing first, then reheat to bring back that soft, gooey texture. Refresh the cream cheese icing by adding a little fresh spread or a quick drizzle of honey.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for the Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe because they provide maximum sweetness and moisture, making the rolls extra tender and flavorful.
Is it necessary to use active dry yeast?
Yes, active dry yeast is key here because it helps the dough rise, giving you those light and fluffy cinnamon rolls with a soft crumb. Instant yeast might work as well, but the rise times may vary.
Can I make the rolls ahead of time?
Definitely. You can shape the rolls, place them in the pan, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them sit out for about 30 minutes before baking to come to room temperature and rise slightly again. This makes morning prep much easier!
What if I don’t have cream cheese for the icing?
You can substitute with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract if you prefer. While it won’t have the same tangy creaminess, it’s still delicious and sweet.
Can these rolls be made gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, try using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend designed for yeast breads. Keep in mind textures may vary slightly, but the flavor will still be amazing.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe perfectly marries the best of two beloved classics — the cozy sweetness of banana bread and the melt-in-your-mouth indulgence of cinnamon rolls. It’s a delightful treat that’s surprisingly approachable to make and guaranteed to bring smiles around your table. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the comforting, fragrant experience of baking these homemade bundles of joy. Your friends and family will be asking for seconds before you know it!
Print
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the sweet, moist flavor of ripe bananas with the classic cinnamon swirl of breakfast rolls. Soft yeast dough enriched with mashed bananas is rolled with a cinnamon-sugar filling, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a luscious cream cheese icing. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch treat, these rolls offer a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls with the comforting taste of banana bread.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 to 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Filling
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
Cream Cheese Icing
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed ripe bananas, melted butter, granulated sugar, egg, and salt. Stir in the foamy yeast mixture until fully incorporated. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms that is no longer sticky.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 6–8 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly springy. This process develops the gluten structure necessary for a soft, fluffy roll.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. This fermentation allows the dough to develop flavor and volume.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside. Also, ensure the butter for spreading is softened for easy application.
- Shape the Rolls: After the dough has doubled, roll it out on a floured surface into a 16 by 12-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough’s surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log and cut it into 12 even slices using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Second Rise: Place the individual rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spaced close but not overcrowded. Cover the pan and allow the rolls to rise for another 30 minutes until puffed.
- Preheat Oven and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the risen rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing: While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until the icing is smooth and spreadable. Adjust milk quantity to achieve desired consistency.
- Ice and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Spread the cream cheese icing generously over the warm rolls while they are still warm to let the icing melt slightly into the rolls. Serve and enjoy your banana bread cinnamon rolls fresh.
Notes
- For best flavor and moisture, use overripe bananas that are heavily spotted or starting to brown.
- These cinnamon rolls can be prepared the night before: after shaping and placing the rolls in the pan, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Before baking, let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Make sure the milk used for the yeast mixture is warm but not hot, around 110°F, to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Kneading the dough well ensures a better texture with fluffy and tender rolls.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
