Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls — A Perfect Brunch Treat

If you love banana bread and cinnamon rolls, why not combine them into one irresistible treat? These banana bread cinnamon rolls feature a soft, easy yeast dough made with fresh bananas instead of eggs, filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and even more sliced bananas. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they’re the ultimate cozy brunch or dessert.

Why You’ll Love These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

• Made with ripe, fresh bananas for natural sweetness and moisture
• Fluffy yeast dough that tastes like banana bread rolled up in cinnamon goodness
• Eggless dough thanks to mashed bananas acting as a binder
• Can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight for easy baking
• Finished with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the dough:

• Whole milk (lukewarm, 120-130°F)
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Instant yeast (or active dry yeast, see notes)
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Mashed ripe banana (about 1 large banana)

For the filling:

• Softened unsalted butter
• Light brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Sliced bananas

For finishing:

• Heavy cream (slightly warmed, poured over rolls before baking)
• Cream cheese frosting (cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract)

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Warm the milk and butter:
   Heat the milk, butter, and sugar in a saucepan until the butter melts and the mixture reaches 120-130°F. (If using active dry yeast, heat to 105-110°F.) Remove from heat.
2. Make the dough:
   In your stand mixer bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt. Add the warm milk mixture and mashed banana. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough:
   Using the dough hook attachment, knead at medium speed for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. Add flour by the tablespoon if too sticky, but do not exceed 5 cups total flour to keep rolls tender.
4. First rise:
   Lightly grease a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning once to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 to 1.5 hours (longer if using active dry yeast).
5. Roll out and fill:
   Roll the dough into an 18×12 inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread softened butter over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border at the top. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, sprinkle evenly, then layer sliced bananas on top.
6. Shape and cut rolls:
   Starting from the long edge with filling, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch to seal and cut into 12 equal rolls using a serrated knife or dental floss for clean cuts.
7. Second rise:
   Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and place rolls spiral-side up. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes until puffy (75 minutes if active dry yeast).
8. Prepare for baking:
   Preheat oven to 350°F. Just before baking, pour slightly warmed heavy cream over the rolls for extra softness.
9. Bake:
   Bake rolls for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Let cool in the pan for about 20 minutes.
10. Make the cream cheese frosting:
    Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until fluffy. Add a tablespoon or two of milk if needed to thin.
11. Frost and serve:
    Spread frosting over the warm rolls so it melts into the swirls. Enjoy warm!

---

Tips & Variations

• Make ahead: Assemble rolls after the first rise, refrigerate overnight, then let rise again before baking.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked or baked rolls for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.
• Add-ins: Toss in chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
• Milk substitutes: Whole milk yields best texture, but low-fat milk works. Non-dairy milks haven’t been tested.
• Yeast swap: Instant yeast is preferred for speed, but active dry yeast works (just allow longer rise times).
• Sticky dough: Slight stickiness is normal—avoid adding too much flour to keep rolls soft.
• Storage: Because of the cream cheese frosting, store rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm before serving.

---

Final Thoughts

These banana bread cinnamon rolls are a delicious twist on two classic favorites. The fresh bananas make the dough moist and flavorful, while the cinnamon sugar filling and cream cheese frosting bring the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Whether you bake them fresh or make them ahead, they’re sure to be a hit at brunch or anytime you want a comforting homemade treat.