Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Say hello to your new brunch obsession: Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls! Imagine soft, fluffy rolls swirled with brown sugar and cinnamon, plus gooey banana slices nestled in every bite, all topped with silky cream cheese frosting. These delightful rolls unite the cozy comfort of banana bread with everything you love about a classic cinnamon roll, making them the perfect weekend treat or holiday breakfast centerpiece. If you’re craving something that’s outrageously tender, a little bit nostalgic, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell incredible, this is the recipe you’ve been waiting for.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls is how a handful of humble kitchen staples come together to create something truly magical. Each ingredient brings its own charm, from the sweet bananas to the rich cream cheese frosting—every piece has a part to play in making these rolls unforgettable.

• Milk (lukewarm): Helps create that pillowy dough texture and activates the yeast for a perfect rise.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth quality to both the dough and filling.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough to balance the cinnamon and bananas.
• All-Purpose Flour: The structure-building backbone of our rolls—spoon and level for just the right amount.
• Instant Yeast: The secret to a light, fluffy rise (be sure to adjust temp if you’re using active dry yeast!).
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances every flavor in the dough.
• Mashed Banana: Infuses the dough itself with banana-bread goodness and extra tenderness.
• Softened Unsalted Butter (for filling): Spreads easily, helping the sugar and cinnamon stick while adding luscious richness.
• Packed Light Brown Sugar: Delivers that signature gooey swirl thanks to its added molasses.
• Cinnamon: The aromatic heart of any cinnamon roll, bringing warmth and spice.
• Thinly Sliced Bananas: Layered inside for bursts of natural sweetness and true banana-bread vibes.
• Heavy Cream (slightly warmed): Poured over the rolls before baking, it guarantees ultra-moist, tender centers.
• Cream Cheese (softened): The tangy, creamy base for our dreamy frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the icing without a grainy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Pulls all the flavors in the frosting together for a bakery-worthy finish.

How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

 

 

Step 1: Warm the Milk and Combine with Butter & Sugar

Begin by gently heating milk in a saucepan with the unsalted butter and sugar until the butter melts and the mixture reaches a cozy 120 to 130°F (if using instant yeast)—just warm to the touch, not scalding. This step is all about making sure the yeast wakes up in the happiest, coziest environment for that perfect dough rise. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine 4 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and salt. Pour in your warm milk mixture along with the mashed banana. Mix with a paddle attachment until things start coming together into a ragged, slightly sticky dough. The mashed banana makes this dough remarkably tender and adds subtle fruity sweetness.

Step 3: Knead Until Smooth and Elastic

Switch to your dough hook and knead on medium speed for 6-8 minutes, or knead by hand for about 8-10 minutes if you prefer. Add extra flour just a little at a time if the dough is very sticky—up to 5 cups total. You want it to be just tacky, smooth, and elastic. Avoid over-kneading to keep your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls fluffy, not dense.

Step 4: First Rise

Lightly oil a large bowl and transfer your dough in, turning it once to coat. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1½ hours. If using active dry yeast, give it more time—patience pays off!

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Once doubled, gently punch down your dough and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a big 18×12-inch rectangle—think about all those luscious filling layers in every bite!

Step 6: Spread the Filling

Spread the soft butter evenly over the dough, leaving a half-inch border at the top. In a small bowl, mix your brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle it generously over the butter. Arrange the thin banana slices over everything, pressing down gently so they’ll stay put during rolling. This is where Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls really start to shine!

Step 7: Roll, Slice, and Arrange

Working from the long edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log, keeping all that delicious filling tucked inside. Pinch the seam to seal. With a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal rolls (the floss trick is a game-changer for neat spirals). Place the rolls spiral side up in a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 8: Second Rise

Cover the pan and let your future Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls rise one more time in a warm, draft-free place for 45 minutes, or until puffed and nearly doubled. This ensures they bake up cloud-soft.

Step 9: Bake with Cream

When the rolls have nearly finished rising, preheat your oven to 350°F. Just before baking, pour the slightly warmed heavy cream all over the rolls—a secret for extra lushness. Bake until golden and cooked through, 30-35 minutes. Let cool in the pan for about 20 minutes.

Step 10: Make and Spread the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls cool, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, then add vanilla and whip until fluffy. Spread the frosting onto the still-warm rolls so it melts into the cracks. It’s pure bliss!

How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

A classic swirl of cream cheese frosting is non-negotiable, but for something special, sprinkle on a little extra cinnamon, a handful of toasted walnuts or pecans, or a quick dust of powdered sugar just before serving. Want a tropical twist? Add a few thin slices of fresh banana or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for the ultimate Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls experience.

Side Dishes

Balance these sweet rolls with savory sides like scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a vibrant fruit salad. They also pair beautifully with a strong cup of coffee or chai tea. If you’re hosting brunch, offer some yogurt parfaits or roasted potatoes to make your breakfast spread unforgettable.

Creative Ways to Present

For a showstopping brunch, set the pan right on the table so guests can serve themselves (they’ll love that fresh-baked look!). Or, try separating the rolls and plating each with a swirl of extra frosting and a light banana or nut garnish. If you’re gifting, wrap individual Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls in parchment tied with twine for a homemade touch that feels so thoughtful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls (lucky you!), store them covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They’ll stay incredibly soft, especially if you keep them in an airtight container.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully. Bake and cool completely, then wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months. To freeze before baking, slice the filled rolls and place them in the pan; cover tightly and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge and allow a little extra rise time before baking fresh.

Reheating

To rewarm, pop individual rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or cover the whole pan with foil and gently heat in a 300°F oven until just warm. A quick zap brings that just-baked magic right back, and the frosting melts enticingly over the top.

FAQs

Can I make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! A stand mixer makes kneading easier, but you can mix everything by hand and knead the dough on a floured countertop—it just takes a little more muscle, but the results are just as delicious.

How ripe should my bananas be?

Go for bananas that are deeply speckled or even on the verge of overripe—they’re sweeter and mash up perfectly for the dough, plus they’ll add maximum banana flavor to your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls.

Can I prep these the night before?

Yes! After assembling and cutting the rolls, cover the pan tightly and chill overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise until puffy, then bake as directed in the morning.

What’s the best way to slice the rolls cleanly?

Dental floss or strong kitchen thread works wonders. Slide the floss under the rolled dough, cross the ends over the top, and pull to slice through for perfect spirals that keep their shape.

Can I add nuts or chocolate?

Definitely! Chopped toasted walnuts or pecans mix wonderfully with the filling, and a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips can turn your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls into a true dessert treat.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the cozy flavors of banana bread with the gooey indulgence of a cinnamon roll, it’s time to make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls part of your baking bucket list. Whether for a lazy weekend, a festive brunch, or just because, these rolls deliver comfort and delight in every single bite. Go ahead, invite some friends over and make memories—these are too good to keep all to yourself!

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