Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you dream of pillowy-soft cinnamon rolls swirled with rich banana flavor and crowned in tangy cream cheese frosting, these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are about to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine the coziness of homemade banana bread and the magic of old-fashioned cinnamon rolls, all rolled together into one irresistible treat. Perfect for lazy weekend mornings, special brunches, or whenever your sweet tooth craves a comforting classic with a delicious twist, this recipe is pure, shareable joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls comes from a harmony of simple ingredients you probably already have at home. Each one plays its part, balancing the dough’s softness, the gooey-spiced filling, and that luscious cream cheese frosting on top.

• All-purpose flour: Gives structure and chew to the dough, helping create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Packed light brown sugar: Adds moisture and caramel notes to both the dough and filling for deep, indulgent flavor.
• Rapid Rise yeast: Lets the dough rise quickly while developing a fluffy, tender crumb.
• Ground cinnamon: Infuses every bite with warmth and spice; a must for classic cinnamon rolls.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Milk: Helps make the dough rich and soft, and blends effortlessly with the butter.
• Unsalted butter: Lends rich flavor and tenderness throughout the recipe (from dough to filling to frosting).
• Mashed overripe banana: The secret ingredient that brings moistness and that iconic banana bread flavor.
• Cream cheese: Adds creaminess and tang to the dreamy frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Dissolves easily to give frosting a light, smooth finish.
• Vanilla extract: Layers in mellow, aromatic sweetness that compliments both banana and cinnamon.

How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together 2 cups of the flour, brown sugar, Rapid Rise yeast, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. This base not only provides structure, but allows your banana bread cinnamon rolls to develop perfect, even flavor from the very start.

Step 2: Warm the Milk and Butter

In a microwave-safe bowl, gently heat the milk and 6 tablespoons butter for about 30 seconds, just until the butter is mostly melted and the mixture is warm. Give it a minute to cool if it feels hot, as yeast is a bit sensitive. Remember: warm and cozy for the yeast, but never hot!

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry, Add Banana

Pour the warm milk and butter into your flour mixture, then stir in the mashed banana. Mix until it starts to look like a loose dough. This step is where banana bread and cinnamon rolls truly join forces.

Step 4: Beat and Add Flour Gradually

Using a mixer on low and gradually increasing to high, beat the mixture until fully combined, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the bowl, then add another cup of flour and beat again. Slowly work in the remaining flour, just until the dough forms a soft, slightly sticky ball and starts pulling away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 5: Knead the Dough

Tip the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes, adding more flour as needed to keep it from sticking. Your dough is ready when it’s smooth, elastic, and stretches thin between your fingers — this means the gluten is beautifully developed for fluffy banana bread cinnamon rolls.

Step 6: First Rise

Pop the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it up, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until doubled in size. This is a great time to sip coffee and picture the rolls you’ll soon enjoy.

Step 7: Make the Filling

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This simple blend makes the signature sweet-spicy swirl you’ll look forward to in every bite.

Step 8: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has finished rising, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, roughly 18 by 12 inches. Aim for even thickness so your banana bread cinnamon rolls bake up uniformly soft.

Step 9: Add the Filling

Spread softened butter over the entire surface of the dough, then generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture (press it down gently to help it stick). This simple move locks in layers of gooey cinnamon goodness.

Step 10: Roll and Slice

Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a tight log, then pinch the edge to seal. For the prettiest rolls, use dental floss or a sharp knife to slice into 12 even pieces. Place them cut-side up in a parchment-lined pan.

Step 11: Second Rise

Cover the rolls loosely and let them rise for another hour. They should puff up to fill the pan — this is when they get that signature lightness you love in cinnamon rolls.

Step 12: Bake

Bake the rolls at 350°F for about 30 minutes, until they’re golden brown and no longer doughy in the center. The aroma of banana and cinnamon will fill your whole kitchen.

Step 13: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls cool slightly, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the frosting is light and fluffy. Spread it generously over the warm rolls so it melts into all those delicious swirls.

How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

A drizzle of extra cream cheese frosting is classic, but why stop there? Sprinkle a touch of cinnamon, add some finely chopped toasted walnuts, or top with a flicker of lemon zest to brighten each bite. If you love that bakery look, a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving is always a good idea.

Side Dishes

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls shine alongside fresh fruit salad, a big bowl of berries, or crispy bacon for savory contrast. They’re perfect with scrambled eggs or a simple yogurt parfait if you’re putting on a laid-back brunch spread. Don’t forget a hot cup of coffee or tea to complete the experience!

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch gatherings, arrange the rolls on a cake stand and let everyone pull their own. Or bake them in mini muffin tins for single-serve treats — they’re just as impressive in bite-sized form! Feeling fancy? Serve with small bowls of extra frosting for dipping, and let your guests go wild.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for 4–5 days. Just make sure the container is well-sealed to keep the rolls soft and prevent them from drying out.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully! Once cooled (and before frosting), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge, and frost before serving for that freshly-baked taste.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm banana bread cinnamon rolls in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 300°F oven, covered loosely with foil, for about 10 minutes. This brings back the softness and reawakens those incredible aromas.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of Rapid Rise yeast?

Absolutely! Instant yeast and Rapid Rise yeast are very similar and can be used interchangeably in this recipe without any changes to the method or quantities.

What if I don’t have overripe bananas?

You can quickly ripen bananas by baking them (unpeeled) on a baking sheet at 300°F for 15–20 minutes until the skins turn black. Let them cool a bit before mashing for your banana bread cinnamon rolls.

Can I make the dough the night before?

Yes! Make the rolls, slice, and arrange them in your baking pan. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about an hour to rise, then bake as directed.

Is it okay to skip the cream cheese frosting?

While the tangy frosting truly elevates these banana bread cinnamon rolls, you can leave it out or swap for a simple vanilla glaze if you prefer something lighter or dairy-free.

My dough seems sticky—what should I do?

Add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, as you knead until the dough becomes smooth and only slightly tacky. Avoid over-flouring, which can dry out the rolls.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so deeply comforting about a warm batch of Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls, fresh from your oven and shared with your favorite people. If you’re craving a sweet breakfast upgrade or an unforgettable brunch centerpiece, these rolls will definitely win hearts. I can’t wait for you to try them and share all those cozy flavors with the ones you love!

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