Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe 🍌🥮
If you love the warm comfort of banana bread and the gooey indulgence of cinnamon rolls, this recipe brings you the best of both worlds! These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with banana flavor, layered with cinnamon-sugar filling, and topped with luscious cream cheese icing. Perfect for weekend brunch, holidays, or whenever you need a little extra sweetness in your day. 🌞
Why You’ll Love These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, these feature mashed bananas in the dough, which not only adds natural sweetness but also keeps the rolls extra moist and fluffy. Combined with cinnamon and brown sugar, these rolls deliver an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen and guarantees smiles at the breakfast table. 🍯
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup mashed banana (about 2-3 medium bananas)
For the Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Icing
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Directions 👩🍳
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, mix warm milk with yeast and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Add melted butter, eggs, salt, and mashed banana to the yeast mixture. Mix well, then gradually add flour until the dough comes together.
Step 3: Knead & Rise
Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Make the Filling
Combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Mix into a spreadable paste.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Roll out dough into a 20×14-inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly, sprinkle with walnuts (optional), then roll tightly from the long side. Cut into 12 rolls and place in a greased baking dish.
Step 6: Final Rise
Cover and let rise for 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 7: Bake & Ice
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth, then spread icing over warm rolls. 🧁
Expert Chef Tips 👨🍳
- Chef Gordon Ramsay: “Use overripe bananas for maximum flavor and natural sweetness in the dough.”
- Chef Bobby Flay: “Add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for an extra warm spice note.”
- Ina Garten: “If you want perfectly even rolls, use dental floss to cut instead of a knife—less squishing, more perfection.”
Nutrition & Health Benefits 🍏
| Ingredient | Quantity | Nutrition & Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Bananas | 1 cup (about 2-3 bananas) | Rich in potassium, vitamin B6, and natural sweetness. |
| Cinnamon | 2 tbsp | Anti-inflammatory, helps regulate blood sugar levels. |
| Walnuts | 1/2 cup | Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, great for heart health. |
| Cream Cheese | 4 oz | Provides calcium and a creamy texture to icing. |
| Eggs | 2 large | Excellent source of protein and essential vitamins. |
Safety & Storage Tips 🥶
- Allow rolls to cool slightly before spreading icing to prevent melting.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 5 days.
- Reheat in the microwave for 20 seconds or oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
- Freeze unbaked rolls after shaping; thaw overnight in the fridge and bake fresh the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓
- Can I use frozen bananas? Yes, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before using.
- Can I make these rolls overnight? Yes, prepare and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.
- What’s the best flour to use? All-purpose works well, but bread flour gives chewier rolls.
- Can I make them dairy-free? Yes, use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese.
- Why didn’t my dough rise? Your yeast may have expired or your milk was too hot and killed it.
- Can I add chocolate chips? Absolutely! They pair beautifully with banana and cinnamon.
- How do I prevent sticky dough? Add flour gradually and knead until smooth, not sticky.
- Do I have to add walnuts? No, they’re optional but add crunch and nutty flavor.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, just use a larger baking dish or two smaller ones.
- What can I serve with these rolls? Coffee, chai latte, or a glass of cold milk pairs perfectly.
More Sweet Recipes You’ll Love 🍪
Looking for more sweet and comforting recipes? Explore these delicious options on Fresh Toner Hungar:
- Classic Cinnamon Rolls – Soft and gooey, the timeless favorite.
- Moist Banana Bread – A quick bread perfect for breakfast or snacks.
- Frosted Coffee Cakes – Perfectly sweet with a cup of coffee.
Final Thoughts 🌟
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a fusion of two beloved baked goods, offering the moist sweetness of banana bread and the irresistible swirls of cinnamon rolls. Whether you’re baking for family brunch, a holiday gathering, or simply to treat yourself, these rolls will fill your home with warmth and joy. 💛
