Combining the comforting flavors of banana bread with the gooey delight of cinnamon rolls, this recipe creates a breakfast treat that’s both familiar and uniquely satisfying. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas enhances the dough, while a rich cinnamon filling adds warmth and depth. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these rolls are perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch or a special occasion.

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Why I Love This Recipe

I find this recipe irresistible because it merges two beloved classics into one delectable pastry. The addition of bananas not only imparts a delightful flavor but also ensures the rolls remain moist and tender. Plus, the aroma that fills my kitchen while they bake is simply heavenly.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough:

Warm milk
Active dry yeast
Granulated sugar
Unsalted butter, melted
Mashed ripe bananas
Large egg
All-purpose flour
Salt

For the Filling:

Unsalted butter, softened
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Sliced bananas (optional)
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

Cream cheese, softened
Unsalted butter, softened
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Milk or cream (as needed for consistency)

Directions

Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, combine warm milk and a pinch of sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the mixture and let it sit until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, mashed bananas, remaining sugar, and the egg. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
Assemble the Rolls:
- Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough. If desired, add sliced bananas and chopped nuts.
- Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into equal slices.
- Place the slices in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise until puffy.
Bake:
- Preheat the oven to the specified temperature.
- Bake the rolls until golden brown and cooked through.
Prepare the Frosting:
- Beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. Adjust consistency with milk or cream if needed.
Frost and Serve:
- Spread the frosting over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: Approximately 12 rolls
Prep Time: About 1 hour (including dough preparation and rising)
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours

Variations

Nut-Free: Omit the chopped nuts for an allergy-friendly version.
Vegan: Substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives and use an egg replacer.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for yeast doughs.
Caramelized Banana Topping: Before serving, top the rolls with caramelized banana slices for added decadence.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?

I recommend using very ripe bananas with brown spots, as they are sweeter and mash easily, enhancing the flavor and moisture of the dough.

Can I prepare these rolls the night before?

Yes, after assembling the rolls and placing them in the baking dish, cover them tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them come to room temperature and rise until puffy before baking.

What can I use instead of cream cheese for the frosting?

If I prefer a different frosting, I can use a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or a buttercream frosting.

Can I freeze the baked cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely. Once the rolls have cooled completely, I wrap them individually and freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, I thaw and reheat them as needed.

Why did my rolls turn out dense?

Dense rolls can result from not allowing the dough to rise sufficiently or using too much flour. I ensure the dough doubles in size during the rising phase and add flour gradually to avoid a heavy dough.

Conclusion

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls offer a delightful twist on a classic treat, combining the best elements of banana bread and cinnamon rolls into one irresistible pastry. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated for a quick indulgence, they are sure to become a favorite in my household.