Meta Description:
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe made with real bananas, warm cinnamon spices, and creamy frosting. A soft, fluffy, bakery-style treat perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There is something deeply comforting about the scent of bananas and cinnamon rising from the oven. These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the moist richness of banana bread with the indulgent swirl of classic cinnamon rolls. They are soft, fragrant, slightly caramelized on the edges, and generously topped with silky cream cheese frosting. This recipe feels both nostalgic and exciting — familiar enough to comfort you, yet special enough to impress anyone at the table.
Preparation & Baking Time
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Rising Time: 2 hours (including both rises)
• Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time (including chilling banana milk): Overnight + 3 hours
• Yield: 12 rolls
Tools Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- 13×9 inch baking pan
- Wire cooling rack
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 medium bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 1/3 cup butter
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
For the Filling
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- Pinch of ground cloves
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the banana milk: In a small saucepan, combine milk and mashed bananas. Bring to a boil, remove from heat immediately, cool slightly, cover, and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.
- In a large bowl, whisk sugar, yeast, salt, and 2 cups of flour.
- Warm the chilled banana milk mixture with butter to 120–130°F.
- Pour warm liquid into dry ingredients and beat for 2 minutes.
- Add eggs and beat on high for 2 minutes.
- Gradually stir in remaining flour until a soft, sticky dough forms.
- Knead 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour until doubled.
- Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and cloves for filling.
- Roll dough into an 18×12-inch rectangle. Brush with melted butter, sprinkle filling evenly, and add walnuts if desired.
- Roll tightly into a log and cut into 12 slices.
- Place in greased 13×9 pan. Cover and rise 1 hour.
- Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Beat frosting ingredients until creamy and spread over warm rolls.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls
• Use very ripe bananas for deeper flavor and natural sweetness.
• Do not overheat the milk mixture; high heat can kill the yeast.
• Knead until elastic — this ensures soft texture.
• Spread frosting while rolls are slightly warm for a melt-in finish.
Flavor Variations & Additions
• Add chocolate chips for a dessert-style version.
• Swap walnuts for pecans.
• Add a drizzle of maple glaze for autumn warmth.
• Mix a little nutmeg into the filling for extra spice depth.
Storage & Reheating
Store rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to restore softness. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months and thawed overnight before reheating.
Approximate Nutrition Per Roll
Calories: 420
Carbohydrates: 58g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 18g
Sugar: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, after the first rise you may refrigerate overnight and bake the next morning.
Why is my dough too sticky?
Add flour gradually while kneading until it becomes elastic but still soft.
Can I skip the nuts?
Absolutely. The recipe works perfectly without them.
Final Thought
Baking these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls is more than following steps — it is about patience, warmth, and enjoying the transformation of simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Take your time, breathe in the cinnamon, and let your kitchen fill with comfort.
