Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re a fan of banana bread and cinnamon rolls, get ready for the ultimate fusion of flavor. These banana bread cinnamon rolls are a warm, fluffy, and sweet indulgence that combine the comforting taste of ripe bananas with the classic cinnamon swirl and creamy icing. Perfect for weekend brunch, special holidays, or whenever your sweet tooth calls, this easy recipe is a delicious way to use overripe bananas in a creative and crowd-pleasing treat.

ingredients

1 cup warm milk
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup mashed banana (about 2-3 medium bananas)

for the filling
1/2 cup softened butter
1 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

for the cream cheese frosting
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 to 2 tablespoons milk, to thin if needed

directions

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
• Add granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, salt, mashed banana, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms.
• Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes, by hand or with a dough hook, until smooth and elastic.
• Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
• Punch down the dough and roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface, about 1/4 inch thick.
• Spread softened butter over the dough. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle it evenly over the buttered dough.
• Roll the dough tightly from the long edge to form a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces.
• Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown and baked through.
• While rolls cool slightly, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth to make the frosting.
• Spread frosting over warm rolls and serve.

serving and storage tips

• Serve warm: These banana bread cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven, with the cream cheese frosting melting into every swirl.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the rolls the night before. After placing them in the baking dish, cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise slightly before baking the next morning.
• Store leftovers: Keep any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
• Reheat: Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or reheat the entire dish in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes.
• Freeze for later: Freeze baked and cooled cinnamon rolls (without frosting) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and warm before frosting and serving.

variations

• Nutty Banana Cinnamon Rolls
  Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon-sugar filling for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the banana and spice beautifully.
• Chocolate Chip Banana Rolls
  Sprinkle 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips over the cinnamon-sugar layer before rolling up the dough. The melted chocolate adds richness and a dessert-like twist to the classic roll.
• Maple Glazed Banana Rolls
  Replace the cream cheese frosting with a maple glaze made from 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon milk. This variation adds a cozy, breakfast-style sweetness that pairs well with the banana flavor.
• Peanut Butter Banana Rolls
  Spread a thin layer of creamy peanut butter over the dough before adding the cinnamon sugar. Peanut butter and banana are a classic pairing, and this twist adds depth and indulgence.
• Caramel Banana Rolls
  Drizzle store-bought or homemade caramel sauce over the baked rolls just before serving. The sticky caramel topping brings a decadent, gooey finish that banana lovers will adore.
• Spiced Banana Rolls
  Add 1/4 teaspoon each of ground nutmeg and cloves to the cinnamon-sugar filling for a more aromatic, spiced flavor profile. Perfect for holiday mornings or cozy weekends.
• Vegan Banana Cinnamon Rolls
  Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) in place of the eggs. Top with a dairy-free glaze made from powdered sugar and almond milk for a completely vegan treat.
• Cream Cheese and Banana Filling
  Mix 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar and spread it under the banana mash for a tangy, cheesecake-style layer that enhances the richness of the rolls.
• Coconut Banana Rolls
  Add 1/2 cup of sweetened shredded coconut to the filling. The coconut adds a chewy texture and a tropical touch that works especially well with the banana flavor.
• Overnight Banana Rolls
  Prepare the rolls up to the second rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake them fresh in the morning after allowing them to sit at room temperature for about 45 minutes—perfect for holidays or brunch gatherings.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
   Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just thaw and mash them well before adding to the dough.
2. What type of yeast works best for banana bread cinnamon rolls?
   Active dry yeast is recommended, but you can also use instant yeast with slight adjustments to rising times.
3. Can I make the dough in a bread machine or stand mixer?
   Absolutely. A stand mixer with a dough hook works great and saves time kneading. Bread machines can also be used for the dough cycle.
4. How ripe should the bananas be?
   Very ripe bananas with brown spots are best for maximum sweetness and flavor.
5. Can I prepare these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the rolls up to the second rise, then refrigerate overnight and bake fresh in the morning.
6. How do I store leftover banana bread cinnamon rolls?
   Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
7. Can I freeze banana bread cinnamon rolls?
   Yes, freeze baked and cooled rolls without frosting in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
8. What can I use instead of cream cheese frosting?
   You can use a simple powdered sugar glaze, maple glaze, or even a caramel drizzle.
9. Are these cinnamon rolls suitable for freezing before baking?
   Yes, after shaping, freeze the unbaked rolls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw and bake as usual.
10. Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour?
    You can substitute up to half the flour with whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser. Adjust liquid as needed.

Banana bread cinnamon rolls are the ultimate comfort treat, combining the familiar taste of ripe bananas with the cozy, spiced swirl of a classic cinnamon roll. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this recipe is a flavorful and unique way to enjoy two iconic baked goods in one satisfying bite.

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