If you love banana bread & cinnamon rolls? Try this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe.
It combines the best of both into one great sweet.
With soft, light dough full of ripe bananas, a rich cinnamon-sugar fill, & a rich cream cheese glaze, these rolls are good for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Delicious Flavor: Sweet ripe bananas mix perfectly with warm cinnamon and brown sugar for a tasty treat.
Soft and Fluffy: The banana dough makes the rolls extra soft and light—like little pillows that melt in your mouth.
Creamy Icing: A rich cream cheese glaze adds a tangy touch and brings all the flavors together.
Great Anytime: Enjoy these rolls for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack.
Everyone Loves Them: Kids and adults both enjoy them—great for sharing, parties, or gifts.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
¾ cup whole milk, warmed (110°F)
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
½ cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ tsp salt
For the Filling:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
½ cup mashed banana (about 1 small banana)
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1–2 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
Instructions
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, 1 tsp sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, mashed bananas, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth. Set aside.
Roll and Fill: Punch down the dough and roll into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly, then add a layer of mashed bananas over the filling.
Shape the Rolls: Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the long side. Slice into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
Second Rise: Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30–45 minutes.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
Make the Icing: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Spread over warm rolls.
Serve: Enjoy warm for the ultimate gooey experience!
Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Use Ripe Bananas: Choose bananas with brown spots—they’re sweeter and add more moisture, which makes the dough soft and tasty.
Warm the Milk Just Right: Make sure the milk is warm, not hot (about 110°F). This helps the yeast work properly without killing it.
Knead the Dough Well: Kneading the dough makes it smooth and stretchy, which gives you soft and fluffy rolls.
Cut Rolls Evenly: Use unflavored dental floss instead of a knife to slice the rolls. It gives you clean cuts without flattening them.
Make Sure They’re Baked: The rolls are ready when they turn golden brown and sound a little hollow if you tap the top.
Variations and Substitutions
Add a Nutty Crunch: Mix in half a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling to give your rolls a nice crunchy texture and a rich, nutty flavor.
Chocolate Twist: Sprinkle half a cup of mini chocolate chips over the filling for a sweet and melty chocolate surprise inside the rolls.
Different Glaze Ideas: Instead of cream cheese icing, you can try a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and water, or drizzle caramel sauce for a sweet, gooey finish.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour mix that replaces regular flour one-for-one. The rolls might be a little denser but will still taste great.
Vegan Version: Swap dairy milk and butter for plant-based alternatives, and replace eggs with a flax egg (mix 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons water). For the icing, use vegan cream cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Breakfast or Brunch: Enjoy these rolls with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or fresh orange juice. They make a cozy and delicious way to start the day.
Dessert Time: Serve the rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet and creamy treat after dinner.
Holiday Celebrations: Add these rolls to your special holiday breakfasts, like Thanksgiving or Christmas, to make the meal extra festive.
Great for Gifting: Put the rolls in a pretty tin or box to give as a homemade gift that friends and family will love.
Make-Ahead, Storing, and Freezing Instructions
Make-Ahead
Prepare rolls up to the second rise, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight.
Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
Storing
Store baked rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
Freezing
Freeze unbaked rolls after shaping in a freezer-safe dish.
Thaw in the fridge overnight, then let rise before baking. Alternatively, freeze baked rolls (without icing) for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before icing.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen bananas?
A: Yes, thaw and drain excess liquid before mashing.
Q: How do I know if my yeast is active?
A: It should be frothy after 5–10 minutes. If not, your yeast may be expired or the milk too hot.
Q: Can I make these without a stand mixer?
A: Absolutely! Knead by hand for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
Q: How do I prevent soggy rolls?
A: Don’t overfill with bananas, and bake until fully cooked.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, but use a larger baking dish or two 9×13-inch pans.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is the best kind of food to make you feel good.
It mixes the warm taste of banana bread with the rich sweet of cinnamon rolls. Bake it for a big day or when you just want a hot, soft treat. These rolls will wow you.
The steps are easy to read, you can change it up, & it’s great to make ahead. This recipe is great for all bakers.
Try it now & fill your home with the top smell of cinnamon & bananas!
Read More:- Cinnamon Roll Cookie Recipe
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
- ¾ cup whole milk warmed (110°F)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg room temperature
- ½ cup mashed ripe bananas about 2 medium bananas
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- ½ tsp salt
- For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg optional
- ½ cup mashed banana about 1 small banana
- For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 –2 tbsp milk adjust for desired consistency
Instructions
- Activate yeast in warm milk and sugar.
- Mix dough ingredients, knead, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours.
- Prepare filling and roll out dough.
- Spread filling, add mashed banana, roll, and slice into 12 rolls.
- Let rise for 30–45 minutes, then bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
- Top with cream cheese icing and serve warm.
