Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Introduction

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the comforting flavors of ripe bananas and warm cinnamon in a soft, fluffy roll. Perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack, these rolls are topped with a sweet vanilla glaze that makes them irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ – 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• ¼ cup warm milk
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup brown sugar (for filling)
• 2 tsp cinnamon (for filling)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 2 tbsp milk or heavy cream (for glaze)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Activate the yeast by mixing warm milk and granulated sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas. Add the egg, melted butter, salt, and the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.
3. Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
4. Step 4: Prepare the filling by combining the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
5. Step 5: Roll the risen dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, then roll it tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal slices.
6. Step 6: Arrange the rolls in a greased pan, cover, and let them rise for another 30–40 minutes.
7. Step 7: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
8. Step 8: While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract to make the glaze. Drizzle over the warm rolls before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use very ripe bananas for maximum flavor and natural sweetness.
• Swap milk with heavy cream in the glaze for a richer taste.
• Add chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
• For overnight cinnamon rolls, assemble the rolls, refrigerate them, then bake fresh in the morning.
• Cover the rolls with a damp paper towel when reheating to keep them soft and moist.

Storage

Store leftover banana bread cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, covering with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick-rise yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute quick-rise yeast, but reduce the first rise time since it activates faster. Watch the dough closely to avoid over-proofing.

Can I make these rolls gluten-free?

To make gluten-free banana bread cinnamon rolls, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for baking. You may need to adjust the liquid or add a binder like xanthan gum for best results.

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 87 reviews

Deliciously soft and flavorful Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the comforting taste of banana bread with the classic swirl of cinnamon rolls. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these rolls are made with a yeast dough enriched with ripe bananas and a cinnamon-sugar filling, topped with a sweet vanilla glaze.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
• Category: Breakfast & Brunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough:

• 2 ½ – 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• ¼ cup warm milk
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ tsp salt

For the Filling:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk (or heavy cream for richness)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: Mix warm milk and granulated sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle active dry yeast on top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. Make the dough: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly. Add the egg, melted butter, salt, and the yeast mixture. Gradually add the all-purpose flour a little at a time and mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead & rise: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Make the filling: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well mixed and smooth.
5. Shape the rolls: Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into a rectangle about 12×18 inches. Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices to create the rolls.
6. Second rise: Place the cut rolls in a greased baking pan. Cover and let them rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy and slightly expanded.
7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25–30 minutes until they turn golden brown on top and are cooked through.
8. Glaze: While the rolls are still warm, mix powdered sugar, milk (or heavy cream), and vanilla extract to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle the glaze generously over the rolls and serve warm.

Notes

• Use very ripe bananas for maximum flavor and natural sweetness.
• For a richer glaze, substitute milk with heavy cream.
• Add chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
• To prepare the rolls in advance, assemble them, refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh the next morning.
• When reheating rolls, cover with a damp paper towel to retain softness.

Keywords: banana bread cinnamon rolls, banana cinnamon rolls, cinnamon roll recipe, breakfast rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls