The Best Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Crafting delectable banana bread cinnamon rolls brings pure comfort to your kitchen adventure.

Sweet aromas will quickly fill every corner with warmth.

Soft dough blends classic banana bread essence into a delightful pastry twist.

Comfort meets creativity in this unexpected culinary mashup.

Rolled layers promise rich, complex flavors that dance between familiar and surprising.

Home bakers can easily master this delightful recipe with simple techniques.

Each bite promises a magical blend of nostalgia and innovation that will make you smile.

Reasons Banana Cinnamon Rolls Are a Favorite

• Bake Unique Flavor Combination: Merge the beloved taste of banana bread with the classic comfort of cinnamon rolls, creating a delightful twist on two cherished treats.
• Craft Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for brunches, family gatherings, or special weekend breakfasts that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Master Beginner-Friendly Technique: Straightforward steps guide home bakers through creating impressive pastries, even for those with limited baking experience.
• Personalize with Simple Variations: Easily swap walnuts for pecans or add chocolate chips to customize the rolls and make them your own signature recipe.

Banana Cinnamon Roll Ingredient List to Follow

• Warm Milk: A key ingredient that activates the yeast and provides moisture for the dough.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for helping the dough rise and creating a light, fluffy texture.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to the bread base.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the rich flavor and texture.
• Mashed Banana: Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and a distinct banana flavor to the rolls.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient for the dough.
• Melted Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender, soft texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the rolls.

• Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Create a classic sweet and spicy filling for the rolls.
• Walnuts: Optional ingredient that adds crunch and nutty flavor.

• Cream Cheese, Butter, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla: Combine to make a smooth, sweet topping that complements the banana bread rolls.

Guide to Baking Banana Cinnamon Rolls Easily

Step 1: Activate The Yeast

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend warm milk with yeast and sugar. Allow the mixture to rest for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly.

Step 2: Create Wet Mixture

Add softened butter, eggs, salt, and mashed banana into the yeast mixture. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.

Step 3: Develop The Dough

Gradually incorporate flour into the wet ingredients, mixing carefully. Once the dough starts forming, transfer to a lightly dusted surface and knead for approximately 10 minutes until elastic and soft.

Step 4: First Dough Rise

Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest in a warm location for one hour or until the volume doubles.

Step 5: Prepare Delicious Filling

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Step 6: Roll And Spread

On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangular shape.

Spread the prepared filling evenly across the surface. Optional: Sprinkle chopped walnuts for extra crunch.

Step 7: Shape The Rolls

Tightly roll the dough from the long side. Slice into 12 equal portions and arrange in a greased baking dish.

Step 8: Second Rise

Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 9: Bake To Golden Perfection

Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 10: Create Creamy Icing

• Cream cheese
• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Spread the smooth, velvety icing over warm rolls and serve immediately.

Tips to Improve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

• Use overripe, soft bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and intense banana flavor in the rolls.
• Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to help yeast activate without killing it, creating a perfectly risen, fluffy dough.
• Generously grease your baking dish and dust with flour to help rolls release easily after baking.
• Place dough in a slightly warm, draft-free area like a turned-off oven with the light on for consistent, even rising.
• Apply cream cheese icing when rolls are still warm to help it melt slightly and create a deliciously smooth, creamy topping.

Flavor Combos to Try in Banana Cinnamon Rolls

• Tropical Paradise Rolls: Replace walnuts with chopped macadamia nuts and add shredded coconut to the filling for a Hawaiian-inspired treat.
• Chocolate Banana Bliss: Mix chocolate chips into the filling and drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cream cheese icing for extra richness.
• Nutty Caramel Dream: Swap brown sugar for caramel sauce in the filling and sprinkle chopped pecans on top before baking for a decadent upgrade.
• Berry Banana Burst: Fold fresh raspberries or blueberries into the filling and add a berry-infused glaze instead of traditional cream cheese icing.

Tasty Complements to Banana Cinnamon Rolls

• Flavor-Boosting Drink Pairing: Brew a warm chai latte with extra cinnamon to complement the spicy-sweet banana bread cinnamon rolls. The creamy, spiced tea enhances the rolls' warm flavors and creates a cozy breakfast experience.
• Nutty Flavor Enhancer: Serve alongside a small glass of toasted almond milk. The subtle nuttiness mirrors the optional walnuts in the recipe and adds a complementary richness to each bite.
• Breakfast Companion: Pour a cold glass of caramelized banana smoothie made with ripe bananas, vanilla yogurt, and a touch of honey. This drink echoes the banana's natural sweetness and provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, gooey rolls.

Best Way to Keep Banana Rolls Fresh

Store cooled cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Place rolls in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Warm in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive drying.

Transfer from freezer to refrigerator overnight. Warm in oven at 300F for 10-12 minutes, then add fresh icing for best taste and texture.

FAQs

• What is the difference between regular cinnamon rolls and banana bread cinnamon rolls?

These rolls incorporate mashed banana into the dough, giving them a softer texture and richer banana flavor compared to traditional cinnamon rolls, creating a unique hybrid pastry with added moisture and sweetness.

• Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Just reduce the rising time slightly and mix it directly with the flour instead of activating it in warm milk. Use the same amount of yeast specified in the recipe.

• How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?

Use very ripe bananas with brown or black spots. These bananas are sweeter and softer, which helps create a more flavorful and moist dough with intense banana flavor.

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls merge classic comfort with sweet innovation, blending rich banana flavor and warm cinnamon swirls. Homemade bakers will discover a delightful twist on traditional recipes that promises pure breakfast bliss.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup mashed banana
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup warm milk

Bread Base:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt

Filling and Topping:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Activate yeast by whisking it with warm milk and sugar in a spacious mixing vessel. Allow the mixture to bloom and become frothy for approximately 5 minutes.
2. Incorporate melted butter, eggs, salt, and thoroughly mashed ripe bananas into the yeast mixture. Blend until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Gradually fold in flour, mixing continuously until a cohesive dough forms. Transfer to a lightly dusted surface and knead vigorously for 10 minutes, developing gluten and creating a smooth texture.
4. Transfer dough to a generously greased bowl, envelop with a clean kitchen towel, and permit rising in a draft-free environment for 60 minutes or until volume doubles.
5. Prepare filling by combining softened butter, rich brown sugar, and aromatic ground cinnamon in a separate container.
6. Using a rolling pin, stretch dough into a rectangular shape approximately 14×20 inches. Meticulously spread filling across the surface, ensuring even coverage. Sprinkle chopped walnuts for additional crunch and flavor.
7. Tightly roll the dough from the elongated side, creating a compact cylindrical shape. Slice into 12 uniform rolls using a sharp knife.
8. Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish, allowing slight separation between each piece. Cover and permit secondary proofing for 30 minutes.
9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until achieving a golden-brown exterior and thoroughly cooked interior.
10. Craft cream cheese frosting by whipping cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until silky smooth. Lavishly drizzle over warm rolls immediately after removing from oven.

Notes

• Activate yeast precisely by ensuring milk temperature is between 100-110°F to guarantee proper activation without killing the microorganisms.
• Mash bananas completely smooth to distribute flavor evenly and prevent large banana chunks disrupting roll texture.
• Consider replacing walnuts with pecans or almonds for different nutty dimensions or omit entirely for nut-free version.
• Experiment with whole wheat flour by substituting up to 50% of all-purpose flour for added nutritional complexity without compromising roll’s soft texture.

• Prep Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 2.5 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg