Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Introduction

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls blend the comforting flavors of banana bread with the classic, cinnamon-spiced rolls you love. Soft, fluffy, and topped with a luscious cream cheese icing, they make a perfect breakfast treat or indulgent snack.

Ingredients

• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup milk, warmed to about 110°F
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (for filling)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for filling)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for icing)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for icing)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Activate the yeast by combining the warm milk with a pinch of sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the surface and let it sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, remaining granulated sugar, melted butter, and eggs until well combined.
3. Step 3: Stir the activated yeast mixture into the banana mixture. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Step 4: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
5. Step 5: For the filling, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together until smooth. Set aside.
6. Step 6: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
7. Step 7: Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the dough tightly into a log starting from one of the long edges.
8. Step 8: Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving some space between each roll.
9. Step 9: Cover the rolls and let them rise again in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, until puffed and nearly doubled.
10. Step 10: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
11. Step 11: While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese icing by beating together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
12. Step 12: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly. Spread the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture and flavor, use very ripe bananas with brown spots.
• Swap out the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg for a seasonal twist.
• If you want a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free butter and cream cheese.
• Try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the filling for added texture.

Storage

Store cooled banana bread cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving, and refresh icing if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast, but skip the activation step with warm milk. Instead, mix it directly with the flour and other dry ingredients.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the dough, complete the first rise, then refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature and rise again before rolling and baking.

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 73 reviews

• Author: Victor
• Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x

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Description

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the moist, sweet flavor of ripe bananas with the classic cinnamon swirl and cream cheese icing, perfect for a delightful breakfast or indulgent snack. Soft, fluffy rolls filled with a rich cinnamon-butter mixture and topped with a smooth cream cheese glaze make these rolls an irresistible treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup milk, warmed to about 110°F
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 teaspoon salt

Filling

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Icing

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the surface and let sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes. This step ensures the yeast is active and ready to help the dough rise.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, the remaining sugar, melted butter, and eggs until well combined. This mixture forms the base flavor and moisture for the dough.
3. Add Yeast and Flour: Stir the activated yeast mixture into the banana mixture. Gradually add flour and salt, stirring continuously until a soft dough forms. The flour creates structure for the dough.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. This develops gluten for a soft yet sturdy roll.
5. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours. This fermentation produces the soft texture and flavor.
6. Make the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth and well combined. This sweet, spiced filling adds classic cinnamon roll flavor.
7. Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick, preparing it for filling.
8. Fill and Roll: Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a border on one side. Carefully roll the dough tightly from one long edge into a log shape, sealing the border.
9. Slice and Arrange: Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces with a sharp knife or dental floss. Place the rolls into a greased baking dish, leaving space between each for expansion.
10. Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise again in a warm place for 30-45 minutes until puffed and nearly doubled in size, enhancing their fluffiness.
11. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Baking finalizes texture and flavor.
12. Make the Cream Cheese Icing: While the rolls bake, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This icing provides a rich, tangy finish.
13. Ice and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Spread the cream cheese icing generously over warm rolls, then serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

• Ensure the milk used to activate the yeast is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
• Kneading the dough properly is key to achieving soft, fluffy rolls.
• Allowing the rolls to rise fully before baking results in lighter texture.
• The cream cheese icing can be substituted with a simple powdered sugar glaze if preferred.
• These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 2 days or frozen for longer storage.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: banana bread cinnamon rolls, banana cinnamon rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, sweet rolls, cream cheese icing