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Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

4.6 from 78 reviews

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the cozy flavor of classic banana bread with gooey, cinnamon-laced rolls. These pillowy soft rolls feature a rich banana-infused dough, a sweet cinnamon banana filling, and a luscious cream cheese frosting—making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an indulgent snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk, lukewarm (about 120-130°F)
  • 6 Tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 4 ½ to 5 cups (540600 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • ½ cup mashed banana (about 1 large banana)

Filling and Assembly

  • 4 Tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter, very soft
  • ½ cup (107 g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 2 large bananas, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream, slightly warmed (for pouring on rolls before baking)

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 4 tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (170 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Warm Milk & Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk, butter, and sugar over medium-low heat until the butter is melted and the mixture reaches 120°F-130°F (for instant yeast) or 105-110°F (for active dry yeast). Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Make Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine 4 ½ cups flour, yeast, and salt. Add the warmed milk mixture and mashed banana. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Add the remaining flour as needed to create a soft and slightly sticky dough.
  3. Knead Dough: Switch to the dough hook and knead for 6-8 minutes on medium speed. (To knead by hand, turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes.) Add flour a tablespoon at a time if sticky, but don’t exceed 5 cups total. Dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky.
  4. First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning once to coat. Cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
  5. Roll Out Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into an 18×12-inch rectangle.
  6. Make Filling & Assemble: Spread the softened butter over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border at the top long edge. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the butter. Arrange thin banana slices on top.
  7. Form Rolls: Tightly roll up the dough (starting from the long edge with filling) into a log. Pinch to seal. Slice into 12 equal pieces using a serrated knife, thread, or dental floss for clean cuts.
  8. Second Rise: Place rolls, spiral side up, in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise in a warm spot until puffy and nearly doubled, about 45 minutes (or 75 minutes for active dry yeast).
  9. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Pour the slightly warmed heavy cream evenly over the risen rolls. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown. Cool in the pan for 20 minutes.
  10. Make Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix on low until incorporated, then add vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is fluffy and light.
  11. Frost Rolls: Spread the cream cheese frosting over warm rolls so it melts slightly into the rolls. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • For fluffiest rolls, don’t over-knead or add too much flour—dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
  • If using active dry yeast instead of instant, expect longer rise times.
  • Warming the heavy cream prevents the rolls from cooling and helps create a richer, gooier texture.
  • Frost the rolls while they are still warm for a molten, gooey topping.
  • Rolls are best the day they are made, but you can reheat leftovers in the microwave for a just-baked feel.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana bread, cinnamon rolls, breakfast, sweet rolls, cream cheese, brunch, homemade