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Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Featured in Tasty Morning Favorites.

Make banana-infused dough, roll with brown sugar and cinnamon, bake, and frost with cream cheese icing for a sweet brunch or dessert.
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Ranah
Updated on Mon, 10 Feb 2025 13:31:37 GMT
A delicious stack of banana bread cinnamon rolls, drizzled with icing and topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Pin it
A delicious stack of banana bread cinnamon rolls, drizzled with icing and topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon. | tastyblom.com

Transform your brunch game with these innovative banana bread cinnamon rolls that combine two beloved classics into one irresistible treat. Fresh bananas are woven throughout the soft, yeasted dough and filling, creating layers of natural sweetness that perfectly complement the warm cinnamon spice. Topped with silky cream cheese frosting, these rolls deliver pure comfort in every bite.

The first time I experimented with adding bananas to cinnamon roll dough, I was amazed at how they created an incredibly tender texture while adding natural sweetness. Now these rolls are requested at every family brunch.

Essential Components

  • Ripe bananas: Choose spotty bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor
  • Quality yeast: Fresh instant yeast ensures proper rising
  • Whole milk: Higher fat content creates tender dough
  • European butter: Provides superior richness and flavor
  • Fresh cinnamon: Ground just before use for best aroma

Creating Your Masterpiece

Perfect The Base
  • Warm milk mixture to precise temperature range for optimal yeast activation.
Develop The Dough
  • Knead until smooth and elastic, watching for perfect tacky consistency.
Master The Rise
  • Allow proper time for dough to double, creating ideal texture.
Roll With Care
  • Create even rectangle to ensure uniform spiral pattern.
Layer The Filling
  • Distribute butter, sugar, and bananas evenly for consistent flavor.
Crown With Frosting
  • Top warm rolls with cream cheese mixture for perfect melting.

Growing up, my grandmother taught me that patience during the rising process creates the most tender rolls. Her wisdom proves true every time I make this recipe.

A delicious stack of banana bread cinnamon rolls, drizzled with icing and topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Pin it
A delicious stack of banana bread cinnamon rolls, drizzled with icing and topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon. | tastyblom.com

Elegant Accompaniments

Serve these rolls alongside fresh fruit compote and hot coffee for an impressive brunch spread. Add candied pecans for extra crunch and sophistication.

Creative Twists

Experiment with maple-bourbon frosting or add toasted coconut to the filling. Try a chocolate-hazelnut spread variation for decadent depth.

Storage Success

Keep unfrosted rolls at room temperature for up to two days. Once frosted, refrigerate and gently reheat before serving.

Freshly baked banana bread cinnamon rolls, showcasing a warm, golden-brown exterior and a delightful cinnamon aroma. Pin it
Freshly baked banana bread cinnamon rolls, showcasing a warm, golden-brown exterior and a delightful cinnamon aroma. | tastyblom.com

Conclusion

These banana bread cinnamon rolls have become my signature contribution to family gatherings. The combination of two beloved treats creates something truly special that brings joy to every breakfast table. Remember, while the process requires patience, the result is a professional-quality pastry that makes any morning memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but all-purpose flour works perfectly fine and yields tender rolls.
→ What if I don’t have instant yeast?
Use active dry yeast, but adjust the milk temperature and rise times as noted in the recipe.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
→ Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?
Yes! Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
→ Can I make these dairy-free?
Substitute butter with vegan butter and use a dairy-free milk alternative. Ensure the cream cheese frosting is also dairy-free.

Banana Bread-Inspired Cinnamon Rolls

Soft cinnamon rolls infused with banana flavor, topped with cream cheese frosting for a decadent treat.

Prep Time
60 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
95 Minutes

Category: Morning Favorites

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 rolls)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Dough

01 1 cup (240 ml) milk, lukewarm (about 120-130°F)
02 6 Tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter
03 ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
04 4 ½–5 cups (540–600 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
05 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
06 1½ teaspoons salt
07 ½ cup mashed banana (about 1 large banana)

→ Filling and Assembly

08 4 Tablespoons (1/2 stick, 57 g) unsalted butter, very soft
09 ½ cup (107 g) packed light brown sugar
10 1 tablespoon cinnamon
11 2 large bananas, thinly sliced
12 ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream, slightly warmed (for pouring on rolls before baking)

→ Cream Cheese Frosting

13 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
14 4 tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter, softened
15 1 ½ cups (170 g) powdered sugar
16 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 01

In a medium saucepan, heat the milk, butter, and sugar until the butter melts and the mixture reaches 120–130°F (or 105–110°F for active dry yeast). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 02

In a stand mixer bowl with a paddle attachment, combine 4 ½ cups of flour, yeast, and salt. Add the melted butter mixture and mashed banana, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 03

Switch to a dough hook and knead at medium speed for 6–8 minutes, adding more flour as needed (up to 5 cups total). The dough should be slightly sticky but smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes.

Step 04

Lightly grease a large bowl, place the dough inside, and cover. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1–1.5 hours (or longer if using active dry yeast).

Step 05

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into an 18×12-inch rectangle.

Step 06

Spread the softened butter over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border at the top edge. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the butter. Top with sliced bananas.

Step 07

Starting at the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Cut into 12 equal rolls using a serrated knife, thread, or dental floss for clean cuts.

Step 08

Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spiral side up. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes (or 75 minutes for active dry yeast) until puffy.

Step 09

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Pour the warmed heavy cream over the rolls and bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for 20 minutes before frosting.

Step 10

Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until combined. Beat in vanilla extract until fluffy. Spread over slightly warm rolls.

Notes

  1. For a make-ahead option, assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight. Let them rise at room temperature before baking.
  2. Freeze unbaked or baked rolls for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  3. Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the milk is at the correct temperature for yeast activation.

Tools You'll Need

  • Stand mixer with paddle and dough hook attachments
  • Medium saucepan
  • Rolling pin
  • Serrated knife or unflavored dental floss
  • 9×13 inch baking dish

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, cream cheese, heavy cream).
  • Gluten-free if using gluten-free flour.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 511
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 78 g
  • Protein: 8 g