These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the moist, tender flavor of banana bread with the soft, gooey swirl of a cinnamon roll. Think: warm banana sweetness, buttery cinnamon filling, and a dreamy cream cheese glaze—rolled up into the perfect indulgent breakfast or brunch treat. They’re fluffy, flavorful, and make your kitchen smell absolutely heavenly.
🍌 Ingredients
For the Dough:
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large ripe banana, mashed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Banana Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ ripe banana, mashed (optional, for extra banana flavor)
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add sugar, melted butter, mashed banana, egg, and vanilla. Mix well.
- Stir in flour and salt. Knead by hand or with a dough hook for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1½ hours until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Mash in banana (optional) and combine with softened butter to form a spreadable paste.
3. Assemble the Rolls:
- Roll the dough out into a large rectangle (about 14×9 inches).
- Spread the cinnamon banana filling evenly across the surface.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side and slice into 9–12 rolls.
- Place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes.
4. Bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until lightly golden and cooked through.
5. Make the Glaze:
- Beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Mix until creamy and pourable.
- Drizzle over warm rolls and serve.
💡 Tips
- Use very ripe bananas for the sweetest flavor and softest texture.
- Mash bananas well to avoid chunks in the dough or filling.
- Don’t overbake—pull them when golden on top and still soft in the center.
- Chill dough overnight for easy morning baking (second rise in the morning).
🔁 Variations & Substitutions
- Make it vegan: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese.
- Add crunch: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling.
- Gluten-free version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
- Extra banana twist: Add banana slices over the filling before rolling.
- No cream cheese? Make a simple vanilla glaze with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
❓ FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas from the freezer?
Yes! Thaw and drain excess liquid before using to avoid a wet dough.
Can I make these ahead?
Yes—assemble the rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let come to room temp before baking.
Do they taste more like banana bread or cinnamon rolls?
They have the soft texture of cinnamon rolls, but with the sweet depth of banana bread—truly the best of both worlds!
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Freeze baked (unglazed) rolls, then thaw and glaze before serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with extra glaze or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Pair with coffee, chai, or a spiced latte.
- Add sliced bananas or toasted nuts on top for a bakery-style presentation.
- Enjoy for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!
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