Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

 Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls – The Ultimate Comfort Combo You Didn’t Know You Needed!

 

Imagine the rich, moist flavor of banana bread swirling perfectly into the soft, gooey layers of a cinnamon roll — then topped with dreamy cream cheese frosting. Yes, it’s real. Yes, you can make it at home. And yes… your kitchen will smell like absolute heaven.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through how to make the most irresistible banana cinnamon rolls ever, along with tips to make them extra soft, extra fluffy, and totally unforgettable.

Why Banana Bread + Cinnamon Rolls = Magic?

Banana bread brings natural sweetness, moisture, and flavor that pairs beautifully with the warm spice of cinnamon and soft yeast dough. This isn’t just another cinnamon roll recipe — it’s a hybrid dessert breakfast dream that will impress at brunch or cozy family mornings.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large)
• 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
• 1/4 cup melted butter (unsalted)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup softened butter

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions:

 Step 1: Activate the Yeast

• In a large mixing bowl, stir together the warm milk and yeast.
• Let sit for 5–10 minutes, until the surface looks foamy — this means the yeast is alive and ready!

 Step 2: Make the Dough

• Add mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture.
• Stir until smooth.
• Gradually mix in the flour, 1 cup at a time, until a dough begins to form.

 Step 3: Knead It

• Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface.
• Knead by hand for 5–7 minutes (or use a dough hook on a stand mixer) until it becomes soft, elastic, and just slightly sticky.

 Step 4: Let It Rise

• Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a clean towel.
• Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

 Step 5: Roll and Fill

• Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a rectangle about 16×12 inches.
• Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
• Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle generously over the buttered surface.

Step 6: Roll It Up

• Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.
• Cut into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss (for cleaner cuts).
• Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

 Step 7: Second Rise

• Cover the dish and let the rolls rise again for 30–45 minutes.
• Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

 Step 8: Bake!

• Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25–28 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

 Step 9: Make the Frosting

• In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
• Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until fluffy and creamy.

 Step 10: Frost and Serve

• Spread the frosting over the warm rolls right out of the oven.
• Let the frosting melt slightly into the rolls for that dreamy, ooey-gooey finish.

Time Breakdown:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Bake Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes

 Servings:

• Makes 12 large, fluffy banana cinnamon rolls
• Calories: ~320 kcal per roll

Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls:

• Use overripe bananas — the blacker the peel, the sweeter and softer the dough.
• Want crunch? Add crushed walnuts or pecans into the filling!
• For a caramel twist, drizzle with a bit of maple syrup before serving.
• These rolls can be made the night before. Just refrigerate before the second rise and bake in the morning.

• Storage & Reheating:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• To reheat: Microwave for 15 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.

Final Thought:

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are soft, sticky, full of flavor, and impossible to resist. Whether you’re serving them on a weekend morning, a holiday brunch, or just treating yourself — this recipe will never disappoint.