Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the rich, moist flavors of banana bread with the gooey, sweet goodness of cinnamon rolls. The soft, fluffy dough is infused with ripe bananas and a cinnamon-sugar filling, then baked to golden perfection and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat, these rolls are the ultimate indulgence!

Why You’ll Love These Rolls

• Banana Bread Flavor: The banana bread base adds moisture and flavor to every bite.
• Cinnamon-Sugar Goodness: A sweet cinnamon swirl runs through the rolls for a perfect contrast.
• Soft & Fluffy: These rolls are melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• Cream Cheese Glaze: A rich and tangy glaze makes these rolls even more irresistible.

Ingredients for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls For the Dough:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Knife or dough scraper

How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough In a small bowl, mix the warm milk and yeast together. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes frothy. In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and the yeast mixture. Mix until smooth. Add the flour, cinnamon, and baking powder to the mixture and stir until it forms a dough. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook if you have one. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling While the dough rises, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using) together in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 4: Roll and Slice Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Use a sharp knife or dough scraper to slice the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces. Place the cinnamon rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Leave a little space between each roll to allow them to expand as they bake. Cover the rolls with a clean towel and let them rise for 30-45 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up.

Step 5: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through. Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly before glazing.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Once the rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy Serve the banana bread cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy the perfect balance of banana flavor, cinnamon sweetness, and creamy glaze. These are best served fresh, but they also reheat wonderfully!

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for the ultimate breakfast or snack.
• Top with chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
• Serve with a side of fresh fruit for a more balanced meal.

Tips for the Best Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

• Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the more flavor and moisture they will add to the dough.
• Don’t Skip the Rising Time: Allowing the dough to rise properly will ensure light and fluffy rolls.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the rolls the night before, cover them, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply let them rise for about 30 minutes before baking.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
• Freezer: You can freeze the rolls before baking. Freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q1: Can I make the dough in advance? Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time, let it rise, and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, bring it to room temperature before rolling out and proceeding with the recipe.

Q2: Can I add nuts or chocolate chips? Absolutely! Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips to the cinnamon-sugar filling for added flavor and texture.

Q3: How do I keep the rolls from getting soggy? Allow the rolls to cool slightly before drizzling the glaze, as the heat from the rolls could cause the glaze to melt too quickly.

Conclusion: A Perfect Twist on Banana Bread! These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a heavenly combination of soft, banana-flavored dough and sweet cinnamon goodness, all topped with a creamy glaze. They make for a delicious breakfast, dessert, or snack any time of the day!

Did you make this recipe? Tag us on social media and share your banana bread cinnamon roll creations!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (per roll)
Calories: 270
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 1g

Enjoy these irresistible banana bread cinnamon rolls with family and friends!

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