Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you think regular cinnamon rolls can’t get any better, wait till you try these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls! Imagine a swirl of tender, fluffy dough enriched with mashed bananas, a lavish layer of buttery cinnamon sugar, and a drizzle of cream cheese icing melting into every crevice. Each bite is like the best banana bread and classic cinnamon roll had a deliciously indulgent baby—perfect for lazy weekends, holiday mornings, or whenever you want to spoil yourself (or someone lucky) with a special treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls lies in simple, everyday ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the sweet, ripe bananas that make the dough extra soft to the warming cinnamon swirl and luscious cream cheese icing, every component adds its own irresistible touch.

• Warm milk: Activates the yeast and makes the dough deliciously tender.
• Active dry yeast: The key to those beautiful, pillow-soft rolls that rise high.
• Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds sweetness to the dough.
• Melted unsalted butter: Brings richness and helps the dough stay soft; use extra for the filling and icing!
• Large eggs: Help bind the dough and add structure (room temperature is best for even mixing).
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• All-purpose flour: Gives the rolls their structure; spoon and level for the best texture.
• Mashed banana: The star ingredient for classic banana bread flavor and a super-moist crumb.
• Softened unsalted butter: Essential for the gooey cinnamon filling—spreadable but not melted.
• Brown sugar: Gives the filling its caramel-like depth and stickiness.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth, spice, and that unmistakable cinnamon roll aroma.
• Chopped walnuts (optional): For crunch and a nutty contrast—totally up to you!
• Cream cheese: The tangy backbone for ultra-creamy icing.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the icing so it’s perfectly spreadable.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a hint of fragrant sweetness to the frosting.

How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Getting the perfect rise starts with activating your yeast. In a large bowl, combine warm milk with active dry yeast and granulated sugar. Let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes; you’ll see a foamy layer forming on top, which means the yeast is awake and ready to work its magic. This simple step is crucial for those beautifully puffed Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

Once your yeast is bubbling, whisk in the melted butter, eggs, salt, and mashed banana. The banana not only adds flavor but also moisture, making the rolls uniquely tender and a little denser (in a good, banana bread sort of way) compared to traditional cinnamon rolls. Mix everything together until you have a homogenous, golden-hued bowl of deliciousness.

Step 3: Form the Dough

It’s time to build the backbone of your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture, stirring as you go. When the dough starts coming together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes. It should turn supple and slightly sticky—don’t be tempted to add too much extra flour, as that can make the rolls tough.

Step 4: First Rise

Place your dough ball in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rest in a cozy, warm spot for an hour. This is where patience pays off! The dough will slowly double in size, thanks to the active yeast, creating that signature cinnamon roll fluffiness you’re after.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

While the dough rises, whip up your deeply spiced filling. Blend softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together in a bowl until you have a thick, sandy paste. Don’t skip the soft butter—it spreads easier and ensures the center of your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls will be gooey in all the right ways.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

Once risen, gently punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a big rectangle, about 20×14 inches. Spread your cinnamon-sugar filling generously over the surface, reaching every corner. Sprinkle on chopped walnuts for delightful crunch if you’re using them—these little nuggets make every bite more interesting.

Step 7: Shape the Rolls

Here’s where the magic happens! Roll the dough up tightly from the long side, like a jelly roll, keeping things snugso the spirals stack up nicely. Using a sharp knife or even dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal rolls and nestle them into a greased baking dish. They’re ready to puff up a second time!

Step 8: Second Rise

Cover the baking dish and let the Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls rise again for 30 minutes. This final proof creates that extra airy texture. As the rolls rest, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s raring to go when it’s time to bake.

Step 9: Bake the Rolls

Slide the rolls into your hot oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until gloriously golden brown and your kitchen smells like a bakery’s dream. The tops should be lightly browned, but the best signs are the bubbling filling and soft, puffy sides.

Step 10: Prepare the Icing

As the rolls cool slightly, beat together cream cheese, soft butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. You want a smooth, luscious icing—thick enough to slather on but still soft enough to melt into the warm Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. Spread generously over the still-warm rolls for the dreamiest finish.

How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

A final flourish can take your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls over the top. Sprinkle a handful of chopped toasted walnuts or a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. For a fancy bakery touch, add a few banana slices or even drizzle a little caramel sauce—anything to make each roll even more tempting.

Side Dishes

These rolls are the star of any breakfast or brunch table, but they pair perfectly with fresh fruit, crispy bacon, or even a creamy Greek yogurt parfait. If you’re brewing coffee, make it a little stronger to balance the sweetness, or serve the rolls alongside a steaming mug of chai for extra cozy vibes.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls by stacking them on a pretty cake stand, swirling icing on right before your guests arrive. For brunch buffets, try serving them in individual parchment wrappers, or offer a DIY toppings bar (think more nuts, extra icing, and sliced banana). They also make a thoughtful gift boxed up with a note to “enjoy warm!”

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have any Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls left over (they’re that irresistible!), keep them fresh by covering tightly and storing in the fridge for up to 4 days. The dough stays beautifully soft, and a quick reheat brings them right back to their gooey best.

Freezing

These rolls freeze like a dream. After baking and cooling, wrap each roll individually or store the whole batch in an airtight container. For best results, freeze without the icing, then add it after reheating so it’s fresh and creamy. They’ll stay perfect for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To recapture all that fresh-from-the-oven magic, gently warm the Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a low oven, covered with foil, at 300°F for 10 minutes. Spread extra icing and enjoy melt-in-your-mouth goodness all over again!

FAQs

Can I make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls in advance?

Absolutely! Prepare the rolls up to the point of the second rise, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and finish rising before baking. Instant fresh rolls with zero morning effort!

What’s the best way to mash bananas for this recipe?

Use very ripe bananas with brown speckles for the deepest flavor and sweetness. Mash them thoroughly with a fork or potato masher—lumps are fine, but the smoother they are, the more evenly they’ll blend into the dough.

Can I make these rolls without nuts?

Definitely! The walnuts are totally optional and can be omitted for a nut-free version. You could also swap them for pecans, chocolate chips, or another favorite add-in if you’d like a twist.

How can I avoid dry or tough cinnamon rolls?

The secret is not to overbake them and to measure your flour carefully. Knead just until smooth, and always cover the rolls for rising so they don’t dry out. The mashed banana also helps keep these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls moist for days.

Is there a dairy-free version of these rolls?

Yes! Substitute plant-based milk and butter for the dairy in both the dough and filling, and use a vegan cream cheese for the icing. The result will still be dreamy, soft, and bursting with banana-cinnamon flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about breaking into a pan of warm, homemade Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. Whether it’s your first bite or your fiftieth, each swirl is packed with nostalgia and comfort. Give this recipe a try, and let it become a new favorite in your baking rotation—your kitchen (and everyone you share with) will thank you!

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