Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
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.
