The fusion of banana bread and cinnamon rolls brings you the ultimate sweet comfort treat. These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and beautifully spiced with cinnamon and a hint of banana in every bite. Topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, they melt in your mouth and make any morning feel special.
They’re perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or just a cozy indulgence when the craving hits. The best part? The dough is enriched with mashed banana, creating a naturally sweet and pillowy roll. Whether you’re a banana bread fan or a cinnamon roll devotee, this hybrid bake will steal your heart.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
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1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
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2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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1/3 cup melted unsalted butter
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1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 large banana)
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4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Filling:
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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3/4 cup brown sugar
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1 tbsp cinnamon
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1/4 cup mashed ripe banana
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
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1/2 tsp vanilla extract
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1–2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
Directions:
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In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
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Add the eggs, melted butter, mashed banana, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
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Slowly add in the flour, one cup at a time, until the dough forms. Knead on medium speed for 5–7 minutes or by hand for 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
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Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
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Roll the dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle on a floured surface.
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Spread the softened butter over the dough, then mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and mashed banana for the filling and spread evenly.
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Roll the dough tightly from the long end and cut into 12 even rolls.
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Place rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
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While baking, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
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Once rolls are slightly cooled, spread the glaze over the top and serve warm.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 12 rolls
The Irresistible Allure of Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls: A Comfort Food Classic Reimagined
If you’re a fan of banana bread and cinnamon rolls, get ready to fall in love. The Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls recipe is a match made in brunch heaven it’s a delightful twist on two beloved classics that offers the perfect balance of sweetness, warmth, and nostalgic flavor. These rolls take the soft, moist texture of banana bread and combine it with the gooey, spiced layers of traditional cinnamon rolls, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. The result? A pillowy, melt in your mouth treat that’s indulgent yet familiar, innovative yet rooted in the comfort of home baking.
This hybrid dessert breakfast creation has surged in popularity recently as bakers and foodies look for creative spins on nostalgic favorites. Banana bread, a staple of many home kitchens, especially during times of abundance (or overripe bananas!), has always been a go-to for easy baking and minimal waste. On the other hand, cinnamon rolls are synonymous with weekend brunches, holiday mornings, and that irresistible aroma that fills your entire home. Bringing them together makes perfect sense: the depth of flavor from ripe bananas enhances the sweetness of the cinnamon sugar filling, while the enriched dough gets an added dose of moisture and tenderness.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
What makes this recipe shine is its perfect texture it’s soft, fluffy, and holds the signature swirl beautifully without being dry or overly dense. Many banana-infused baked goods run the risk of becoming too moist or gummy, but this dough is just right. The bananas not only add a natural sweetness but also contribute to the moisture balance without compromising structure. Plus, the use of yeast ensures a nice rise and airy bite.
The cinnamon filling itself is another highlight. It’s rich and aromatic, layered with a generous amount of brown sugar and cinnamon. As the rolls bake, the filling slightly caramelizes, seeping into the folds and creating that iconic cinnamon roll stickiness everyone craves. When paired with the banana infused dough, it creates a flavor profile that’s both nostalgic and fresh.
And let’s not forget the frosting. A good cinnamon roll is incomplete without that final decadent drizzle. This recipe doesn’t hold back the cream cheese icing is tangy, sweet, and velvety smooth, melting just enough over the warm rolls to create a silky glaze that pools slightly in the crevices of the swirls.
A Versatile Treat for Any Occasion
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are incredibly versatile. They’re indulgent enough to serve as a dessert, especially when warmed and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. At the same time, they’re a comforting choice for a weekend breakfast or brunch. Serve them alongside coffee, fresh fruit, or scrambled eggs for a satisfying and memorable start to the day.
They also make a thoughtful homemade gift. Wrapped in parchment paper and tied with twine, a pan of these cinnamon rolls is perfect for housewarming gifts, new parents, or a weekend host. They travel well and reheat beautifully, maintaining their soft texture even after a couple of days.
For holiday mornings like Christmas or Easter, these rolls can be a delightful surprise on the breakfast table. Prepare them the night before and do the final rise in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply take them out, let them come to room temperature, and bake fresh. The smell alone will draw everyone into the kitchen.
Make It Your Own: Variations and Tips
This recipe is also endlessly adaptable. You can easily incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for a bit of crunch, or even fold them into the dough for added texture. Love chocolate? Sprinkle mini chocolate chips alongside the cinnamon sugar filling for a banana chocolate cinnamon trifecta. Feeling fruity? Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to complement the banana flavor.
If you want to experiment with the frosting, try adding a dash of maple syrup, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a touch of orange zest for a citrusy kick. Even a brown butter glaze would take these rolls to the next level. You can make them dairy free by substituting plant based milk, vegan butter, and vegan cream cheese.
For those who prefer whole grains, consider replacing part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You’ll get a slightly denser roll but with an added nuttiness that pairs wonderfully with the banana flavor.
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls and the Emotional Connection
There’s something incredibly nostalgic about banana bread it reminds many of us of childhood, of grandparents’ kitchens, or quiet mornings filled with the smell of baking. Cinnamon rolls evoke similar feelings of warmth and celebration, often baked on special occasions or as a weekend treat. Combining the two isn’t just a culinary innovation it’s a celebration of comfort, joy, and tradition.
These rolls carry emotional resonance. They’re the kind of recipe you pull out when you want to make someone feel special. Whether it’s a loved one coming home, a friend who needs cheering up, or just a way to treat yourself after a long week, these banana bread cinnamon rolls speak a universal language: comfort.
Healthier Indulgence, Still Satisfying
Compared to traditional cinnamon rolls, these banana bread-inspired ones can feel just a touch healthier thanks to the natural sweetness and fiber of bananas. That doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice flavor. On the contrary, bananas enrich the rolls so you might find yourself needing less sugar overall. It’s a great way to use up overly ripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste, too.
With mindful substitutions, you can make these rolls more nutritious while still retaining their rich, decadent character. Try reducing the sugar in the dough slightly, using coconut sugar or maple syrup in the filling, or even using Greek yogurt in the frosting to lighten it up.
Perfect for Beginner Bakers
This recipe is also accessible to newer bakers. While it does involve yeast, which can be intimidating to some, the step by step process is straightforward. The dough is forgiving and easy to work with, and the rising times are manageable. If you’re new to working with yeasted doughs, this is a great introduction. And the payoff? Absolutely worth it.
The dough comes together beautifully with a stand mixer, but you can just as easily make it by hand with a little elbow grease. The scent that fills your kitchen during the baking process is a reward in itself warm cinnamon, sweet banana, and the unmistakable promise of a delicious bite.
Conclusion:
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a fun mash up of two popular treats they represent the best of both worlds. They’re soft, comforting, and flavorful, with layers of sweetness and spice that make them perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re baking them for a weekend breakfast, a special gathering, or just to treat yourself, they’re sure to impress and satisfy.
The best part? They’re a great use for overripe bananas, adaptable to your preferences, and full of possibilities for creative variation. So next time you find yourself staring at a bunch of browning bananas on the counter, think beyond banana bread and let the aroma of these irresistible rolls transform your kitchen into a cozy haven of homemade bliss.