Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the comforting flavors of classic banana bread with the gooey, swirled delight of cinnamon rolls. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with banana flavor, finished with a luscious glaze that makes them utterly irresistible. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or cozy mornings.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ripe bananasall-purpose floursugaractive dry yeastwarm milkmelted buttersalteggcinnamonbrown sugarvanilla extractcream cheesepowdered sugarmilk (for glaze)
directions
In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Mix well.
Add the foamy yeast mixture and gradually add flour, stirring to form a soft dough.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Roll the dough out into a large rectangle.
Spread with softened butter and sprinkle with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon.
Roll up tightly and cut into even slices.
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise again for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
While the rolls bake, make the glaze by mixing cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
Drizzle the glaze over warm rolls before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 12 cinnamon rolls.Preparation time: 25 minutesRising time: 1.5 hoursBaking time: 25 minutesTotal time: about 2 hours 20 minutes
Variations
Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for crunch.
Mix in mini chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
Top with a caramel or maple glaze instead of cream cheese.
Add a dash of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar mix for added warmth.
storage/reheating
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for best texture.Freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months and glaze after reheating.
FAQs
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the night before, refrigerate, then bake in the morning.
Can I use instant yeast?
Yes, skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
Can I make them vegan?
Use plant-based milk, butter, and cream cheese, and a flax egg substitute.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
A simple powdered sugar and milk glaze works perfectly too.
Do I need to mash the bananas completely?
Yes, mash until smooth for even texture in the dough.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, substitute half the flour for whole wheat for a heartier roll.
Can I add fruit to the filling?
Yes, finely chopped apples or raisins pair well.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but bake in two pans to ensure even cooking.
Are they freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze after baking and glazing, or freeze the dough before second rise.
Do I need a stand mixer?
No, the dough can be mixed and kneaded by hand.
Conclusion
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on two classic favorites. With their soft banana-infused dough and cinnamon-sugar swirls, they offer a cozy, sweet treat that’s hard to resist. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are sure to impress.
Print
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including rises)
- Yield: 8 rolls
- Category: Breakfast / Dessert
- Method: Yeasted, Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, sweet cinnamon rolls with a banana bread twist—rolled-up dough flavored with ripe bananas, cinnamon sugar, and a creamy glaze.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 large banana)
- 1/4 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Filling: 3 Tbsp melted butter, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 1–2 Tbsp milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Mix mashed banana, warm milk, melted butter, and vanilla in a separate bowl.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until a soft dough forms; knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot about 1 hour or until doubled.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 12×8″ rectangle.
- Brush with melted butter and sprinkle brown sugar–cinnamon mixture evenly over dough.
- Starting at a long edge, tightly roll into a log. Pinch seam to seal.
- Cut into 8 rolls and place in a greased 8-inch round or square pan.
- Cover and let rise another 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
- While baking, whisk together glaze ingredients until smooth.
- Allow rolls to cool slightly, then drizzle glaze over warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Warm milk should feel like body temperature—around 110°F.
- To lighten prep, use prepared cinnamon roll dough and swirl in mashed banana before filling.
- For richer flavor, substitute half of the milk with cream.
- Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days; gently reheat before serving.