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Cinnamon Rolls Banana Bread

Featured in Breakfast & Brunch.

Soft, sweet rolls combining fluffy banana bread and warm cinnamon. Mash bananas for extra flavor, and spread creamy frosting on top while they're still warm. Perfect for relaxing mornings or when guests come by.

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Updated on Tue, 01 Apr 2025 19:07:42 GMT
Fresh cinnamon rolls topped with banana slices, caramel glaze, and powdered sugar dusting. Pin it
Fresh cinnamon rolls topped with banana slices, caramel glaze, and powdered sugar dusting. | tasteofmoms.com

Wanna try something different? These banana bread cinnamon rolls will blow your mind. We combine overripe bananas with cinnamon and brown sugar, then wrap everything into soft, pillowy rolls. Slather them with rich cream cheese frosting and you've got yourself a breakfast masterpiece.

Benefits of These Rolls

This treat brings two classics together - cinnamon rolls meet banana bread. They're perfect for slow Sunday mornings or when you need to impress your family. They might look complicated, but they're actually pretty simple to make. Banana in the dough creates an incredibly tender texture, and the fresh banana slices inside make each bite amazing. Top it all with that creamy frosting, and they'll be gone in minutes.

Ingredients List

  • Milk: Lukewarm whole milk. You can use 2% in a pinch.
  • Yeast: Standard active dry yeast for proper rising.
  • Sugar: Basic white granulated sugar.
  • Butter: Part melted, part softened.
  • Eggs: A single egg plus one yolk.
  • Bananas: Overripe ones - smashed for the dough, cut into slices for inside.
  • Vanilla: Standard vanilla extract.
  • Flour: Common all-purpose flour.
  • Salt: A small amount.
  • Brown Sugar: Preferably dark, but light is okay too.
  • Cinnamon: For that signature roll flavor.
  • Walnuts: Finely chopped. Leave them out if you're not a nut fan.
  • Cream Cheese: Softened, for the topping.
  • Powdered Sugar: For making the frosting.
Two freshly baked cinnamon rolls drizzled with creamy frosting and sprinkled with powdered sugar, served on a white plate. Pin it
Two freshly baked cinnamon rolls drizzled with creamy frosting and sprinkled with powdered sugar, served on a white plate. | tasteofmoms.com

Preparation Steps

Activate Yeast:
Heat milk, stir in yeast and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Combine Liquids:
Add in melted butter, eggs, mashed banana, vanilla. Stir until smooth.
Create Dough:
Stir in flour and salt. Mix until it comes together.
Work the Dough:
Knead for about 10 minutes until soft and smooth. Sprinkle more flour if too sticky.
First Rise:
Place in greased bowl. Cover. Wait an hour until size doubles.
Prepare Filling:
Combine brown sugar with cinnamon. Flatten dough into rectangle.
Assemble Rolls:
Coat with butter, sprinkle sugar mixture, add banana slices, scatter nuts. Roll up tightly.
Second Rise:
Slice into 12 equal pieces. Allow to rise 25 minutes more.
Cook:
Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes until lightly golden.
Top Them:
Beat cream cheese, butter, sugar until smooth. Spread over hot rolls.

Standout Features

These rolls are something special. They're what happens when banana bread and cinnamon rolls join forces. Right out of the oven, they're tender, warm, and smell incredible. Just right for those slow mornings when you deserve a treat. And that cream cheese topping? It takes everything to the next level.

Key Ingredient Info

Let's chat about what goes in these. Simple stuff like milk and yeast help the dough get big and fluffy. Very ripe bananas are crucial - they add moisture and natural sweetness. The brown sugar mixed with cinnamon creates that classic flavor we all love. Then the cream cheese frosting pulls everything together perfectly.

Tools Required

Nothing fancy needed. Just grab:

A large mixing bowl
A rolling pin
A sharp knife
A baking dish
Some baking paper

That's all. No special equipment required.

Frosting Creation

The topping couldn't be simpler. Beat softened cream cheese with butter and powdered sugar till it's completely smooth. Throw in some vanilla and a dash of cinnamon if you want. Put it on while the rolls are still warm so it gets all gooey and delicious.

Helpful Advice

Check that your yeast foams up - if not, get fresh stuff. Don't cut corners on rising time. Keep some flour nearby for rolling out. Keep an eye on them while baking - aim for golden, not dark. Cool them slightly before frosting, but serve them warm. That's all!

A cinnamon roll topped with sliced bananas, a creamy caramel sauce, and chopped nuts. Pin it
A cinnamon roll topped with sliced bananas, a creamy caramel sauce, and chopped nuts. | tasteofmoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes these rolls unique?

It's a mix of two favorites - banana bread and cinnamon rolls. The bananas keep them soft and moist, while cinnamon adds warmth. A sweet frosting takes them to the next level.

→ Can I prep them ahead of time?

Sure! Assemble the rolls but don’t bake them yet. Store them in the fridge overnight, then take them out 30 minutes before baking. Warm, fresh rolls in the morning!

→ What kind of bananas should I use?

Pick bananas with dark spots all over. The riper they are, the sweeter and softer your rolls will be, with a stronger banana flavor.

→ Can I skip the nuts?

Don’t like walnuts? Swap them for pecans or leave them out. You can even throw in raisins instead. The rolls taste awesome either way.

→ My yeast isn’t working - what do I do?

If your yeast doesn’t foam, it's likely expired. Grab fresh yeast, and double-check your water temperature - it should feel warm like a bath, not too hot or cold.

Conclusion

Want more ideas? Check out banana muffins, fluffy banana pancakes, or cinnamon walnut rolls. They're perfect with coffee, filling, and can be made with or without nuts. Great for birthdays or weekend get-togethers.

Cinnamon Rolls Banana Bread

Fluffy banana-cinnamon treats for mornings.

Prep Time
120 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
150 Minutes
By: Ashley

Category: Breakfast & Brunch

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 rolls

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 cup whole milk.
02 2 packets of yeast (equal to 3 tsp).
03 1/4 cup granulated sugar.
04 1/4 cup butter, melted.
05 1 large egg.
06 1 egg yolk only.
07 1/2 cup mashed bananas (from 1 or 2 bananas).
08 1 tsp vanilla extract.
09 4 1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for sprinkling).
10 1/2 tsp salt.
11 6 tbsp softened butter.
12 1 cup packed dark brown sugar.
13 1 tsp ground cinnamon.
14 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract.
15 1-2 bananas, thinly sliced.
16 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped.
17 8 oz cream cheese, softened.
18 2 tbsp softened butter.
19 3/4 cup powdered sugar.
20 2 tsp vanilla extract.
21 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat milk until it's like bath water. Stir in sugar and yeast. Let it sit about 5 minutes until it's foamy.

Step 02

Stir butter, eggs, mashed banana, and vanilla together.

Step 03

Gradually stir in the flour and salt, mixing until it forms a thick dough.

Step 04

Work the dough by hand or machine for 8-10 minutes until it's smooth. Toss in a little flour if it's sticky.

Step 05

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours until it’s bigger.

Step 06

Stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Roll the dough into a large rectangle.

Step 07

Spread butter all over the dough, then sprinkle the sugar mixture, lay down the banana slices, and add the nuts.

Step 08

Roll the dough up tightly, then slice it into 12 sections. Arrange the pieces in a greased baking pan.

Step 09

Cover the rolls and let them sit another 20-25 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F during this time.

Step 10

Bake for 25-30 minutes until they’re golden. Let cool for 10 minutes.

Step 11

Beat cream cheese, butter, and sugar until fluffy. Add cinnamon and vanilla, then spread over warm rolls.

Notes

  1. Bananas make them softer than usual ones.
  2. Perfect for gatherings with company.
  3. If yeast doesn't foam, it's not active.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl.
  • Whisk or fork.
  • Sturdy spoon.
  • Rolling pin for flattening.
  • Oven-proof dish.
  • Nonstick paper.
  • Knife or dough cutter.
  • Electric mixer (optional).

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Gluten.
  • Tree nuts.
  • Eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~