Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls – The Ultimate Sweet Morning Treat You Didn’t Know You Needed!
Imagine waking up to the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls — but not just any cinnamon rolls. These are warm, fluffy, gooey Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls, blending the nostalgic flavor of banana bread with the swirl of cinnamon sugar and a rich cream cheese glaze. Whether you’re baking for brunch, holidays, or a lazy Sunday, this recipe will steal the show.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional but recommended for texture)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until the surface becomes frothy. This means your yeast is alive and ready.
2. Mix the Dough
Add the melted butter, eggs, salt, and mashed bananas to the yeast mixture. Stir until smooth. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a dough forms.
Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes by hand (or with a dough hook) until soft and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour — but not too much!
3. Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the Filling
Mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Set aside.
5. Roll and Fill
Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle, roughly 14×20 inches. Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the surface. Sprinkle with chopped nuts if using.
6. Roll and Cut
Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut into 12 equal pieces.
7. Second Rise
Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and baked through. Don’t overbake — you want them soft and gooey!
9. Make the Frosting
While the rolls bake, prepare the frosting. Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, and mix until light and fluffy.
10. Frost and Serve
Spread the frosting generously over the warm rolls right after baking so it melts into all the layers. Serve immediately and enjoy the magic!
Time & Servings:
- Prep Time: 2 hours (includes rising time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Calories per serving: ~450 kcal
Tips for the Best Rolls:
- Use overripe bananas for the richest flavor.
- Don’t rush the rising time — fluffy dough needs patience.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for extra warmth.
- Want to make them ahead? Prepare the rolls the night before, refrigerate after the second rise, then bake fresh in the morning.
Storage & Reheating:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds for that gooey-fresh texture.
- These rolls freeze beautifully! Just wrap them individually and thaw overnight.