Prep Time: 20 minutes | Rise Time: 1.5 hours | Bake Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes | Serves: 12 rolls | Calories: 320 per roll
Today we have the most amazing combination that will make your kitchen smell like absolute heaven! These banana bread cinnamon rolls bring together two beloved treats – soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls with the sweet, comforting flavor of banana bread. They’re perfect for weekend mornings, special brunches, or any time you want to fill your home with the most incredible aroma.
What You Need (Ingredients)
For the Dough:
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large)
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup softened butter
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls (Step by Step)
Step 1: Wake Up the Yeast
In a small bowl, mix the warm milk with the yeast. The milk should feel like a warm bath – not hot! Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it gets foamy on top. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work.
Step 2: Make the Banana Dough Base
In a big bowl, mix together your mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, egg, and salt. Stir everything together well. The bananas should be really ripe and mashed smooth – no big chunks!
Step 3: Add the Yeast and Make Dough
Pour your foamy yeast mixture into the banana mixture and stir. Then slowly add the flour, one cup at a time, stirring until a soft dough forms. It will be a little sticky – that’s perfect!
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Put the dough on a floured surface and knead it for 5-7 minutes. Add a little more flour if it’s too sticky, but don’t add too much – you want it soft and slightly sticky. You’ll know it’s ready when it feels smooth and elastic.
Step 5: Let It Rise
Put your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour. It should double in size – this is where the magic happens!
Step 6: Roll Out Your Dough
On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 16×12 inches. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect – rustic is beautiful! Spread the softened butter all over the surface.
Step 7: Add the Sweet Filling
Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle it evenly over the buttered dough. Make sure you get it all the way to the edges!
Step 8: Roll and Slice
Starting from the long end, roll the dough up tightly like a jelly roll. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut it into 12 equal pieces. Place them in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 9: Second Rise
Cover your rolls and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until they’re puffy and touching each other. While they’re rising, heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 10: Bake Until Golden
Bake your beautiful rolls for 25-28 minutes until they’re golden brown on top and smell absolutely incredible. Your whole house will smell like heaven!
Step 11: Make the Frosting
While the rolls are still warm, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until it’s smooth and creamy. Spread this amazing frosting all over the warm rolls.
Step 12: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these warm, gooey, banana-cinnamon perfection rolls right away. Watch everyone’s face light up with joy!
Pro Tips for Perfect Rolls
- Use really ripe bananas: The more spots, the better! They should be sweet and easy to mash.
- Check your yeast: If it doesn’t foam up, your yeast might be dead – start over with fresh yeast.
- Warm rising spot: Put your dough on top of the fridge or in a slightly warm oven (turned off!) to help it rise.
- Don’t overbake: They should be golden but still soft – they continue cooking a bit after you take them out.
Easy Ways to Make Them Special
- Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans in the filling
- Chocolate chips: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for extra indulgence
- Maple twist: Use maple syrup instead of some of the sugar in the frosting
- Banana slices: Add thin banana slices on top of the filling before rolling
- Coconut version: Add shredded coconut to the filling
Perfect for Special Mornings
These heavenly rolls are amazing for:
- Weekend family breakfasts
- Holiday morning treats
- Birthday breakfast surprises
- Brunch parties with friends
- When you want to make something extra special
Make-Ahead Magic
- Night before: Make through step 8, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let come to room temperature and rise before baking.
- Freeze the dough: Freeze after first rise, thaw overnight, then continue with recipe.
- Baked rolls: Store covered for 3 days, warm before serving.
Storage Tips
- Room temperature: Keep covered for 2-3 days
- Refrigerator: Store up to 1 week, warm gently before serving
- Freezer: Wrap individual rolls and freeze for up to 3 months
Why This Combination Is So Amazing
Banana bread and cinnamon rolls are both comfort food classics, and together they create:
- Incredible aroma that fills your whole house
- Moist, tender texture from the bananas
- Sweet, spicy flavor from the cinnamon
- Creamy richness from the cream cheese frosting
- The perfect balance of flavors and textures
Shopping Made Easy
Here’s what to grab at the store:
- Very ripe bananas (the spottier, the better!)
- Fresh yeast (check the expiration date)
- Good quality cinnamon (it makes a difference!)
- Full-fat cream cheese for the best frosting
- Vanilla extract (real vanilla, not imitation)
Kid-Friendly Fun
Kids love helping with these because:
- They can help mash the bananas
- Rolling out dough is fun
- The sweet smell gets them excited
- They’re the perfect size for little hands
- Great for teaching basic baking skills
Healthier Swaps
Want to make them a bit healthier?
- Use whole wheat flour for half the all-purpose flour
- Reduce sugar slightly in the filling
- Add chopped nuts for protein and healthy fats
- Use Greek yogurt in place of some butter
Try these incredible banana bread cinnamon rolls and create the most amazing weekend morning tradition your family will treasure forever!
