If you adore the comforting flavors of banana bread and the sweet, spicy swirl of cinnamon rolls, then you are absolutely going to fall in love with this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. Imagine soft, fluffy rolls infused with ripe banana goodness, rolled up with a perfect cinnamon-sugar filling, and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze that melts into every bite. It’s like your favorite breakfast classics coming together in the most delightful way, making mornings feel extra special or any snack time simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward with everyday ingredients that pack big flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering tender, aromatic rolls with that signature banana sweetness balanced by the warm cinnamon kick.
- Warm milk (3/4 cup): Activates the yeast and helps create a soft dough.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): Gives the rolls their rise and airy texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the dough just right and feeds the yeast.
- Mashed ripe bananas (1 cup, about 2 large): Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and that unmistakable banana flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup melted, plus 1/4 cup softened): Gives richness and tender crumb to the dough and makes the filling irresistibly gooey.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds protein for structure.
- All-purpose flour (3 1/2 cups): Provides the body of the dough, balancing softness and strength.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Sweet, with a hint of molasses that complements cinnamon beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Brings that classic warm spice that cinnamon rolls are known for.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces softened): Creates a tangy, creamy glaze that finishes the rolls perfectly.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and thickens the glaze for that perfect drizzle.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds aromatic depth to the glaze.
- Milk (2 to 3 tablespoons for glaze): Adjusts the glaze’s consistency for a silky smooth finish.
How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate Yeast and Mix Wet Ingredients
Start by combining the warm milk, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture is foamy and bubbly—that’s a sign your yeast is alive and ready. Next, stir in the mashed bananas, melted butter, and egg until the mixture is well combined and fragrant with sweet banana aroma.
Step 2: Form the Dough
Pour in the flour and sprinkle the salt over the wet ingredients. Mix everything together until a soft dough forms. It will be slightly sticky at first, but that’s perfect. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6 to 8 minutes until it’s smooth, elastic, and pliable—this kneading helps develop the gluten for a tender yet sturdy roll.
Step 3: First Rise
Place your kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Set it somewhere warm to rise for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. This rise is what makes the rolls so fluffy and airy in the end.
Step 4: Prepare Filling and Roll Out Dough
Once your dough has puffed up nicely, roll it out on a floured surface into a 14 by 10-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough’s surface; this will keep the filling moist and help it stick. Then sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly on top, creating a fragrant, caramelized filling layer when baked.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Starting from the longer edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 equal rolls, each bursting with that cinnamon and banana filling. Arrange them snugly in a greased baking dish; this close placement helps the rolls rise upward, giving soft sides and a perfect spiral.
Step 6: Second Rise and Bake
Cover the rolls again and let them rise for 30 more minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F. This second rest helps activate the yeast one last time, ensuring the rolls bake up light and tender. Pop the baking dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze and Serve
While the rolls are still warm, prepare the glaze by beating together cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until you have a smooth, spreadable icing. Drizzle or slather this luscious glaze over the warm rolls for an irresistible finishing touch that melts beautifully into every swirl.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the glaze for some delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the sweetness wonderfully. Sprinkle a dusting of cinnamon powder for an extra pop of spice and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
If you’re serving these rolls for breakfast or brunch, a simple side of fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a citrus salad brightens up the plate beautifully. Pairing with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea enhances their warming spices and cozy banana notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve each roll in its own mini ramekin or muffin tin for individual portions that make morning feel even more special. Or slice them thinner for bite-size treats, which are great for snacks or parties. Drizzle extra glaze on the side for dunking and dipping!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe items stay moist and delicious when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them from drying out, wrapping lightly in plastic wrap before sealing is a great idea.
Freezing
You can freeze the rolls either before or after baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen rolls keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Warm your rolls gently in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or microwave individually for 20 to 30 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked softness. Add a little extra glaze if desired for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas in this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually preferred because they are sweeter and softer, which enhances the moistness and flavor of the dough perfectly.
Is it possible to make these rolls gluten-free?
Yes, but you’ll want to use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum to help mimic the elasticity of regular flour. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?
The rolls should be a golden brown color on top and feel firm but springy when gently pressed. An internal temperature around 190°F is a good indicator if you use a kitchen thermometer.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
You can! After shaping the rolls, cover them tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise a bit before baking fresh the next morning—perfect for busy weekends.
What can I substitute for cream cheese in the glaze?
If you don’t have cream cheese, mascarpone or a thick Greek yogurt slightly strained can work as substitutes, though the flavor and texture might be a bit different but still deliciously creamy.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe enough if you want a sweet, comforting treat that feels like a big warm hug with every bite. Whether it’s a leisurely weekend breakfast or a special occasion, these rolls bring joy and amazing flavor to your table. Give them a try—you won’t regret turning your kitchen into a haven of banana and cinnamon bliss!
Print
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the rich flavors of banana bread with the classic warm spice of cinnamon rolls. Soft, fluffy dough enriched with mashed ripe bananas is rolled with a cinnamon-sugar filling, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a smooth cream cheese glaze. Perfect for a sweet breakfast or brunch treat.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Glaze
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until the mixture is foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix wet ingredients: Stir in the mashed bananas, melted butter, and egg until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Add dry ingredients and form dough: Gradually add flour and salt to the wet mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6 to 8 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare dough for filling: Roll the risen dough into a rectangle approximately 14 by 10 inches in size.
- Add filling: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough surface, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly on top.
- Roll and cut: Roll the dough tightly into a log starting from one long edge. Cut the log into 12 equal rolls.
- Second rise: Arrange the rolls evenly spaced in a greased baking dish. Cover and let them rise for 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake rolls: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make glaze: While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Glaze and serve: Spread the cream cheese glaze evenly over the warm rolls before serving for a rich finishing touch.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the best, sweetest flavor.
- These rolls can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning for convenience.
