Fluffy Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: Sweet Morning Magic

Sweet aromas of freshly baked banana bread cinnamon rolls waft through kitchens, promising comfort and indulgence.

Soft dough wrapped with ripe mashed bananas creates a delightful twist on classic pastry.

Warm spices dance between layers of tender, pillowy texture.

Unexpected combinations often spark culinary magic in home kitchens.

Creamy banana swirls complement rich cinnamon’s deep, warming notes perfectly.

Each bite delivers a nostalgic yet innovative experience that connects memories with modern baking creativity.

Why Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Are A Treat

• Quick Family Crowd-Pleaser: Combines beloved banana bread flavors with classic cinnamon roll format, making it a guaranteed hit for all ages.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a cozy afternoon treat that brings warmth and sweetness to any gathering.
• Stress-Free Preparation: Uses simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, allowing even novice bakers to create a bakery-worthy dessert with confidence.

What You Need For Banana Bread Rolls

• All-Purpose Flour: Soft white powder perfect for creating soft and tender rolls.
• Warm Milk: Creamy liquid that helps activate the yeast.
• Active Dry Yeast: Tiny granules that make the dough rise and become fluffy.
• Sugar: Sweet ingredient that feeds the yeast.
• Eggs: Rich protein that helps bind the dough.
• Salt: Flavor enhancer for the bread.
• Melted Butter: Rich ingredient that adds moisture and flavor.
• Mashed Banana: Sweet fruit that provides moisture and natural sweetness.

• Brown Sugar: Sweet and rich topping with caramel notes.
• Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that adds depth and aroma.
• Butter: Creamy ingredient for spreading on the dough.
• Walnuts: Optional crunchy nuts for extra texture.

• Cream Cheese: Tangy and creamy base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Fine sugar that creates smooth icing.
• Butter: Adds richness to the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Aromatic flavor enhancer for the icing.

Baking Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar.

Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly.

Step 2: Create the Dough Base

• Melted butter
• Eggs
• Salt
• Mashed ripe bananas

Blend all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Gradually incorporate flour into the wet ingredients.

Once the dough starts to form, transfer it to a lightly floured surface.

Knead the dough for approximately 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 4: First Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl.

Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until the volume doubles.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangular shape measuring 20×14 inches.

Step 7: Add Filling and Nuts

Spread the prepared filling evenly across the dough.

Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the surface if desired.

Step 8: Shape the Rolls

Tightly roll the dough from the long side.

Slice the roll into 12 equal sections.

Step 9: Second Dough Rise

Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish.

Cover and let rise for an additional 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 10: Bake the Rolls

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

Step 11: Prepare Cream Cheese Icing

• Cream cheese
• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Beat until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 12: Finish and Serve

Spread the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls.

Serve and enjoy your delicious banana bread cinnamon rolls!

Tips For Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

• Ensure overripe bananas are used for deeper, sweeter taste and more intense banana essence in your cinnamon rolls.
• Knead dough gently and avoid adding too much flour to maintain soft, tender texture that keeps rolls moist and delectable.
• Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice rolls evenly, ensuring uniform baking and professional-looking presentation.
• Place dough in a warm, draft-free spot like inside an unheated oven with a pan of hot water to help proper rising and volume.
• Let cream cheese and butter soften at room temperature before mixing to create smooth, lump-free icing that spreads effortlessly.

Save And Warm Banana Bread Rolls

• Store covered rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Keep icing separate to maintain texture.
• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months without icing for best quality.
• Warm gently in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Add fresh icing after reheating.
• Let rolls cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and soggy texture. Always cover to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

What Matches Banana Bread Rolls Well

• Enhance Sweet Banana Magic: Perfect Pairings
• Brew Rich Coffee Companion: Dark roast or medium blend coffee cuts through the sweetness, complementing the banana's warmth and cinnamon's spice.
• Creamy Vanilla Sidekick: Chilled vanilla bean ice cream provides a cool, smooth contrast against the warm, gooey rolls, creating delightful temperature and flavor balance.
• Wine Indulgence Twist: Late harvest Riesling offers sweet notes that dance beautifully with the banana bread's rich, caramelized flavors, elevating the dessert experience.
• Breakfast Beverage Boost: Freshly squeezed orange juice adds bright, citrusy notes that cleanse the palate and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the decadent rolls.

Variations For Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

• Gluten-Free Banana Bread Rolls: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend, using almond or coconut flour for added texture and nutty flavor.
• Vegan Cinnamon Banana Rolls: Swap eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and substitute dairy butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.
• Low-Sugar Wellness Version: Reduce brown sugar, use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in filling, and incorporate whole wheat flour for added nutrition.
• Nut-Free Comfort Rolls: Omit walnuts, replace with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for crunch, perfect for those with nut allergies.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Use the same amount, but skip the 5-minute activation step. Mix it directly with dry ingredients.

• How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?

Use very ripe bananas with dark brown or black spots. They’ll provide more sweetness and intense banana flavor for the rolls.

• What if my dough doesn't rise properly?

Check your yeast’s freshness and ensure the environment is warm. Ideal rising temperature is around 75-80°F. A slightly warm oven or sunny spot works well.

• Can I prepare the rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the rolls the night before. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking and let them come to room temperature.

Cinnamon Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Banana bread meets cinnamon rolls in a delightful fusion of comfort and sweetness. Warm, gooey swirls of caramelized banana and spicy cinnamon promise a memorable breakfast treat you’ll savor to the last crumb.

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Ingredients

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Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup mashed banana (about 2–3 medium bananas)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs

Dough and Filling Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Icing Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by whisking warm milk, yeast, 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 banana into the yeast mixture. Blend until uniformly combined.
3. Gradually introduce flour to the wet ingredients, stirring consistently until a cohesive dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead vigorously for 10 minutes, developing gluten and creating a smooth texture.
4. Transfer the kneaded dough to a generously greased bowl, ensuring complete surface coverage. Drape a clean kitchen towel over the bowl and position in a draft-free, warm environment for approximately one hour, allowing the dough to expand and double in volume.
5. Prepare the filling by thoroughly mixing softened butter, rich brown sugar, and aromatic ground cinnamon in a separate mixing bowl.
6. Carefully roll the risen dough into a precise rectangular shape measuring 20×14 inches on a flour-dusted work surface.
7. Methodically spread the prepared filling across the entire dough surface, ensuring even distribution. Optionally sprinkle chopped walnuts for additional texture and flavor.
8. Tightly roll the dough from the elongated side, creating a compact cylindrical shape. Slice the roll into 12 uniform cinnamon rolls using a sharp knife.
9. Arrange the rolls in a generously greased baking dish, allowing slight space between each roll for expansion. Cover and permit a secondary rise for 30 minutes.
10. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring proper temperature before baking.
11. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until they achieve a golden-brown exterior and emit an enticing aroma.
12. While rolls are cooling, create a luxurious cream cheese icing by whipping cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until silky smooth.
13. Generously spread the prepared icing over the warm rolls, allowing it to slightly melt and create an irresistible glaze.

Notes

• Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to activate yeast without killing it, maintaining perfect dough rising conditions.
• Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture in the rolls, creating a richer flavor profile.
• Knead dough thoroughly to develop gluten, resulting in a softer, more tender texture that melts in your mouth.
• Allow adequate rising time in a draft-free area to help rolls achieve maximum fluffiness and volume.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg