Imagine soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls swirled with sweet banana bread flavor, topped with a cream cheese glaze—these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the best of both worlds! Perfect for weekend brunch or a cozy treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Banana Bread Meets Cinnamon Rolls – Double the deliciousness!
✅ Ultra-Soft & Fluffy – Thanks to mashed bananas in the dough
✅ Creamy Glaze – A tangy-sweet finish
✅ Great for Meal Prep – Freeze unbaked or reheat leftovers
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium)
- ½ cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided (+ more as needed)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
For the Filling:
- ¼ cup softened butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add mashed bananas, 2 cups flour, egg, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Mix well.
- Gradually add remaining 1 ½ cups flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead 5-7 minutes until smooth (dough will be slightly sticky).
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1-2 hours until doubled.
Step 2: Roll & Fill
- Roll dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
- Spread with softened butter, then sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and nuts.
- Roll tightly from the long side, pinch seam to seal, and cut into 12 slices.
Step 3: Second Rise & Bake
- Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan. Cover and rise 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake 25-30 minutes until golden.
Step 4: Glaze & Serve
- Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle over warm rolls.
Tips for the Best Rolls
🔹 Extra Banana Flavor? Add ½ tsp banana extract to the dough.
🔹 Make Ahead – Refrigerate shaped rolls overnight; bake in the morning.
🔹 Gooier Centers? Add 2 tbsp maple syrup to the filling.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy warm with coffee or cold milk.
- Top with sliced bananas or caramel sauce for extra decadence.
Final Thoughts
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a breakfast game-changer—soft, spiced, and swirled with banana goodness. Perfect for special mornings or anytime you crave something sweet!
Wake up to happiness! 🍌🍞✨