Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Fluffy, warm, and utterly irresistible, these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine two comforting classics into one unforgettable treat. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas blends perfectly with the rich cinnamon-sugar swirl, creating a soft dough that rises beautifully in the oven. Topped with a smooth, velvety cream cheese glaze, these rolls are the perfect way to start a lazy weekend morning or impress guests at your next brunch gathering.

Not only are these cinnamon rolls deliciously indulgent, but they’re also surprisingly simple to make at home. Using common pantry staples like bananas, flour, yeast, and sugar, this recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a bakery-worthy pastry. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or reheated for a quick treat, these rolls promise to satisfy any sweet tooth while offering a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast

• ¼ cup warm milk

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 egg

• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons milk

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.

2. In a large mixing bowl, mash bananas. Add sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Stir well.

3. Pour in the yeast mixture and gradually add flour, stirring to form a dough.

4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.

6. Meanwhile, mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.

7. Once risen, roll the dough into a rectangle (about ¼-inch thick). Spread softened butter on top and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly.

8. Roll up the dough tightly from the long side and cut into 12 equal slices.

9. Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.

10. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

11. For the glaze, beat cream cheese until smooth, add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy.

12. Spread glaze over warm rolls before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 12 rolls

The Ultimate Guide to Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

When two beloved classics unite, banana bread and cinnamon rolls, the result is a heavenly, soft, aromatic, and indulgent treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls offer a delightful twist on the traditional cinnamon roll by infusing ripe banana goodness into the dough, giving it added moisture, natural sweetness, and a hint of fruity depth that perfectly complements the warm cinnamon filling.

If you’re a fan of traditional banana bread or love the fluffy, cinnamon-laced softness of fresh cinnamon rolls, you’ll be amazed at how this combination elevates both worlds. These rolls aren’t just another baked good; they are the ultimate comfort food wrapped in creamy cream cheese frosting and the cozy scent of cinnamon. This recipe not only brings out nostalgic memories but also introduces a unique twist to familiar favorites.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls truly exceptional.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Banana-Infused Dough for Extra Moisture and Flavor
   Unlike classic cinnamon rolls, this dough is enriched with mashed bananas. The bananas don’t just add flavor,they make the dough softer, more tender, and naturally sweet. The result is a fluffy roll with a gentle banana undertone that complements the cinnamon filling perfectly.

2. Perfect for Ripe Bananas
   We’ve all been there, those overripe bananas sitting on the counter, too soft for slicing but too good to throw away. This recipe is an excellent solution to put them to delicious use, just like banana bread would.

3. Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl Goodness
   No cinnamon roll is complete without the irresistible swirl of cinnamon and brown sugar. The cinnamon filling melts during baking, seeping into the soft banana dough and creating gooey, spiced layers that make every bite an indulgent experience.

4. Velvety Cream Cheese Glaze
   A smooth, rich cream cheese glaze is the perfect finishing touch. Its creamy tang balances the sweetness of the rolls and enhances the banana-cinnamon combination in the most delightful way.

5. Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing
   These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a guaranteed hit whether you’re serving them for breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or a dessert at a dinner gathering. Kids, adults, and even picky eaters will fall in love with their moist texture and comforting flavor.

The Secret to Fluffy and Soft Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

The magic lies in the dough. By combining traditional yeast-based dough with mashed bananas, you introduce moisture that helps keep the rolls soft even after cooling. Yeast leavens the dough, making it rise into pillowy perfection, while the bananas keep it tender. The banana also adds a natural sweetness, reducing the need for excessive sugar in the dough itself.

To achieve the fluffiest rolls:

• Make sure the bananas are fully ripe, dark and spotty bananas work best as they’re sweetest and easiest to mash.

• Use warm (not hot) milk to activate the yeast. Hot liquids can kill yeast, while cold liquids may not activate it properly.

• Knead the dough just enough to develop gluten for structure but not so much that the dough becomes tough.

• Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled in size for the best texture.

Variations and Customizations

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are incredibly versatile. Here are some creative variations to try:

1. Nutty Delight
   Add finely chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon-sugar filling for a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.

2. Chocolate Banana Rolls
   Sprinkle mini chocolate chips along with the cinnamon sugar for a chocolatey surprise in every bite.

3. Caramel Drizzle
   Replace the cream cheese glaze with a rich caramel sauce for an even more decadent twist.

4. Vegan Option
   Substitute dairy milk with almond milk, use plant-based butter, and replace the egg with a flax egg for a vegan-friendly version.

5. Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
   Add a splash of maple syrup to the cream cheese glaze for a hint of maple sweetness that complements the banana flavor beautifully.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the more flavor and moisture it brings. Yellow bananas with brown spots are ideal.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your egg and butter are at room temperature for easier mixing and better dough texture.

• Even Rolling: When spreading the cinnamon filling and rolling the dough, make sure the filling is evenly distributed to prevent gaps or dry spots.

• Cut with Dental Floss: To make clean slices without squishing the rolls, use unflavored dental floss instead of a knife.

• Watch the Bake Time: Every oven is different; check the rolls in the last few minutes to ensure they’re golden but not overly browned.

Serving Suggestions

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven. Pair them with:

• Fresh Brewed Coffee or Espresso
  A hot cup of coffee balances the sweetness and enhances the comforting flavors.

• Chai or Spiced Tea
  The warm spices in chai complement the cinnamon filling beautifully.

• Fresh Fruit Salad
  Add some brightness and freshness to your plate with a mix of seasonal fruits.

• Vanilla Ice Cream (for Dessert)
  For an indulgent twist, serve the rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream as a dessert.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: Freeze unglazed rolls for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Reheating: Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or bake in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to refresh their softness.

Health Benefits of Bananas in Baking

Bananas are not only delicious but also nutritious. They are naturally rich in:

• Potassium (supports heart health)

• Vitamin B6 (boosts energy)

• Vitamin C (strengthens immunity)

• Fiber (promotes digestion)

Using bananas in baked goods reduces the need for added sugars and fats, making these cinnamon rolls a slightly better-for-you indulgence compared to traditional versions.

Conclusion

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect fusion of two bakery favorites, each bite delivering the comforting warmth of banana bread and the gooey, spiced decadence of cinnamon rolls. Whether you make them for Sunday brunch, special celebrations, or simply to enjoy a cozy morning at home, these rolls are sure to impress.

What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity combined with rich flavor and texture. It uses basic pantry staples and turns them into something extraordinary. The ripe bananas keep the rolls moist and flavorful, while the cinnamon-sugar swirl and cream cheese glaze create a harmonious balance of sweetness and spice.

If you’re searching for a fresh, creative way to use overripe bananas or want to elevate your usual cinnamon roll game, this recipe is your answer. Try these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls once, and they’ll become a cherished recipe in your kitchen forever.