Nothing beats the comforting aroma of freshly baked banana bread, except maybe when it’s combined with the irresistible flavor of cinnamon rolls! If you’re like me and can’t choose between these two favorites, you’re in for a real treat. These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the soft, sweet banana bread with the gooey, spiced filling of classic cinnamon rolls, creating the perfect hybrid for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Whether you’re hosting a cozy weekend brunch or simply craving something special, this recipe has you covered.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Delicious Fusion: This recipe brings together the best of banana bread and cinnamon rolls, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s simply unforgettable.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a laid-back weekend breakfast or a sweet mid-week pick-me-up, these rolls fit right in.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the rolls ahead of time and freeze them for later—perfect for when you want something warm and comforting without all the prep work.
And the taste? Oh, these rolls are heaven in every bite—soft, fluffy dough with a subtle banana sweetness, combined with the warm spiced filling of cinnamon and brown sugar. Topped with a tangy cream cheese glaze, it’s truly the best of both worlds.
Let’s dive right into how to make these beauties!
Ingredients for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
For the Dough:
1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 1 large banana)
1 large egg, room temperature
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons milk (to adjust consistency)
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
1. Make the Dough
In a small bowl, whisk together warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let this sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures the yeast is activated and ready to work its magic.
In a large bowl, combine the mashed banana, egg, melted butter, and the frothy yeast mixture. Stir until smooth.
Gradually mix in the flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour—just a tablespoon at a time.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. You’ll feel the transformation in texture as the dough becomes more workable.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. Patience here pays off with fluffy rolls later!
2. Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using) in a small bowl. This fragrant filling is what gives the rolls that gooey, spiced center we all love.
3. Roll and Fill the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 16×12 inches.
Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Roll the dough up tightly from the longer side to form a log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 even rolls
4. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and arrange the rolls inside. Cover them again and let them rise for another 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The smell alone will make it hard to wait!
5. Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
While the rolls bake, whip together the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Add milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired glaze consistency.
6. Glaze and Serve
Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, generously spread the cream cheese glaze over the top. The glaze will melt into the warm rolls, adding a luscious finish. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Making Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Freezing the Rolls: These rolls freeze beautifully! After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap them individually and store in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, pop them in the oven for a few minutes to warm them up.
Add-Ins: Want to elevate the flavor even more? Try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the filling for an extra indulgence.
Overnight Option: You can prepare the rolls the night before and let them do their second rise in the fridge overnight. Just bring them to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking the next morning.
What to Serve with Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
These rolls are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of sides:
Fresh fruit salad for a refreshing balance to the rich rolls.
A cup of coffee or a spiced chai latte to enhance the warming flavors of the cinnamon and nutmeg.
For a hearty breakfast, serve alongside scrambled eggs or crispy bacon for a sweet-and-savory combo.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and do the first rise the night before. Roll, fill, and cut the rolls, then let them rise in the fridge overnight. Bake them the next day after bringing them to room temperature.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely. If using instant yeast, you can skip the step of activating the yeast in warm milk. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate fusion of two beloved baked goods, perfect for any occasion. Soft, fluffy, and filled with warm cinnamon-spiced goodness, they’re sure to be a hit at your next breakfast or brunch. Don’t forget the luscious cream cheese glaze on top, which adds just the right touch of sweetness to round out the flavors.
Looking for more delicious ideas? Check out my Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake or the Best Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe for more delightful treats to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Nutritional Information (Per Roll)
Calories: 350
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 5g