If you are looking to combine the cozy comfort of cinnamon rolls with the rich, moist sweetness of banana bread, this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine the soft, tender dough infused with ripe bananas, swirled lovingly with a buttery cinnamon filling, then topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze that melts into every bite. These rolls are an irresistible treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or whenever you crave something warm, sweet, and wonderfully fragrant. Let me guide you through making this delightful mashup that will quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the sweetness and moisture provided by ripe bananas, to the aromatic cinnamon filling, and the creamy glaze that finishes it off perfectly.
- Warm milk (1 cup): Activates the yeast and creates a soft, fluffy dough.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): The essential leavening agent that makes the rolls rise delightfully.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness to balance the banana flavor.
- Melted unsalted butter (1/3 cup): Provides richness and tenderness to the dough.
- Ripe bananas (2 large, mashed): Infuse the dough with natural sweetness and moisture, replacing some traditional flour weight for softness.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (4 1/2 cups): The backbone of the dough, offering structure.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup for filling): Creates the luscious cinnamon sugar spread.
- Brown sugar, packed (1 cup): Gives the filling its deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons): The star spice infusing warm, cozy notes throughout.
- Cream cheese, softened (2 ounces for glaze): Adds a tangy richness to the finishing glaze.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/4 cup for glaze): Works with cream cheese for smooth, creamy texture.
- Powdered sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the glaze to perfection.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings out all the complex flavors in the glaze.
- Milk (2 tablespoons for glaze): Adjusts the glaze consistency for easy drizzling.
How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by waking up your yeast in warm milk. Combine the milk and yeast in a large bowl and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s foamy and alive. This is the secret to fluffy rolls that rise beautifully. Next, stir in the sugar, melted butter, mashed bananas, and salt, blending everything into a sweet, fragrant mixture. Gradually add the flour one cup at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Then, it’s time to get your hands busy! Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic, which helps develop the perfect chewy texture. Let this dough rest covered in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, allowing it to double in size and fill your kitchen with that wonderful baking aroma.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
While the dough is rising, mix the filling ingredients. In a small bowl, blend softened butter with brown sugar and ground cinnamon until you have a smooth, spreadable paste. This filling will be the heart of your rolls, delivering that classic cinnamon sweetness with every bite.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Once your dough has doubled in size, roll it out on a floured surface into a 16 by 12-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, making sure to cover every inch to guarantee cinnamon goodness throughout. Starting from the long edge, roll up the dough into a tight log, sealing the filling inside. Use a sharp knife to cut this log into 12 equal slices and place them gently in a greased 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Give these rolls some love again by letting them rise under cover for another 30 minutes; this helps ensure they’re light and fluffy after baking.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for about 25 to 30 minutes until they are golden brown on top. This step locks in the moisture from the bananas while creating that irresistible golden crust that you can’t wait to break into.
Step 5: Prepare and Add the Glaze
While the rolls are baking, whip up the glaze. Combine softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a bowl, beating until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Once the rolls have cooled just enough to handle, drizzle this luscious glaze over the top. The cream cheese glaze adds the perfect balance of tangy sweetness and creaminess to complement the warm cinnamon and banana flavors.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle some chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the glaze. The nuts add a satisfying crunch and a subtle nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the banana and cinnamon. Alternatively, a light dusting of cinnamon powder or a few banana slices on top can brighten presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a star on their own, but pairing them with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai elevates the experience. A fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream on the side also complements their rich sweetness and makes for a more balanced breakfast or brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your rolls into an impressive brunch centerpiece by arranging them in a circular pattern on a wooden board or serving sheet, with extra glaze drizzled generously on top. For a fun twist, serve them alongside small bowls of flavored butters or jams, inviting everyone to customize their rolls as they wish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and fresh, perfect for a quick snack or next-day breakfast without losing their delightful texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the cinnamon rolls either before baking (after the first rise and slice) or after baking and glazing. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place in a freezer bag. Frozen rolls will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your cinnamon rolls back to life, warm them gently in a microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes. This will melt the glaze slightly and restore that fresh-baked softness you love.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe because they are sweeter and softer, which makes the dough flavorful and moist.
Do I need a stand mixer to make the dough?
Nope! While a stand mixer can be helpful, this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is designed to be made by hand with a little elbow grease during kneading.
Can I substitute the cream cheese glaze with something else?
Sure! A simple powdered sugar glaze with milk and vanilla or even a honey drizzle works well if you prefer to skip the cream cheese.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
They should be golden brown on top and smell wonderfully fragrant. The center roll might still be slightly soft but not doughy—give it a gentle press to check springiness.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing and making ahead?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls up to the point of the second rise, freeze them, and bake fresh when ready, or freeze fully baked and glazed rolls for convenience.
Final Thoughts
Diving into this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is like welcoming a warm hug from the oven. The marriage of banana bread’s moist sweetness with cinnamon roll’s sticky, spicy swirl creates a treat that’s both nostalgic and excitingly new. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just indulging yourself, these rolls will bring joyful smiles and happy bellies. Give the recipe a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this one in your baking repertoire!
Print
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 1h 50m
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the comforting flavors of banana bread and classic cinnamon rolls into one irresistible treat. Soft, fluffy dough infused with ripe bananas is rolled with a cinnamon-sugar filling, baked until golden, and topped with a creamy cream cheese glaze for a perfect breakfast or dessert indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy, indicating it is active.
- Mix Dough Ingredients: Add granulated sugar, melted unsalted butter, mashed ripe bananas, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Flour and Form Dough: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, about one cup at a time, mixing continuously until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, ensuring good gluten development for a perfect texture.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined and creamy.
- Roll Out Dough: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle approximately 16 by 12 inches.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon sugar butter mixture over the entire surface of the rolled dough rectangle.
- Form the Roll: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape to create the cinnamon roll swirl.
- Slice Rolls: Cut the rolled dough log into 12 equal slices and arrange them evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish with the cut sides facing up.
- Second Rise: Cover the arranged rolls and let them rise again for an additional 30 minutes to achieve a light and fluffy texture.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the rolls.
- Bake Rolls: Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25 to 30 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Glaze: While the rolls bake, combine softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a medium bowl. Beat the mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Glaze Rolls: When the rolls are done baking, let them cool for a few minutes, then generously drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls for an indulgent finish.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot (110°F/45°C) to activate the yeast effectively without killing it.
- Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture; ensure they are very soft for best flavor.
- Kneading is key to developing gluten for a soft, chewy texture—don’t rush this step.
- The second rise after shaping helps the rolls become fluffy and light.
- Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the rolls for clean edges.
- The glaze can be adjusted for thickness by adding more or less milk.
- Store any leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
