Gooey Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Warm, gooey cinnamon rolls infused with banana bread essence promise a breakfast revolution.

This delectable fusion combines two beloved classics into one irresistible treat.

Sweet ripe bananas meld perfectly with soft, swirling dough and rich cinnamon notes.

Comfort meets creativity in every tender, aromatic bite.

The secret lies in balancing banana’s natural sweetness with warm spices and pillowy pastry.

Bakers seeking a delightful morning surprise will fall in love with this innovative recipe.

Each roll delivers a harmonious blend of familiar flavors that dance across your palate.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Calories: 305 kcal

Servings: 11

What Goes In Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

• Warm Milk: Activates yeast and provides rich, soft texture with creamy undertones.
• Active Dry Yeast: Crucial for rising and creating light, airy bread structure.
• Granulated Sugar: Feeds yeast and adds subtle sweetness to dough.
• Unsalted Butter: Enhances flavor and creates tender, moist roll texture.
• Ripe Bananas: Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and distinctive banana flavor.
• Large Egg: Binds ingredients and provides structure to the dough.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates foundational bread texture and supports rising.
• Salt: Balances flavors and strengthens gluten development.

• Brown Sugar: Delivers deep caramel notes and creates gooey cinnamon swirl.
• Ground Cinnamon: Provides warm, aromatic spice characteristic of classic rolls.
• Softened Butter: Helps spread filling evenly and adds rich, creamy texture.

• Cream Cheese: Creates tangy, smooth base for classic roll topping.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds complex, warm flavor to the frosting.
• Milk: Adjusts frosting consistency for perfect spreading.

Tools For Baking Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients and kneading dough.
• Stand mixer (optional): Helps knead dough quickly and efficiently.
• Dough hook: Attachment for stand mixer to make dough preparation easier.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out dough into a smooth, even rectangle.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Ideal for baking and presenting the cinnamon rolls.
• Clean kitchen towel: Used for covering dough during rising periods.
• Small bowl: For mixing filling ingredients.
• Medium bowl: Needed for preparing cream cheese frosting.
• Sharp knife: Used to cut rolled dough into individual rolls.
• Whisk or electric mixer: Helps create smooth, creamy frosting.

How To Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

• Magical Dough Creation

Awaken the yeast in warm milk with a touch of sweetness. Let it bubble and dance with excitement. Introduce mashed bananas, melted butter, and a whisper of egg. Knead the mixture until it transforms into a silky, smooth dough that springs back when touched. Allow the dough to rest and grow, dreaming of delicious possibilities.

• Flavor Explosion Preparation

Blend softened butter with brown sugar and cinnamon, creating a swirl of sweet warmth. Roll out the rested dough into a canvas waiting to be painted with deliciousness.

• Rolling and Shaping

Spread the cinnamon mixture generously across the dough, leaving just a hint of bare edges. Carefully roll the dough into a perfect log, slicing it into tender spirals of joy.

• Rise and Shine

Nestle the rolls into a cozy baking dish. Let them puff up with anticipation, growing plump and promising.

• Baking Magic

Slide the dish into a warm oven, watching as the rolls transform into golden-brown treasures. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that draws everyone near.

• Creamy Crowning Glory

Whip up a dreamy cream cheese frosting that melts and swirls over the warm rolls. Drizzle generously, letting the frosting cascade down the sides of each perfect spiral.

Flavor Tips For Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

• Perfect Proofing Trick: Use a warm, draft-free spot like your oven (turned off) with a pan of hot water to help the dough rise faster and more evenly.
• Banana Ripeness Matters: Choose overripe, heavily speckled bananas for maximum sweetness and banana flavor in your rolls. Riper bananas provide deeper, more intense taste.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to maintain the rolls' soft texture. This option works great for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the rolls up to the point of the second rise, then refrigerate overnight. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking to allow them to come to room temperature and complete rising.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace milk with almond or oat milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, and swap cream cheese frosting with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. These substitutions keep the rolls delicious while accommodating dietary restrictions.

Serving Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls With Style

• Sweet Banana Drizzle: Top each roll with extra sliced bananas and a light drizzle of caramel sauce for added tropical sweetness and texture.
• Nutty Crunch Topping: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the cream cheese frosting to introduce a delightful crunch and complementary flavor profile.
• Breakfast Companion Pairing: Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or chai tea to balance the rolls' sweetness and create a perfect morning indulgence.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Present these rolls as a centerpiece for a weekend family gathering, letting everyone enjoy the warm, gooey banana-infused treat together.

Store Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Right

• Refrigeration Magic: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Make-Ahead Wonder: Prepare the rolls up to the point of second rise, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to allow dough to return to room temperature.
• Freezing Friendly: Wrap unbaked rolls securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and let rise at room temperature before baking.
• Frosting Fresh Tip: Keep cream cheese frosting separate from rolls if not serving immediately. Store frosting in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days, and bring to room temperature before spreading.

Soft Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade banana bread cinnamon rolls blend classic comfort with sweet innovation. Southern bakers will adore these irresistible pastries that combine familiar flavors into one delightful breakfast treat.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 ½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk
• 2 ¼ tsps (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 medium ripe banana (about ½ cup)
• 2 tsps ground cinnamon
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter, softened
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 12 tbsps milk

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Whisk yeast with warm milk and sugar, allowing the mixture to become frothy and bubbly, signaling the yeast’s readiness.
2. Dough Formation: Blend mashed bananas, melted butter, egg, and remaining sugar into the yeast mixture. Gradually integrate flour until a smooth, pliable dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface until elastic and uniform.
3. First Rise: Transfer dough to a greased container, cover with a towel, and let it rest in a warm, undisturbed space until it doubles in size, approximately 1 hour.
4. Filling Preparation: Combine softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon to create a rich, aromatic spread.
5. Rolling and Filling: Punch down the risen dough and roll into a rectangular shape. Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly, leaving a small border. Roll tightly from the long edge to form a log, then slice into 12 equal portions.
6. Second Rise and Baking: Arrange rolls in a prepared baking dish, cover, and let them proof until puffy. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
7. Frosting Finale: Whip cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk into a silky smooth frosting. Generously spread over warm rolls and serve immediately for an indulgent treat.

Notes

• Yeast Activation Precision: Use milk precisely between 100-110°F to ensure proper yeast activation without killing the microorganisms.
• Banana Ripeness Matters: Select overripe, deeply speckled bananas for maximum natural sweetness and moisture in the dough.
• Dough Kneading Technique: Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, which develops gluten and creates a tender texture.
• Proofing Environment: Place dough in a warm, humid area around 80-85°F for optimal rising, using a slightly damp towel to prevent surface drying.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 240 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg