Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the comforting warmth of a cinnamon roll with the moist, fruity goodness of banana bread, then you’re in for a real treat with these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. Imagine tender, fluffy spirals infused with ripe bananas and aromatic spices, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts into every crevice. This delightful twist on two classic favorites brings a fresh, irresistible flavor to your breakfast or brunch table that’s sure to become a beloved ritual.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but each plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of softness, flavor, and that golden crust you crave in Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. From the luscious mashed bananas to the fragrant cinnamon-spiced filling, everything blends beautifully.

• Mashed ripe bananas (1 cup): Provides natural sweetness and moistness that makes the dough tender and flavorful.
• Warm milk (1/2 cup, 110°F): Activates the yeast and adds richness to the dough.
• Active dry yeast (1 packet): The magic ingredient that helps your rolls rise to soft, fluffy perfection.
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Balances the banana’s sweetness and feeds the yeast.
• Unsalted butter (melted, 1/4 cup + softened 1/2 cup): Adds richness and moist texture, both in the dough and the cinnamon filling.
• Egg (1): Gives structure and a slight tender crumb to the dough.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors in the dough and filling.
• All-purpose flour (3 1/4 to 3 1/2 cups): Provides the sturdy yet soft base for the rolls.
• Brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): For that deep caramel sweetness in the filling.
• Ground cinnamon (2 tbsp): The star spice in the filling that makes these rolls irresistible.
• Ground nutmeg (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle hint of warmth and complexity to the filling.
• Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): The base for the dreamy, rich frosting that crowns these rolls.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a perfect spreadable consistency.
• Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): Elevates the cream cheese frosting with delicate fragrant notes.
• Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness in the frosting for a perfectly rounded flavor.

How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Mix the Dough

Start by waking up your yeast in warm milk; this step gets your dough airy and soft. Once the mixture turns foamy after about 5 minutes, add in those wonderfully fragrant mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. This combo is where the magic begins, combining the sweet and savory components for a dough that’s as flavorful as it is fluffy.

Step 2: Incorporate the Flour and Knead

Next, gradually sprinkle in the flour, starting with three cups and adding more as needed, until you get a dough that’s soft but not sticky. Knead this dough for about 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. That kneading develops the gluten, giving your rolls their perfect chewy bite without being tough.

Step 3: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it in a warm spot so it can double in size—this usually takes between one and one and a half hours. This rising is what creates those signature airy pockets inside each roll, making every bite light and tender.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While your dough is rising, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This fragrant filling is like the heart and soul of Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls, infusing every bite with warm spice and sweetness.

Step 5: Roll Out and Fill the Dough

Once risen, gently punch down the dough and roll it into a 16×12 inch rectangle. Spread your cinnamon-banana filling evenly across the surface, making sure every inch is covered. This even spread guarantees that every cinnamon roll will be stuffed with that luscious filling.

Step 6: Shape and Second Rise

Starting at the long edge, carefully roll your dough into a tight log and slice it into 12 equal rolls. Arrange them snuggly in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for 30 minutes. The second rise is key to achieving that soft, pillowy texture.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake those beauty rolls for 22 to 25 minutes until they’re a gorgeous golden brown on top. The smell alone is enough to make anyone’s mouth water!

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting and Serve

While the rolls are baking (or cooling slightly), whip up the cream cheese frosting by beating together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, then adding powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Once the rolls are warm but not piping hot, spread this frosting generously over the tops so it melts deliciously into every swirl.

How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

For a beautiful finishing touch, sprinkle a little extra ground cinnamon or some chopped toasted walnuts over the frosting. If you’re feeling indulgent, a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar also works wonders to enhance the cozy vibe.

Side Dishes

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a chai latte. You can also serve them alongside fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness and bring a refreshing contrast to your indulgent breakfast or snack.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting brunch, try serving individual rolls on small dessert plates with a side of vanilla Greek yogurt or mascarpone for dipping. Alternatively, stack a few rolls with layers of cream cheese frosting between them for a whimsical, cake-like presentation that’s sure to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft and fresh. If you live in a warmer climate, the fridge will also work but they’ll firm up a bit, so reheating is recommended.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked rolls after shaping them on a baking tray. Cover well and freeze for up to a month. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight, let them rise for 30 minutes, then bake as usual. Baked rolls can also be frozen; wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze in a container for up to three months.

Reheating

To bring your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls back to life, warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or microwave a single roll for 20 seconds. Reheating refreshes the texture and makes the cream cheese frosting gooey again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen bananas work wonderfully once thawed and mashed, often even sweeter and softer, which adds extra moisture and flavor to the dough.

What if I don’t have nutmeg?

If nutmeg isn’t on hand, you can either omit it or substitute with a pinch of ground allspice or cloves for a similarly warm spice note that complements the cinnamon.

How do I know when the Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are done baking?

Look for a deep golden-brown color on top, and you can gently press the center of a roll—it should spring back slightly. Internal temperature should be about 190°F if you want to use a thermometer.

Can I make the dough in a stand mixer?

Yes! Use the dough hook attachment to mix and knead the dough, starting on low speed and increasing as the dough comes together. This saves time and ensures consistent kneading.

Is there a way to make these gluten-free?

Definitely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for baking, and add a teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already contain it for better dough elasticity. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls that feels like a warm hug from the oven. Whether you’re making them for a lazy weekend morning or a holiday brunch spread, you’ll love how the flavors come together in such a comforting, delightful way. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of biting into soft, spiced, banana-infused cinnamon rolls topped with creamy frosting — it might just become your new favorite treat!

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