Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Imagine the irresistible aroma of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls wafting from your oven, only these are more than your classic swirled treats. Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate marriage of pillowy banana bread and gooey, spiced cinnamon rolls. Each bite offers that tender, nostalgic banana flavor, swirled with buttery brown sugar and crowned with a dreamy cream cheese icing. This comfort food mashup is destined to become the coziest hit at your breakfast table, holiday brunch, or whenever you need a little taste of home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls comes from simple pantry staples, each playing a tasty role in flavor, structure, and that irresistible texture. Grab a few ripe bananas and your favorite baking basics, and you’ll be ready to transform them into something unforgettable.

• Warm milk: Helps to activate the yeast and keeps the dough soft and tender.
• Active dry yeast: The key to a lofty, fluffy rise in your rolls.
• Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds just the right amount of sweetness.
• Melted unsalted butter: Infuses richness and moisture throughout the dough and filling.
• Large eggs: Give structure and a golden color to your dough.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.
• All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect foundation for a soft, rollable dough.
• Mashed banana: About 2-3 ripe bananas, adding flavor, moisture, and natural sweetness.
• Butter (for the filling): Softened to easily spread and make the filling rich and gooey.
• Brown sugar: Brings deep caramel notes to the cinnamon swirl.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives classic cinnamon roll warmth.
• Chopped walnuts (optional): Provide a nutty crunch and extra heartiness if desired.
• Cream cheese: Softened for the creamiest possible icing texture.
• Powdered sugar: Dissolves instantly into the icing, making it fluffy and smooth.
• Vanilla extract: Lends a sweet, aromatic finish to the luscious icing.

How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin by pouring the warm milk into a large bowl. Sprinkle in the yeast and granulated sugar, then give everything a gentle stir. Let the mixture stand for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy—this is your sign that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Add the melted butter, eggs, salt, and mashed banana right into the yeast mixture. Stir well until everything is mostly combined—don’t worry if it looks a little lumpy, as the bananas will blend in as you add the flour.

Step 3: Add the Flour and Knead

Gradually incorporate the flour, about a cup at a time, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Tip the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it by hand for about 10 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth, elastic dough that’s a bit tacky but not too sticky.

Step 4: First Rise

Place your kneaded dough into a greased bowl. Turn it over once so it’s coated, then cover with a towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until puffed and doubled in size. The anticipation builds as that classic banana bread scent starts to hint at what’s coming!

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

Beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon together in a bowl until it forms a spreadable, fragrant paste. This is where the signature cinnamon swirl comes in, and your whole house will smell amazing!

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough and Fill

Gently deflate the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Use a rolling pin to create a 20×14-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling across the dough, reaching all the way to the edges. If you love walnuts, sprinkle them evenly over the top for that extra crunch and rustic look.

Step 7: Form and Slice the Rolls

Starting with the long edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into 12 even rolls. Nestle the slices, swirl-side up, in a greased baking dish. Each roll is bursting with banana bread goodness and hidden cinnamon-rich layers.

Step 8: Second Rise and Bake

Cover the baking dish and let your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls rise for another 30 minutes, so they get nice and puffy. During this time, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the rolls are gorgeously golden and the centers are cooked through.

Step 9: Make and Spread the Icing

While the rolls are still warm, beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and cloud-like. Dollop the icing liberally over your warm cinnamon rolls, letting it melt and drip into every swirl.

How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

For a festive twist, dust the tops with a little extra cinnamon or chopped toasted walnuts. If you want to go even more indulgent, a drizzle of caramel sauce is a crowd-pleaser. Fresh banana slices make a lovely, ultra-fresh garnish—especially if you’re serving these to banana bread fans.

Side Dishes

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls pair beautifully with a simple fruit salad or a tangy yogurt parfait to balance the sweetness. For special brunches, they’re delightful alongside crispy bacon or a cheesy egg scramble. And, of course, don’t forget steamy mugs of coffee or homemade chai to round out this decadent treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling the warm rolls onto a pretty cake stand and dusting with powdered sugar for a bakery-style centerpiece. If you’re packing them for a picnic or brunch potluck, stack them in a lined basket with parchment paper between the layers. For a sweet surprise, serve them in individual ramekins for grab-and-go portions that make each guest feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls left (they disappear fast!), keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, store in the refrigerator, but allow the rolls to come back to room temp before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

To freeze, let the baked (and cooled) cinnamon rolls rest on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. You can also freeze un-iced rolls and add the icing once reheated. They’ll keep happily in the freezer for 2 to 3 months, ready to rescue a lazy weekend or sudden sweet craving.

Reheating

Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or reheat a whole pan (covered with foil) in a 325°F oven until gently warmed through. A spoonful of fresh icing over warm rolls will revive them to just-baked perfection.

FAQs

Can I make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls the night before?

Absolutely! Prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and finish rising before baking. This makes your breakfast routine delightfully stress-free.

What if my bananas aren’t ripe?

If your bananas are still a little green, you can roast them in a 300°F oven (in their peels) for 15 minutes. This softens and sweetens them, giving you that deep banana flavor needed for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls.

Can I leave out the walnuts?

Yes! While walnuts add extra texture and earthiness, the rolls are still delicious without them. You can also swap in toasted pecans or chocolate chips for a different twist.

How do I prevent the rolls from sticking together?

Grease your baking dish generously and leave a little space between the rolls when arranging them. They will expand while baking but shouldn’t fuse together too tightly if spaced out initially.

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose?

You can substitute bread flour for a slightly chewier, higher-rise roll. The result is still wonderfully soft with the same banana bread charm, so use whichever flour you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something comforting with a surprise twist, these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls will absolutely hit the spot. There’s so much to love about pillowy dough, gooey cinnamon layers, and that irresistible banana aroma. Bake a batch soon and treat yourself and your loved ones to a breakfast (or dessert!) you’ll dream about all week.

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