If you are anything like me and love the cozy, comforting flavors of breakfast classics, then this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe will quickly become your new obsession. Combining the tender, fruity warmth of banana bread with the gooey, spiced magic of cinnamon rolls, these sweet treats bring the best of both worlds to your kitchen. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or any time you crave something wonderfully indulgent, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into soft, aromatic rolls topped with luscious cream cheese icing. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be baking them again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, everyday ingredients is all it takes to create this delicious Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. Each ingredient plays a key role—from the ripe bananas that add natural sweetness and moisture, to the warm cinnamon-sugar mixture which creates that classic swirling flavor, everything works together for the perfect balance of taste and texture.
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: This forms the soft and fluffy base for the dough, providing structure to the rolls.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough without overpowering.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast: Essential for the dough’s rise and airy texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F): Activates the yeast and helps create a tender dough.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
- 1 mashed ripe banana: Gives natural sweetness, flavor depth, and keeps the rolls moist.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds tenderness.
- ½ cup light brown sugar: Infuses the filling with caramel-like sweetness and moisture.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Brings that classic cinnamon roll warmth and spice.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Creates a rich base for the filling to stick to the dough.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Provides the tangy creaminess of the icing.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Adds smoothness and richness to the icing.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the icing for a perfect glaze.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the icing with a comforting aroma and flavor.
- 1–2 tablespoons milk: Adjusts icing consistency to your liking.
How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Rise the Dough
Start by mixing 1 cup of the flour with sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Warm milk at about 110°F will gently awaken the yeast, so it bubbles to life and helps the dough rise perfectly. Stir in melted butter, the mashed banana, and the egg until the mixture is smooth. Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until you have a soft dough that is slightly sticky but manageable. Knead on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer with a dough hook, let it do the hard work for you! Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a cozy warm spot for about an hour until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Filling and Shape Rolls
While your dough is rising, blend the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl to create that irresistible filling. Once your dough is ready and doubled, roll it out gently on a floured surface into a 14×9-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly across the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously on top. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge, making a beautiful spiral. Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into 9 even cinnamon rolls. Transfer them into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, cover once more, and let them puff up again for another 30 to 45 minutes until wonderfully puffy and soft.
Step 3: Bake and Prepare the Icing
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pop the cinnamon rolls in and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, just until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown. While they’re baking, whip together the icing by beating cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add milk, a tablespoon at a time, to get your perfect spreading consistency. As soon as the rolls come out, spread the luscious icing generously over each warm cinnamon roll, letting it melt and drizzle deliciously into every swirl and crevice.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
You can elevate your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls by adding a few simple garnishes that bring beauty and extra flavor. Dust a little powdered sugar on top for a delicate snowy effect, or sprinkle chopped toasted walnuts to add a satisfying crunch. If you love bananas, thin slices lightly caramelized in a bit of brown sugar make a stunning and tasty addition right on top of the icing.
Side Dishes
These rolls shine on their own but pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness. For brunch, serve alongside fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to add brightness. A dollop of Greek yogurt on the side can also offer a creamy tang that complements the richness of the rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, stack the rolls on a pretty plate or arrange them in a spiral on a cake stand for visual drama. You can also serve each with small pots of extra cream cheese icing or honey for dipping. If you’re taking them to a party, wrap individual rolls in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a charming edible gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls stay soft and flavorful for up to two days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Just keep them away from direct sunlight or heat to maintain their freshness.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these treats later, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
To warm up leftover rolls, simply microwave them for about 20 seconds or heat gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. Adding a tiny drizzle of milk before reheating will help maintain their softness. Don’t forget to add a fresh layer of icing to revive their creamy goodness!
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and fully mash frozen bananas before mixing them into the dough. Overripe frozen bananas actually work perfectly since they’re extra soft and sweet.
What is the best type of flour for these cinnamon rolls?
All-purpose flour is ideal because it offers a perfect balance of protein content to create tender, fluffy rolls with enough structure to hold their shape.
Can I substitute the cream cheese icing with something else?
Yes! If you prefer, a simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract works great and keeps the rolls just as delicious.
How ripe should the banana be for the best flavor?
Use bananas that have brown spots or are fully brown for maximum sweetness and flavor infusion. The riper, the better!
Can I make these rolls vegan?
With a few swaps—like using plant-based milk, vegan butter, and an egg substitute—you can enjoy a vegan version, though the texture might vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
I’m so excited for you to try this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe because it truly combines two beloved classics into one show-stopping treat. The sweet banana flavor paired with warm cinnamon and creamy icing is pure comfort in every bite. Whether for a special brunch or a weekend indulgence, these rolls are sure to bring smiles and happy moments to your table. Grab your ingredients, get baking, and prepare to fall in love all over again with this delightful creation.
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Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls that combine the classic comfort of banana bread with the sweet, spicy twist of cinnamon rolls. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these rolls feature a soft, banana-infused dough filled with cinnamon sugar and topped with rich cream cheese icing.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 mashed ripe banana
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
For the Icing:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, mashed banana, and egg. Mix until smooth. Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix together the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the filling.
- Shape the rolls: After the dough has risen, roll it out into a 14×9-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Roll the dough tightly from the long side and cut into 9 even rolls.
- Second rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Cover and let the rolls rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
- Prepare the icing: While the rolls are baking, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add milk a little at a time to achieve the desired consistency.
- Finish: Spread the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls and serve immediately for a delicious treat.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- For more banana flavor, add a few banana slices to the filling before rolling.
- You can prepare the rolls the night before and bake them fresh in the morning for convenience.
