Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Banana bread meets cinnamon rolls: The sweetness of ripe bananas adds depth to the dough.
Soft and fluffy: The rolls rise beautifully, making them light yet rich.
Customizable: Add walnuts or pecans for crunch, or even a drizzle of caramel.
Perfect for sharing: A pan of these warm rolls won’t last long at any table!
Ingredients
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
1 cup warm milk
2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2–3 tablespoons milk (to thin if needed)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Add mashed bananas, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and remaining sugar. Stir until smooth.
Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour (until doubled in size).
2. Make the Filling
In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a paste.
3. Assemble the Rolls
Roll out the dough into a large rectangle (about 16×12 inches).
Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly, sprinkle with walnuts if using. Roll up tightly from the long side and slice into 12–15 rolls. Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
4. Bake
Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and baked through.
5. Add the Icing
Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Spread generously over warm rolls.
Tips for Success
Ripe bananas = better flavor: The spottier, the sweeter! Warm place for rising: Let the dough rise in a draft-free area for best results. Make ahead: Assemble rolls the night before, refrigerate, then bake fresh in the morning.
Serving Ideas
Enjoy warm with a hot cup of coffee or tea ☕. Drizzle with caramel or sprinkle extra nuts for a festive touch. Perfect for Christmas morning, weekend brunch, or as a cozy dessert.
Final Thoughts
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the nostalgic flavor of banana bread with the gooey, swirled goodness of cinnamon rolls. They’re warm, comforting, and indulgent – everything a homemade treat should be. Once you try them, they’ll become a new family favorite.
