Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

 

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls: The Sweetest Mashup You Didn’t Know You Needed

What happens when you take the moist, comforting flavor of banana bread and roll it up with gooey cinnamon sugar and cream cheese frosting? Magic. That’s what. These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate hybrid breakfast treat—part nostalgic banana bread, part classic cinnamon roll, and 100% irresistible.

Perfect for slow weekend mornings, brunch gatherings, or even dessert, this recipe takes two beloved baked goods and brings them together into one unforgettable bite. Sweet, spiced, fluffy, and rich, these rolls will have everyone asking for seconds (or thirds).

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Why You’ll Love Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

• 🍌 Banana flavor baked right into the dough – Not just a topping or filling

• ☁️ Soft and fluffy texture – Like cinnamon rolls, but even more tender

• 🎉 Perfect for special mornings – Great for holidays, guests, or self-care Sundays

• 🧁 Cream cheese frosting on top – Because why not?

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Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)

• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, room temperature

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 ripe banana, mashed

• 3¼ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ tsp salt

For the Filling:

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 1½ tbsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup powdered sugar

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• 1–2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)

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Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast
   In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Mix the Dough
   Add mashed banana, melted butter, egg, and egg yolk to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine. Gradually mix in flour and salt until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead & Rise
   Knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer for 6–8 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours or until doubled in size.

4. Make the Filling
   In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside the softened butter.

5. Roll Out the Dough
   On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle (about 14x9 inches). Spread the butter over the surface, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

6. Roll & Cut
   Roll the dough tightly into a log from the long edge. Slice into 9–12 even rolls and place in a greased baking dish.

7. Second Rise
   Cover the rolls and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.

8. Bake
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes, until lightly golden and cooked through.

9. Make the Frosting
   Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Add milk a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.

10. Frost & Serve
    Spread frosting over warm rolls and enjoy immediately!

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Tips for Success

• Use overripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.

• Don’t over-flour the dough—it should be soft and a little tacky, not stiff.

• Make ahead: Assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.

• Add-ins: Chopped nuts or chocolate chips make delicious additions to the filling.

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A New Brunch Classic

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are comfort food with a twist—familiar yet exciting, classic yet creative. They fill your kitchen with warm banana and cinnamon aromas, and the gooey frosting makes them feel like a bakery treat without the bakery price tag.

Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this mashup of two beloved baked goods is bound to become a repeat favorite.