Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

What do you get when you combine the cozy comfort of banana bread with the irresistible swirls of a cinnamon roll? You get these heavenly Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls—a soft, sweet, and fragrant twist on two beloved classics. This recipe is a weekend favorite in our house and always brings warm, banana-spiced aromas wafting from the oven, tempting everyone into the kitchen before they’re even out of the oven.

Perfect for brunch, special mornings, holidays, or using up those ever-present overripe bananas, these cinnamon rolls are a clever twist on tradition. They’re soft, fluffy, and lightly sweet, featuring a rich cinnamon-brown sugar swirl and finished with a silky vanilla glaze that melts perfectly into the warm rolls.

Best of all, they’re freezer-friendly, make-ahead capable, and totally showstopping—whether you’re serving them fresh out of the oven or pulling out a batch for a cozy weekend breakfast.

Why You’ll Love Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

• Banana-infused dough: Adds natural sweetness, tenderness, and a rich banana flavor.
• Perfect for ripe bananas: A great way to reduce food waste.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare the dough the night before and bake in the morning.
• Freezer-friendly: Both baked and unbaked rolls can be frozen.
• Comforting and cozy: Like banana bread, but with gooey cinnamon swirls and glaze.
• Impressively delicious: Ideal for brunches, holidays, or when you want to treat yourself.
• Versatile: Add-ins and toppings make it easy to customize.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
• ½ cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
• ¼ cup melted butter
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 3 to 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons softened butter
• Optional: ¼ teaspoon nutmeg or allspice for a spiced twist
• Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts work great)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: pinch of salt or a splash of maple syrup for extra flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the yeast:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy and bubbly.
2. Make the dough:
   • Stir in mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, egg, and salt.
   • Add flour gradually, 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
   • Knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Let it rise:
   • Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the filling:
   • Mix brown sugar and cinnamon (plus optional nutmeg if using). Set aside.
5. Shape the rolls:
   • Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a 10x14-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
   • Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.
   • Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the buttered dough. Add nuts if using.
   • Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log and pinch the seam to seal.
6. Second rise:
   • Slice the log into 12 even rolls and arrange them in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
   • Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffed.
7. Bake:
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and the centers are fully cooked.
   • If they brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil halfway through baking.
8. Make the glaze:
   • While the rolls cool slightly, whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and optional salt or maple syrup until smooth and pourable.
9. Glaze and serve:
   • Drizzle glaze over warm rolls. Serve immediately for gooey goodness, or let cool completely and store.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve warm for that fresh-from-the-oven softness.
• Cover leftovers and keep at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freeze baked or unbaked rolls: Freeze unbaked rolls after shaping, thaw overnight in the fridge, rise, and bake. Or freeze baked, unglazed rolls and reheat when ready to serve.
• To reheat: Microwave for 15–20 seconds per roll or warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
• Add extra glaze just before serving if desired.

Helpful Notes

• Bananas with brown spots provide the sweetest flavor and softest texture.
• Add-ins like chocolate chips, chopped dates, or coconut can personalize the rolls.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute almond or oat milk and vegan butter.
• You can make mini rolls by slicing into 16–18 pieces and baking in a smaller dish.
• Overnight prep: After shaping, cover and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature and allow a second rise before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
   Yes, simply mix it directly with the dry ingredients and skip the proofing step.
2. Can I make these dairy-free or vegan?
   Absolutely. Use plant-based milk and vegan butter. Replace the egg with a flax egg if needed.
3. Can I freeze the dough before baking?
   Yes. After shaping the rolls, freeze them. Thaw in the fridge overnight, let rise, and bake as usual.
4. Can I use whole wheat flour?
   Replace up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for more fiber and a nutty taste.
5. How do I know the rolls are done baking?
   The tops should be golden and they should sound hollow when gently tapped. The internal temperature should be around 190°F.
6. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour that includes xanthan gum, but be prepared for a slightly different texture.

Final Thoughts

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a cozy, flavor-packed treat that combine the best of two breakfast classics. The banana-infused dough makes them extra moist and flavorful, while the cinnamon swirl and sweet glaze create that perfect gooey finish.

They’re a hit with kids and adults alike, whether you're making them for a family brunch, holiday breakfast, or just because it’s the weekend. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, make-ahead adaptable, and open to endless customizations.

Try them once and they’re sure to earn a permanent spot in your recipe box. If you bake them, don’t forget to leave a comment and share your own twist—maybe a caramel glaze or a nutty filling? Happy baking!

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