Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Soft, gooey, and layered with irresistible banana and cinnamon aromas, these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are my ultimate comfort bake. Imagine everything you love about a freshly baked loaf of banana bread, swirled with gooey cinnamon sugar and tucked inside pillowy-soft rolls—an unforgettable treat that’s surprisingly simple to make at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baking Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls is all about everyday ingredients coming together in total harmony. Each element, from ripe bananas to that dreamy cinnamon swirl, brings out the best flavor, soft texture, and downright irresistible aroma. Here’s what you’ll need (plus a few tips!):

• Lukewarm Milk: Warms the dough and helps activate the yeast for that fluffy rise (use around 120-130°F for instant yeast).
• Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and tenderness to both dough and filling—don’t skip the extra for that golden topping!
• Granulated Sugar: Gives gentle sweetness and helps your rolls brown beautifully.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of any good cinnamon roll—measure carefully for the perfect soft (but not dense) dough.
• Instant Yeast: Makes the rise easy and reliable; you can swap with active dry yeast if needed (just allow a longer rise).
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings all those flavors alive.
• Mashed Banana: The magic ingredient—adds moistness, color, and unmistakable banana flavor to every bite!
• Light Brown Sugar: Creates that gooey, caramel-cinnamon swirl in the filling.
• Cinnamon: Classic and warming—be generous for maximum aroma.
• Bananas (thinly sliced): Layered inside the rolls, they become almost jammy and totally crave-worthy.
• Heavy Cream: Poured over the rolls before baking, it soaks in for extra softness and gooey texture—trust me, it’s a game changer.
• Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar, and Vanilla: Together, these make a luscious frosting that brings everything together.

Variations

The beauty of Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls? They’re endlessly customizable! Whether you want to tweak textures, spice levels, or even make them vegan, there’s plenty of room for creativity—let’s explore a few delicious ways to make them your own:

• Nutty Retreat: Sprinkle toasted walnuts or pecans over the filling for extra crunch and classic banana bread vibes.
• Chocolate Chip Swirl: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the filling for rich, melty pockets of chocolate in every roll.
• Vegan & Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese to keep things plant-based without sacrificing flavor.
• Maple Frosting: Swap the standard cream cheese icing for a silky maple glaze for extra warmth and depth.

How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Warm the Milk and Melt the Butter

Begin by gently heating your milk, butter, and sugar together in a saucepan until the butter melts and the mixture is just lukewarm. This step is crucial—warm liquids help activate the yeast for that dreamy, pillowy rise, but if the mixture is too hot, it can hinder your dough. Grab an instant-read thermometer if you have one and aim for 120-130°F for instant yeast (cooler if using active dry).

Step 2: Make and Knead the Dough

In the bowl of your stand mixer, whisk together the flour, yeast, and salt. Pour in the warm milk mixture and your mashed banana. Mix on low until a shaggy dough forms, then switch to a dough hook and knead for 6-8 minutes (or by hand for 8-10 minutes). Add extra flour if too sticky, but resist the urge to over-flour—the dough should stay soft and just slightly tacky!

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, 1 to 1½ hours (longer if using active dry yeast). This is when that wonderful banana scent will start to waft through your kitchen!

Step 4: Roll, Fill, and Slice

Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 18×12 inches). Spread with super-soft butter, then sprinkle on your cinnamon-brown sugar mix and layer with sliced bananas. Roll up tightly from the long side, pinching to seal. To cut, I love using unflavored dental floss—it glides through, giving perfect spirals with no squish!

Step 5: Second Rise

Nestle your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls into a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise again until puffed, about 45 minutes (or up to 75 if you used active dry yeast). They should look pillowy and nearly doubled—patience pays off for that extra fluffiness.

Step 6: Bake and Pour on Cream

When the rolls look ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Just before baking, pour slightly warmed heavy cream evenly over the rolls (this step transforms their texture—don’t skip it!). Then bake for 30-35 minutes until risen and golden.

Step 7: Make Cream Cheese Frosting & Ice Rolls

While the rolls cool for 20 minutes, whip up your frosting: beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until fluffy. Slather frosting generously over the rolls while they’re still a bit warm so it sinks into every swirl—absolute bliss!

How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

Top your warm Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with a big swoosh of cream cheese frosting, then sprinkle with chopped toasted nuts, a dusting of cinnamon, or extra banana slices for bakery-style flair. A drizzle of maple syrup or even a few chocolate shavings will make them extra special for company or brunch.

Side Dishes

These cinnamon rolls shine on their own, but if you’re serving them for breakfast or brunch, try adding crisp bacon, scrambled eggs, or a big bowl of mixed berries on the side. For a cozy afternoon treat, pair with hot coffee, chai, or even a glass of cold milk—bliss!

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd, arrange your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls on a wooden board in a swirl, drizzle extra frosting, and scatter with caramelized banana coins. Or, plate individually and garnish with edible flowers for an elegant brunch vibe. You can also bake them in mini ramekins for adorable single-servings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or keep them in the fridge for 4–5 days. The cream cheese frosting means refrigeration helps preserve both freshness and food safety.

Freezing

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls freeze beautifully! After baking, let the rolls cool completely, then wrap each roll (or the entire tray, unfrosted) tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and frosting them fresh.

Reheating

For best texture, warm individual rolls in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or pop a whole pan in a low oven (300°F) for 10–15 minutes. Add extra frosting after reheating, if you like, and enjoy that just-baked taste all over again!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something warm, nostalgic, and next-level delicious, Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are your answer. They turn a bunch of bananas into an unforgettable treat that’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or just enjoying with your favorite people. I can’t wait for you to bite into that first soft, cinnamon-swirled, banana-perfumed roll—bake a batch soon and let your kitchen smell amazing!

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