If you love the cozy, comforting flavors of banana bread and the irresistible swirl of cinnamon rolls, then this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is going to feel like a warm hug in baked form. Imagine soft, tender dough infused with ripe banana goodness, layered with a spiced cinnamon and nut filling, and finished with a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts on your tongue. Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch or a special treat for loved ones, these rolls strike the perfect balance between fruity sweetness and classic cinnamon roll indulgence. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become one of your new favorites for good reason.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for these rolls is both familiar and simple, yet each ingredient plays an essential role in delivering the perfect taste, texture, and color. From the ripe bananas adding natural sweetness and moisture to the warm spices that create that signature aroma, every component is important.
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas: Use extra-ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture in the dough.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast: This helps the dough rise to be fluffy and soft, creating the perfect roll texture.
- 1/2 cup warm milk: Warm, not hot, milk activates the yeast and adds richness.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances the flavors and feeds the yeast for a good rise.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds tenderness and richness to the dough.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and adds a tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the dough.
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure, added gradually to achieve the perfect dough consistency.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened) for filling: The base for the cinnamon sugar filling, spreads easily on the dough.
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar: Adds deep, caramel notes to the filling.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star spice of the filling, warm and fragrant.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds complexity and a hint of cozy spice.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds crunch and nuttiness to the rolls.
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened): The base of the frosting, gives a tangy contrast.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened) for frosting: Creates creamy richness in the frosting.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting perfectly without graininess.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the frosting flavor beautifully.
- 1–2 tablespoons milk as needed: Adjusts frosting consistency to spreadable perfection.
How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
The magic starts when you dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit until foamy, which usually takes between 5 and 10 minutes. This signals the yeast is alive and ready to help your dough rise wonderfully fluffy and soft.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, mix together the mashed ripe bananas, sugar, softened butter, egg, salt, and the yeast-milk mixture. Gradually add the flour, stirring as you go, until a soft dough forms. Knead this dough on a lightly floured surface for 6 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. This kneading builds gluten, which gives the rolls their chewy yet tender crumb we all love.
Step 3: First Rise
Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and tuck it somewhere warm to rise. In about an hour, your dough should double in size, perfect and ready for the next step.
Step 4: Mix the Filling
While the dough rises, whip together softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl. This luscious filling is where that cozy cinnamon roll flavor really comes to life. If you want an optional crunch, stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for texture and a toasty flavor.
Step 5: Roll and Fill
After your dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air bubbles, then roll it out into a rectangle about 16 by 12 inches. Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough, making sure every bite will have that sweet, spicy goodness.
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
Starting from the long side, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife to cut it into 12 equal rolls. Arrange these rolls snugly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish for their second rise. Cover and let them rest for about 30 minutes so they puff up nicely before baking.
Step 7: Bake and Frost
Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until they’re golden brown and irresistible. While still warm, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. Made by beating together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla, and then thinning it with milk to the ideal consistency, this frosting is the perfect finishing touch for your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
While the cream cheese frosting steals the show, a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon on top adds a lovely finishing touch. For an extra indulgent flair, drizzle a little caramel or maple syrup right before serving.
Side Dishes
These rolls shine best alongside a strong cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. If you want to turn your breakfast into a feast, pair them with fresh fruit or yogurt for a balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests? Serve these rolls warm in a rustic wooden box lined with a linen cloth for a cozy, inviting vibe, or stack them on a pretty tiered stand for brunch. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover banana bread cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and moist. For longer storage, refrigerate, but bring them to room temperature before serving to restore their softness.
Freezing
You can freeze these rolls either baked or unbaked. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake or warm as needed.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked softness, reheat cinnamon rolls in the oven at 300°F wrapped in foil for 10 to 15 minutes. Alternatively, microwave a single roll for 20 to 30 seconds, but watch carefully so it doesn’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes! Frozen bananas are actually a great choice because they’re usually extra ripe when thawed, perfect for adding sweetness and moisture. Just thaw and mash them before using as directed.
Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose?
You can substitute up to half the flour with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor and more fiber, but it might make the rolls a bit denser. Stick with all-purpose for the lightest texture.
Do I have to use nuts in the filling?
Not at all! The nuts are totally optional and can be left out if you prefer a smoother filling or have nut allergies.
Can I prepare these rolls the night before baking?
Absolutely! After shaping your rolls, cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before baking. This makes morning baking extra easy.
How thick should I spread the cream cheese frosting?
Spread it generously while the rolls are still warm so it melts in beautifully. If you like your frosting thicker, feel free to add a little less milk when mixing it.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the joy of pulling a pan of homemade Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls from the oven and savoring that first warm bite. This recipe blends two beloved favorites into one unforgettable treat that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re making breakfast special or surprising guests, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these soft and fluffy Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls, featuring ripe mashed bananas in the dough, a warm cinnamon-spiced filling with brown sugar and nuts, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a comforting breakfast or brunch treat.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed ripe bananas, granulated sugar, softened butter, egg, salt, and the foamy yeast mixture. Stir to blend all ingredients well.
- Add Flour and Knead: Gradually add 3 1/2 to 4 cups of all-purpose flour into the bowl while mixing to form a soft dough. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. If desired, chop nuts and set aside.
- Roll Out Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air, then roll it out into a 16×12-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
- Fill and Roll: Spread the prepared cinnamon filling evenly over the dough and sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans if using. Carefully roll up the dough tightly from the long side to form a log.
- Cut Rolls: Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled dough into 12 equal-sized rolls and place them evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30 minutes until puffed.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown all over.
- Make Frosting: While the rolls are baking, beat together the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add milk as needed to achieve your desired frosting consistency.
- Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls right after baking. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use extra-ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and flavor in the dough.
- You can prepare the rolls the night before, refrigerate them, and bake fresh the next morning.
- For a fun variation, add chocolate chips to the cinnamon filling before rolling.
