If you love banana bread and cinnamon rolls, then this recipe combines the best of both worlds! These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with the comforting flavors of ripe bananas and cinnamon. Topped with a rich cream cheese icing, they’re the perfect breakfast treat or dessert. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or as a make-ahead brunch idea, these rolls are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
For the Dough:
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup milk (warmed to about 110°F)
- 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions: How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
1. Prepare the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warmed milk (about 110°F) and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutesuntil the mixture becomes foamy. This ensures the yeast is active and ready to rise.
2. Make the Banana Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, granulated sugar, melted butter, and eggs. Mix well until smooth. Add the yeast mixture to the bowl and stir to combine.
Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but smooth. If it’s too sticky, add more flour 1 tablespoon at a time. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft and elastic.
3. Let the Dough Rise
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Make the Cinnamon Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until it forms a smooth paste.
5. Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches.
6. Spread the Filling
Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar filling over the rolled-out dough, making sure to cover all the way to the edges.
7. Roll and Cut the Cinnamon Rolls
Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls cut-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
8. Let the Rolls Rise Again
Cover the baking dish with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up.
9. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
10. Make the Cream Cheese Icing
While the rolls are cooling, prepare the icing. In a medium-sized bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
11. Frost and Serve
Spread the cream cheese icing generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve and enjoy!
Cook’s Notes and Tips for Success
- Ripe Bananas: Make sure your bananas are very ripe, as this will enhance the flavor and sweetness of the dough.
- Yeast: The yeast mixture should foam after 5-10 minutes. If it doesn’t, the yeast may be inactive, and you’ll need to start again with fresh yeast.
- Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but manageable. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour (1 tablespoon at a time), but avoid adding too much as it will result in a tough dough.
- Icing: For a lighter icing, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to thin it out if desired.
Recipe Variations: How to Customize Your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
One of the best parts of this recipe is its versatility. You can tweak the ingredients to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences.
Keto-Friendly Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
For a keto-friendly version:
- Flour Substitute: Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour. You may need to adjust the quantity based on the type of flour.
- Sugar Substitute: Replace the granulated sugar and brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
- Cream Cheese Icing: Use powdered erythritol or another keto-friendly sweetener for the icing.
Low-Carb Version
To reduce carbs without going full keto:
- Flour: Use a combination of whole wheat and almond flour to reduce the carbs while keeping a fluffy texture.
- Sweeteners: Opt for a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup in place of refined sugars.
Flavor Variations
- Nutty Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon filling for a crunchy texture.
- Chocolate Banana Rolls: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the cinnamon filling before rolling up the dough for a chocolatey surprise.
- Caramelized Banana Filling: Replace some of the brown sugar with caramel sauce for a rich and gooey filling.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Q1: Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the rolls, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
Q2: Can I freeze Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls?
Absolutely! Freeze the rolls before or after baking. To freeze before baking, slice the rolls, place them in a baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then let them rise for about an hour before baking. To freeze after baking, simply cool the rolls, wrap them tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Q3: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can. If using instant yeast, there’s no need to proof it with warm milk. Simply add it directly to the dry ingredients and continue with the recipe.
Q4: Can I use a different frosting?
Of course! While the cream cheese icing complements these rolls perfectly, you can also use a simple vanilla glaze, caramel sauce, or even a chocolate drizzle.
A New Favorite Breakfast Treat
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are an irresistible fusion of two beloved comfort foods. With their soft, fluffy texture, rich banana flavor, and decadent cream cheese icing, they’re perfect for any special occasion or weekend breakfast. Plus, with options for keto, low-carb, or flavor variations, this recipe can easily fit different dietary needs or preferences. Give these rolls a try and watch them become a new favorite in your home
