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Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls: A Delicious Twist on Two Classics


  • Total Time: 150 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x

Description

Banana bread meets cinnamon rolls! Soft, fluffy rolls packed with banana flavor, swirled with cinnamon, and topped with tangy cream cheese frosting.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer or do it by hand.
  2. Add the Wet Ingredients: Beat in the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. First Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  6. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until well combined and creamy.
  7. Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
  8. Spread the Filling: Spread the cinnamon swirl filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough.
  9. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it tightly.
  10. Cut the Rolls: Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices.
  11. Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise again for about 30 minutes, or until they are puffy and almost doubled in size.
  12. Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center of a roll should come out clean.
  13. Cool Slightly: Let the rolls cool in the baking dish for about 10-15 minutes before frosting.
  14. Cream the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  15. Add the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
  16. Add the Milk and Vanilla: Beat in the milk and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
  17. Frost the Rolls: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the warm cinnamon rolls.
  18. Serve Immediately: Serve the banana bread cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use ripe bananas for the best flavor.
  • Don’t overmix the dough.
  • Let the dough rise properly in a warm place.
  • Use softened butter for the filling and frosting.
  • Don’t overbake the rolls.
  • Variations: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or a caramel drizzle. Make it vegan by substituting ingredients.
  • Storage: Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes