Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

 

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls: The Best of Both Worlds

Imagine the soft, moist sweetness of banana bread combined with the gooey, cinnamony swirl of classic cinnamon rolls — that’s exactly what you get with Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. This indulgent twist on two beloved favorites creates a comforting pastry that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

With ripe bananas adding natural sweetness and moisture, these rolls are tender and flavorful, while the cinnamon-sugar filling adds that irresistible warm spice. Topped with a rich cream cheese glaze, they’re pure comfort food that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

---

Why You’ll Love Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

• Perfect blend of banana bread and cinnamon roll flavors

• Soft, tender dough with a gooey cinnamon swirl

• Made with ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture

• Easy to customize with nuts or chocolate chips

• Deliciously topped with cream cheese icing

---

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast

• ¼ cup sugar

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ⅓ cup warm milk

• ¼ cup melted butter

• 1 large egg

For the filling:

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

• ¼ cup softened butter

For the cream cheese glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)

---

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, warm milk, melted butter, sugar, salt, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until yeast starts to foam. Add the egg and flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.

2. Knead and Rise:
   Knead dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

3. Roll and Fill:
   Roll the dough into a rectangle about 12x8 inches. Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle evenly with cinnamon and brown sugar.

4. Form Rolls:
   Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Cut into 12 equal rolls and place in a greased baking dish.

5. Second Rise:
   Cover and let rolls rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

6. Bake:
   Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

7. Make the Glaze:
   Whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls.

---

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve warm with coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast

• Add chopped walnuts or pecans in the filling for crunch

• For an extra indulgence, serve with fresh fruit or whipped cream

---

Tips & Variations:

• Use overripe bananas for best sweetness and moisture.

• Add chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolate-banana combo.

• Substitute cream cheese glaze with a simple vanilla glaze for a lighter topping.

• Freeze leftover rolls and reheat gently for a quick treat.

---

Final Thoughts

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine two breakfast favorites into one heavenly treat that’s perfect for special occasions or weekend indulgence. With tender banana-infused dough and a warm cinnamon swirl, finished with luscious cream cheese icing, these rolls bring comfort and joy with every bite.

Give this recipe a try, and turn your mornings into a sweet celebration!