If banana bread and cinnamon rolls had a delicious baby, this would be it—Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the best of both worlds: the moist, sweet flavor of ripe bananas with the gooey cinnamon-sugar swirls of classic rolls.
These soft and fluffy rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat. The banana in the dough adds moisture and depth of flavor, while the creamy frosting on top takes them over the top. They’re easy to make, even for beginners, and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy one warm from the oven.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- ¾ cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
- ¼ cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
For the Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (to thin, if needed)
Preparation:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, mix the warm milk, a pinch of sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to rise.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Stir in the yeast mixture.
- Add flour gradually, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 3: Knead and Rise
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a 14×9 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
Step 5: Add the Filling
- Spread softened butter over the dough. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the butter.
Step 6: Roll and Slice
- Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Slice into 9–12 rolls, depending on your size preference.
Step 7: Second Rise
- Place rolls in a greased 9×13 baking dish or round cake pans. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Step 8: Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 9: Make the Frosting
- While rolls bake, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until creamy and spreadable.
Step 10: Frost and Serve
- Spread the frosting over warm rolls and serve immediately for maximum gooeyness!
Variation:
- Chocolate chip version: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips in the filling.
- Nutty rolls: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar layer.
- Maple glaze: Swap vanilla in the frosting for maple extract.
- No yeast version: Use baking powder biscuit dough if you’re short on time (different texture, but still tasty).
COOKING Note:
If you want to prep ahead, assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight after step 7. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise for 30–45 minutes before baking.
Serving Suggestions:
- Weekend brunch: Pair with coffee or tea.
- Holiday mornings: Great for Thanksgiving or Christmas breakfast.
- Dessert treat: Serve warm with extra frosting or ice cream.
- Gift idea: Wrap in parchment and ribbon for homemade food gifts.
Tips:
- Use ripe, spotty bananas for the best sweetness and moisture.
- Don’t over-flour the dough—too much makes rolls dense.
- Let rolls rise in a warm, draft-free place for best results.
- For super soft rolls, brush with milk or butter before baking.
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Rise Time: 1½ hours (2 rises)
- Baking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: ~2 hours 20 minutes
🍽️ Nutritional Information (per roll, approx. 12 rolls):
- Calories: ~290
- Protein: ~4g
- Carbohydrates: ~38g
- Fat: ~12g
- Sugar: ~18g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sodium: ~180mg
Values are approximate and may vary with toppings or variations.
❓FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
- Yes! Assemble, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let rise and come to room temperature before baking.
Can I freeze banana cinnamon rolls?
- Yes. Freeze unfrosted baked rolls. Reheat and frost before serving.
Can I make them dairy-free?
- Yes—use plant-based butter and dairy-free milk. Use a vegan cream cheese alternative for the frosting.
Why are my rolls not fluffy?
- The dough may have been over-floured or under-risen. Make sure your yeast is fresh and your environment warm for proofing.
Can I use instant yeast?
- Yes. You can mix it directly into the flour and skip proofing, but letting it bloom helps guarantee success.
Conclusion:
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate comfort bake—soft, sweet, and packed with warm banana-cinnamon flavor. They bring a unique twist to traditional cinnamon rolls, and once you try them, they’ll become a regular in your rotation.
Whether for brunch, holidays, or a sweet treat, these rolls are guaranteed to make your kitchen smell amazing and your heart happy