Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Imagine the comforting aroma of freshly baked banana bread swirled with the warm, spicy sweetness of cinnamon rolls. These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls offer a delightful fusion of two classic favorites, perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack. Their soft, tender dough lightly embraces the natural sweetness of ripe bananas while the cinnamon sugar spiral adds just the right amount of spice.

Drizzled with a luscious cream cheese glaze, each bite melts in your mouth with gooey richness and flavor harmony. Whether you want a cozy start to your day or a satisfying treat with your afternoon coffee, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.

Ingredients

• Ripe Bananas (2-3 pieces): Use very ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moist texture that enhances the bread-like dough.
• Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup): Adds sweetness and helps activate the dough, balancing the banana flavor.
• Brown Sugar (1/4 cup): Provides rich molasses notes, deepening the cinnamon swirl’s flavor.
• Melted Butter (1/3 cup): Contributes moisture and richness, creating a tender, soft dough.
• Egg (1 piece): Binds the ingredients together and adds structure to the rolls.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and complements the banana and cinnamon flavors.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups): Forms the dough’s base with just the right amount of gluten for softness without toughness.
• Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Leavens the dough lightly for a fluffy texture.
• Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Reacts with the banana acidity to help the rolls rise.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavor notes.
• Ground Cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Provides the warm spice character central to the cinnamon roll swirl.
• Cream Cheese (1/2 cup, softened): Key ingredient for the glaze, offering creamy tang.
• Powdered Sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the glaze smoothly without grittiness.
• Milk (1 tablespoon): Thins the glaze to a drizzle-able consistency, perfect for topping.

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. This step ensures even baking and no mess.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the mashed ripe bananas with granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Mix thoroughly until smooth to evenly distribute flavors and moisture throughout the dough.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This step helps evenly spread the leavening agents and spices, preventing lumps and ensuring a uniform rise and flavor.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients Into Wet

Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender, soft crumb and prevent a tough roll texture.

Roll Out the Dough

Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out. Gently roll it into a rectangular shape about 1/2-inch thick. This shape allows for a neat cinnamon sugar spiral roll.

Create the Cinnamon Sugar Filling and Roll

Mix equal parts brown sugar and cinnamon separately, then sprinkle generously over the dough. Roll the dough tightly into a log, ensuring the cinnamon sugar is evenly distributed in spirals through each slice.

Slice and Arrange Rolls

Cut the log into 1-inch thick rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss. Place the spirals close together in the prepared baking dish, allowing space for expansion without merging.

Bake Until Golden

Bake rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The exterior will be slightly crisp while the interior remains soft and gooey.

Prepare Cream Cheese Glaze

While baking, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and milk until smooth. This glaze adds richness and a pleasantly tangy contrast, enhancing the overall flavor.

Glaze and Serve Warm

Remove rolls from the oven and immediately drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls. Serve right away to enjoy the gooey texture and flavor melding at its best.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked roll log before slicing to bake fresh anytime.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these rolls with a cup of coffee or hot tea for a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat. Pairing with fresh fruit or a glass of milk makes a balanced and satisfying snack.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas work well. Thaw and drain excess liquid before mashing to avoid a runny dough.

Can I double the recipe to make more rolls?

Absolutely, just double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two pans, adjusting baking time if needed.

How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

They should be golden brown on top and cooked through. Insert a toothpick into the center to check; it should come out clean.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate overnight before rolling out and baking the next day for convenience.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the glaze?

You can try mascarpone or Greek yogurt mixed with powdered sugar for a different but delicious glaze option.

Are these rolls vegan?

This recipe includes egg and dairy; to make it vegan, you’ll need substitutes for eggs, butter, and cream cheese.

How can I make these rolls healthier?

Try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose and reduce the sugar slightly for a healthier version.

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Soft and gooey banana bread rolls with a cinnamon swirl, topped with a smooth cream cheese glaze for a delightful breakfast or snack treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 8 people

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• 1 oven preheated to 350°F
• 1 baking dish lined with parchment paper
• 1 mixing bowls one for wet and one for dry ingredients
• 1 rolling surface floured for rolling dough

Ingredients

  

• 2-3 ripe bananas mashed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 cup brown sugar for cinnamon sugar filling
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon for cinnamon sugar filling

• 1/2 cup softened cream cheese
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, mix mashed bananas, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
• Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined without overmixing.
• Turn dough onto a floured surface and roll into a 1/2-inch thick rectangle.
• Mix brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle evenly over the dough.
• Roll dough tightly into a log, then cut into 1-inch thick rolls.
• Place rolls in the prepared baking dish.
• Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
• While baking, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth to prepare the glaze.
• Drizzle cream cheese glaze on warm rolls before serving.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze unbaked rolls before slicing for longer storage.
• Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness.