Dreamy Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for Sweet Mornings

Sweet aromas of freshly baked banana bread cinnamon rolls will dance through your kitchen, promising a delightful twist on classic comfort food.

Soft dough mingles with ripe banana essence, creating a morning treat that feels both familiar and exciting.

Warm spices weave complex layers of flavor into each tender spiral.

Bakers seeking something beyond ordinary pastries will adore this innovative recipe.

Delicate swirls of cinnamon complement the mellow banana notes perfectly.

Rich, golden-brown edges hint at the delectable experience waiting to unfold.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible morning indulgence.

Why Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Are A Treat

• Tackle Baking Challenges: Perfect for bakers looking to level up their skills with a recipe that guides you through each step, transforming complex techniques into an enjoyable cooking experience.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Bursting with warm banana and cinnamon flavors, these rolls bring families together, creating delightful moments of shared happiness around the breakfast or brunch table.
• Flexible Weekend Treat: Adaptable for special occasions or lazy mornings, these rolls can be prepped ahead and baked fresh, making them ideal for weekend gatherings, potlucks, or surprising loved ones with a homemade breakfast.
• Sensory Delight: Combines rich textures and aromatic spices that engage multiple senses – from the soft, pillowy dough to the sweet banana filling and fragrant cinnamon glaze, promising a truly indulgent culinary experience.

What Goes Into Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the roll that provides structure and texture.
• Active Dry Yeast: A critical ingredient that helps the dough rise and develop a soft, airy consistency.
• Milk: Provides moisture and helps activate the yeast for proper dough development.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and controls yeast growth.

• Eggs: Contribute richness and help bind the dough together.
• Butter: Adds flavor and creates a tender, soft texture in the rolls.

• Bananas: The star ingredient that provides natural sweetness and moisture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth of flavor and caramel-like sweetness to the filling.
• Cinnamon: Provides warm, aromatic spice that complements the banana.
• Walnuts: Optional ingredient that adds crunch and nutty flavor to the rolls.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet topping for the rolls.
• Milk: Helps thin and blend the glaze ingredients.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, complex flavor to the glaze.
• Ground Cinnamon: Provides a warm spice note to the finishing glaze.

How To Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Easily

Step 1: Awaken the Yeast

Blend warm milk with a hint of sugar and sprinkle yeast on top. Let the mixture sit and become frothy and aromatic for 5-7 minutes, creating a magical base for your rolls.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

• Flour
• Remaining sugar
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients to form a light and fluffy dry foundation.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

• Melted butter
• Eggs

Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and perfectly blended.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, kneading thoroughly for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and cohesive.

Step 5: Let Dough Rise

Cover the dough and place in a warm location. Allow it to rise and expand for about 1 hour, doubling in volume.

Step 6: Prepare Banana Filling

• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Softened butter

Create a rich and fragrant spread for your rolls.

Step 7: Roll Out the Dough

Punch down the risen dough and roll it on a floured surface into a large rectangular shape, approximately 1/4 inch thick.

Step 8: Add Filling

Spread the banana-cinnamon mixture evenly across the dough. Sprinkle chopped walnuts if desired.

Step 9: Form Roll Log

Carefully roll the dough from the long side, creating a tight and even log. Slice into 12 uniform rolls.

Step 10: Prepare for Baking

Place rolls in a greased baking dish. Let them rise at room temperature for an additional 30 minutes.

Step 11: Bake the Rolls

Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and slightly puffy.

Step 12: Create Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla
• Cinnamon

Blend until smooth and ready to drizzle.

Step 13: Finish and Serve

Remove rolls from oven and generously drizzle with cinnamon glaze while warm, allowing it to seep into every delicious crevice.

Tips To Perfect Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to prevent killing the yeast, creating a fragrant, foamy mixture that guarantees soft, fluffy rolls.
• Knead with Care: Develop gluten by kneading the dough thoroughly, using a gentle touch to create an elastic texture that results in tender, light rolls.
• Control Rising Environment: Place dough in a draft-free, warm spot like a turned-off oven with a pan of hot water to help it rise evenly and consistently.
• Balance Filling Moisture: Mash bananas slightly chunky to prevent excess liquid, ensuring the filling spreads smoothly without making the dough soggy.
• Glaze for Maximum Flavor: Drizzle warm glaze immediately after baking to help it penetrate the rolls, creating a moist, deeply flavored sweet treat.

Tasty Twists On Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

• Chocolate Banana Bliss Rolls: Replace cinnamon filling with melted dark chocolate and mashed ripe bananas for a decadent chocolate-banana version.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Rolls: Swap wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend, using xanthan gum for binding and maintaining soft texture.
• Vegan Banana Dream Rolls: Substitute dairy milk with almond milk, eggs with flax eggs, and butter with coconut oil for a plant-based alternative.
• Tropical Nutty Variation: Add shredded coconut and macadamia nuts to the banana filling, creating a Hawaiian-inspired breakfast treat.

Great Pairings For Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

• Pair with Bold Espresso: Strong, dark espresso cuts through the sweet banana rolls, creating a perfect balance of flavors and providing a robust morning wake-up call.
• Complement with Toasted Pecan Milk: Homemade pecan milk adds nutty depth that echoes the walnuts in the rolls, enhancing the overall warmth and complexity of the breakfast treat.
• Match with Caramelized Banana Smoothie: Blend ripe bananas with honey and a touch of cinnamon to create a silky smoothie that amplifies the banana-centric profile of the rolls.
• Serve Alongside Maple Butter Spread: Whip softened butter with pure maple syrup for a luxurious, sweet spread that elevates the rolls' rich, comforting texture.

How To Store Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Right

• Store cooled banana rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap or place in sealed containers to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
• Place completely cooled rolls in freezer-safe bags or containers. Label with date and contents. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Wrap each roll separately to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality.
• Warm in microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Alternatively, reheat in preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive drying.
• Transfer frozen rolls to refrigerator overnight for gradual thawing.

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls FAQs Answered

• How do I know if my yeast is active?

Look for foaming and a fragrant smell after mixing with warm milk and sugar. If the mixture doesn’t bubble or become frothy within 5-7 minutes, your yeast might be expired or inactive.

• Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the rolls up to the point of slicing, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking to let them come to room temperature and rise slightly.

• What if my dough isn't rising?

Ensure you’re in a warm, draft-free area. The ideal temperature is around 75-80°F. You can also place the covered dough in a slightly warm oven (turned off) to help it rise effectively.

Soft Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Warm, gooey banana bread cinnamon rolls blend nostalgic comfort with sweet morning indulgence. Swirled with ripe banana, brown sugar, and fragrant cinnamon, these rolls deliver a delightful twist you’ll crave from first bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs

Filling:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by combining it with warm milk and a pinch of sugar, allowing it to foam and become fragrant for about 5-7 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt, creating a soft, pillowy dry mixture.
3. Incorporate melted butter and eggs into the activated yeast mixture, whisking until smooth and well-blended.
4. Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, kneading until a elastic, cohesive dough forms, about 8-10 minutes.
5. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot for approximately 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume.
6. While the dough rises, prepare the filling by mashing bananas and mixing with brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter into a rich, fragrant spread.
7. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangular shape, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
8. Spread the banana-cinnamon mixture evenly across the dough, ensuring complete coverage and sprinkling chopped walnuts if desired.
9. Carefully roll the dough from the long side, creating a tight, even log, then slice into 12 uniform rolls.
10. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, allowing them to rise for an additional 30 minutes at room temperature.
11. Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly puffy.
12. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon to create a smooth, drizzling glaze.
13. Remove rolls from the oven and generously drizzle with the cinnamon glaze while still warm, allowing it to seep into the crevices.

Notes

• Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, creating a soft and stretchy texture that ensures perfectly fluffy cinnamon rolls.
• Use ripe, overripe bananas for maximum natural sweetness and intense banana flavor that will permeate the entire roll.
• Room temperature ingredients help ingredients blend smoothly and promote better yeast activation, resulting in a more consistent dough rise.
• Consider toasting walnuts before adding to the filling to enhance their nutty flavor and provide an extra layer of crunch in each bite.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg