Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Banana bread cinnamon rolls combine the comforting flavors of banana bread with the gooey, sweet layers of cinnamon rolls. These soft and pillowy rolls are infused with ripe bananas, filled with cinnamon sugar, and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this unique twist on classic cinnamon rolls is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Best of Both Worlds: Combines the flavors of banana bread and cinnamon rolls for a delightful treat.
• Soft and Fluffy: The ripe bananas make the dough incredibly tender and flavorful.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them the night before for an effortless morning bake.
• Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or extra spices to make them your own.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family breakfast or a special brunch, these rolls shine.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough:

• Ripe bananas, mashed
• Warm milk (about 110°F)
• Granulated sugar
• Active dry yeast
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Egg
• All-purpose flour
• Salt

For the Filling:

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• Cream cheese, softened
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Milk (optional, to adjust consistency)

Directions

For the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast:
   • In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, melted butter, and egg. Stir in the yeast mixture.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually mix in flour and salt until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes, either by hand or with a dough hook, until smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise:
   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

For the Filling:

1. Prepare the Cinnamon Filling:
   • In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a paste.

Assemble the Rolls:

1. Roll Out the Dough:
   • Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about ¼-inch thick.
2. Spread the Filling:
   • Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Roll and Cut:
   • Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the long side. Slice into 12 equal pieces and arrange them in a greased baking dish.

Second Rise and Bake:

1. Second Rise:
   • Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes, until puffed.
2. Bake:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

1. Make the Glaze:
   • In a bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add milk as needed to reach your desired consistency.
2. Glaze the Rolls:
   • Spread the glaze over the warm rolls and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 rolls
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rise Time: 2-2.5 hours
• Bake Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours

Variations

• Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the filling for extra crunch.
• Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for a banana-chocolate twist.
• Spiced Up: Enhance the flavor with nutmeg or cardamom in the filling.
• Healthier Version: Use whole wheat flour or a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour.
• Overnight Rolls: Let the assembled rolls rise overnight in the refrigerator and bake fresh in the morning.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before glazing.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast and skip the activation step. Mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a dairy-free cream cheese substitute for a dairy-free version.

Do the bananas need to be overripe?

Yes, overripe bananas are sweeter and easier to mash, giving the dough the best flavor.

Can I prepare these without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! The dough can be kneaded by hand, though it may take a bit more time and effort.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

Ensure the dough is rolled tightly, and pinch the seams to seal. Using softened, not melted, butter in the filling also helps.

Can I skip the cream cheese glaze?

Yes, you can use a simple powdered sugar icing or leave them plain for a less sweet option.

How do I keep the rolls soft after baking?

Cover them with foil while cooling to retain moisture.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Thawed frozen bananas work well, but drain any excess liquid before mashing.

What size pan works best for this recipe?

A 9×13-inch baking dish is ideal for evenly spaced rolls that bake perfectly.

Can I halve the recipe?

Yes, halve the ingredients and use a smaller pan for fewer rolls.

Conclusion

Banana bread cinnamon rolls are a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, combining the comforting flavors of banana bread with the gooey sweetness of cinnamon sugar. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these rolls are a treat that everyone will love. Whether you make them for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home!

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