Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls 🍌✨

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a genius mash-up of two beloved classics: soft, gooey cinnamon rolls and moist, sweet banana bread. Packed with the warm flavors of cinnamon, brown sugar, and ripe bananas, these rolls are topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze that ties everything together. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Let’s dive into how to make these indulgent, hybrid treats step by step!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Two-In-One Treat : Combines the best of banana bread and cinnamon rolls into one irresistible dish.
2. Soft & Gooey : The dough is tender, and the filling is rich with cinnamon and banana flavor.
3. Perfect for Sharing : Great for holiday mornings, lazy weekends, or gifting to loved ones.
4. Customizable : Adjust sweetness, add nuts, or experiment with different glazes.
5. Make Ahead Friendly : Prep the night before and bake in the morning for fresh rolls anytime.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C ) 🥛
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet ) 🌾
• ½ cup melted unsalted butter , slightly cooled 🧈
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar 🫒
• 2 large eggs , room temperature 🥚
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas ) 🍌
• 4–4 ½ cups all-purpose flour , divided 🥣
• 1 teaspoon salt 🧂

For the Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter , softened 🧈
• 1 cup packed brown sugar 🫒
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon 🌿
• Optional : ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese , softened 🧀
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter , softened 🧈
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar , sifted ❄️
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2–3 tablespoons milk , as needed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast . Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes , or until the mixture becomes frothy. This indicates the yeast is active.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter , granulated sugar , eggs , vanilla extract , and mashed bananas until smooth.
2. Add the yeast mixture to the banana mixture and stir to combine.
3. Gradually add 4 cups of flour and the salt , stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes , adding up to ½ cup more flour as needed, until the dough is soft, elastic, and no longer sticky.
   • Tip : The dough should be slightly tacky but not overly sticky. Avoid adding too much flour.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1–1.5 hours , or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

1. Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle .
2. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon . Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
   • Optional : Sprinkle chopped nuts over the filling for added texture.
4. Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
5. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.
6. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan , spacing them evenly.

Step 4: Let the Rolls Rise Again

1. Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let them rise for 30–45 minutes , or until puffy and touching each other.

Step 5: Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
2. Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes , or until golden brown on top.

Step 6: Make the Glaze

1. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar , vanilla extract , and milk , beating until the glaze is smooth and pourable. Add more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, if needed.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

1. Drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the warm rolls.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy the gooey, banana-infused goodness!

Tips for Success

1. Use Ripe Bananas : The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your rolls will be.
2. Don’t Rush the Rise : Let the dough rise fully for the softest, fluffiest texture.
3. Make Ahead : Assemble the rolls the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Let them come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
4. Freeze for Later : Freeze unbaked rolls in a freezer-safe dish for up to 1 month . Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
5. Switch Up the Glaze : Use a simple powdered sugar glaze or drizzle caramel sauce for variety.

Perfect Pairings

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls pair beautifully with:

• Coffee or Tea : Enjoy alongside a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
• Sparkling Beverages : Pair with sparkling water, lemonade, or a cold glass of milk for refreshment.
• Fresh Fruit : Serve with fresh berries or sliced bananas for balance.

Nutritional Information (Per Roll, Approx.)

(Based on 12 rolls, with glaze)

• Calories : ~350 kcal
• Protein : ~5g
• Carbohydrates : ~50g
• Fat : ~15g
• Fiber : ~2g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a decadent, comforting treat that combines the best of two classic recipes. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls deliver on flavor and texture. The combination of soft, banana-infused dough, gooey cinnamon filling, and creamy glaze creates a dish that’s as indulgent as it is satisfying.

The best part? They’re endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the ingredients, adjust the sweetness, or pair them with different toppings to make them your own. So grab your bananas, whip up that dough, and get ready to enjoy a treat that’s as fun to share as it is to eat.

Would you like me to include variations (e.g., adding nuts or using different glazes) or additional tips? Let me know! ❤️😊