Banana bread or cinnamon rolls? Why choose when you can have both! These hybrid beauties combine everything we love: the tender sweetness of banana bread with the warm, gooey spice of cinnamon rolls. Topped off with a silky glaze or rich cream cheese frosting, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert—and they’re easier to make than you’d think.

Whether you’re hosting a cozy brunch or just need something special to go with coffee, these rolls deliver pure joy in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Dough
2 cups (plus extra for dusting) All-purpose flour
¼ cup Granulated sugar
1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) Active dry yeast
½ teaspoon Salt
½ cup (about 1 large banana) Mashed ripe banana
¼ cup (whole preferred) Milk
¼ cup Unsalted butter (melted)
1 large Egg
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

For the Filling
¼ cup Unsalted butter (softened)
½ cup Brown sugar (light or dark)
1½ teaspoons Ground cinnamon
¼ cup Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Glaze
1 cup Powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons Milk or cream
½ teaspoon Vanilla extract

Optional Cream Cheese Frosting
4 oz Cream cheese (softened)
2 tablespoons Unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup Powdered sugar
½ teaspoon Vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons Milk (for consistency)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
In a separate bowl, mix mashed banana, milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla.
Combine wet and dry ingredients to form a soft dough.
Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes (or use a mixer with dough hook) until smooth and elastic.
Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling

Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Roll out dough into a 12×9-inch rectangle.
Spread butter evenly over dough, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and add nuts if desired.

3. Roll & Slice

Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log.
Slice into 12 even rolls using floss or a sharp knife.
Place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish with a little space between each.

4. Second Rise

Cover and let rolls rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

5. Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and cooked through.

6. Make Glaze or Frosting

Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter, then add sugar, vanilla, and milk until spreadable.

7. Finish & Serve

While still warm, drizzle with glaze or frost generously.
Serve fresh, and enjoy every cozy, banana-spiced bite.

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