Fluffy Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: A Cozy Morning Treat

Warm, gooey banana bread cinnamon rolls bring comfort to your kitchen like a sweet, nostalgic hug.

Fragrant spices swirl through soft dough, promising pure morning magic.

Ripe bananas add rich moisture and unexpected depth to classic pastry traditions.

Soft layers promise delightful indulgence with every tender bite.

Delicate swirls of cinnamon dance between pillowy bread-like textures, creating something extraordinary.

Baking these rolls feels like a celebration of cozy mornings and cherished recipes.

You’ll want to savor each incredible moment of creation and taste.

Why Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Are A Warm And Gooey Favorite

• Tackle a Unique Twist: Banana adds delightful moisture and natural sweetness to traditional cinnamon rolls, creating a revolutionary breakfast treat that stands out from classic recipes.
• Master Beginner-Friendly Baking: Step-by-step instructions make this recipe accessible for home bakers of all skill levels, transforming complex pastry-making into an enjoyable and approachable experience.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Warm, gooey cinnamon rolls with banana filling deliver ultimate comfort, perfect for weekend breakfasts, family gatherings, or sharing with friends over coffee.
• Customize with Creativity: Flexible recipe allows personal touches like adding nuts, changing glaze consistency, or experimenting with alternative toppings to match individual taste preferences.

Ingredients For Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

• Active Dry Yeast: A key ingredient that helps the dough rise and develop a light, airy texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure builder for the soft and tender banana rolls.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps activate the yeast during the baking process.
• Ripe Bananas: Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and a rich banana flavor to the dough.
• Butter: Creates a rich, tender crumb and enhances the overall flavor of the rolls.

• Brown Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Create a warm, sweet, and aromatic filling that complements the banana flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy element to the filling, providing depth and richness.
• Mashed Banana: Reinforces the banana flavor and adds moisture to the filling.

• Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract, Salt: Combine to create a smooth, sweet glaze that enhances the rolls.
• Walnuts: Provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor as a garnish.

How To Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch

Step 1: Awaken the Yeast

Stir yeast into warm water and watch it transform. Let it sit until it becomes a frothy, bubbly mixture that signals it’s ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Create the Banana Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip butter and sugar together until they become light and airy. Fold in mashed ripe bananas, creating a creamy foundation for your rolls.

Step 3: Form the Dough

Gently incorporate flour into the banana mixture. Work the ingredients until a soft, slightly tacky dough emerges, holding together with a gentle touch.

Step 4: Knead and Rise

Sprinkle flour on your work surface and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Transfer to a greased bowl and let it rest in a cozy, warm spot for an hour.

Step 5: Craft the Filling

• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Mashed banana
• Softened cream cheese

Mix until the filling becomes a rich, aromatic mixture.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

After the dough has risen, flatten it into a rectangular shape on a floured surface. Aim for a thin, even layer about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 7: Spread the Filling

Distribute the cinnamon-banana filling across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow.

Step 8: Shape the Rolls

Carefully roll the dough from the long side, creating a tight log. Slice into 12 even rounds using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.

Step 9: Prepare for Baking

Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, giving them room to expand. Let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Heat the oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls until they turn golden brown and fill the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 11: Whip Up the Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Blend until you achieve a smooth, drizzle-worthy consistency.

Step 12: Finish with Flair

Once the rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle generously with glaze. Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top for a delightful crunch and extra flavor.

Tips To Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Even Better

• Proof Yeast Perfectly: Ensure water temperature is exactly 110°F to activate yeast without killing it, creating a frothy base for soft, fluffy rolls.
• Banana Ripeness Matters: Use overripe, nearly black bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture, enhancing the rolls' rich flavor and tender texture.
• Knead with Care: Develop gluten by kneading dough smoothly for 6-8 minutes, creating an elastic consistency that guarantees light, airy rolls.
• Roll Technique Tip: Use unflavored dental floss to slice rolls evenly, preventing squished edges and ensuring uniform baking for consistent results.
• Glaze Like a Pro: Drizzle glaze when rolls are slightly warm but not hot, allowing it to set beautifully and create a tempting, glossy finish.

Tasty Spins On Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

• Gluten-Free Banana Cinnamon Rolls: Replace wheat flour with a blend of gluten-free all-purpose flour and almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Banana Swirl Buns: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use plant-based cream cheese, and replace eggs with mashed banana or flaxseed mixture.
• Whole Wheat Wellness Rolls: Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutty flavor, enhancing nutritional value.
• Low-Sugar Banana Comfort Rolls: Use natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, reduce sugar content, and incorporate rolled oats for a healthier alternative.

What To Serve With Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

• Elevate Banana Cinnamon Rolls Pairing
• Brew Rich Espresso Companion: A robust espresso cuts through the sweetness, balancing the rolls' creamy texture with its bold, intense flavor profile.
• Match Warm Chai Latte: Spicy chai complements the cinnamon notes, enhancing the banana's warmth and creating a cozy, comforting breakfast experience.
• Create Maple Bourbon Sauce Drizzle: Craft a decadent sauce blending maple syrup and bourbon, which adds depth and complexity to the rolls' sweet, soft character.
• Select Toasted Almond Garnish: Sprinkle crunchy toasted almonds alongside the rolls, introducing a nutty contrast that elevates the overall taste and textural sensation.

How To Store Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Without Drying Out

• Store leftover banana cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Place cooled rolls in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Seal tightly, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
• Preheat oven to 300°F. Wrap rolls in aluminum foil to prevent burning, then warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through. This method helps restore original softness and prevents excessive dryness.
• Warm individual rolls for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Add a damp paper towel over the roll to prevent hardening and maintain soft texture.

FAQs About Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

• How do I know if my yeast is active?

Mix the yeast with warm water around 110°F. If it becomes foamy and bubbly within 5-7 minutes, it’s ready to use in your recipe.

• Why do I need to knead the dough?

Kneading develops gluten, which makes the dough elastic and helps create a soft, tender texture in your banana cinnamon rolls.

• Can I replace the walnuts?

Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or skip nuts entirely if you prefer. The rolls will still taste delicious.

• How do I ensure my rolls rise properly?

Place the dough in a warm, draft-free area like near a preheated oven or inside a turned-off oven with the light on. This creates an ideal environment for yeast to activate and dough to rise.

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Moist banana bread meets classic cinnamon rolls in this irresistible “banana bread cinnamon rolls” fusion. Sweet spices and ripe bananas create a comforting breakfast treat that melts in your mouth, inviting you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 medium ripe bananas
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast

Filling Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup mashed banana
• 2 tbsp softened cream cheese

Topping/Glaze Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm water (110°F), allowing it to become frothy and bubbly for about 5-7 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, then incorporate mashed ripe bananas.
3. Gradually fold in flour to the banana mixture, creating a soft, slightly sticky dough that comes together smoothly.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 6-8 minutes until elastic and smooth, then transfer to a greased bowl and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour.
5. While dough rises, prepare the filling by mixing brown sugar, ground cinnamon, mashed banana, and softened cream cheese into a rich, fragrant spread.
6. Punch down the risen dough and roll out into a large rectangular shape on a floured surface, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
7. Spread the cinnamon-banana filling evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. Carefully roll the dough from the long side, creating a tight log, then slice into 12 even rounds using a sharp knife or dental floss.
9. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, allowing them space to expand, and let rise for an additional 30 minutes.
10. Preheat oven to 375°F and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and aromatic.
11. Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and drizzling consistency.
12. Once rolls are slightly cooled, generously drizzle with glaze and sprinkle chopped walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor.

Notes

• Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring the same soft texture by adding xanthan gum for binding.
• Reduce sugar content by using ripe bananas as a natural sweetener and replacing some granulated sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for lower-calorie option.
• Use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based milk alternatives to make the recipe vegan-friendly, maintaining the rich and creamy consistency of the filling and glaze.
• Let bananas ripen until deep brown and speckled for maximum natural sweetness and intense banana flavor, which enhances the overall taste of the cinnamon rolls.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg