Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls recipe a soft mash up of banana bread and classic cinnamon rolls!

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Yields: About 12 rolls

Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus rising)

Bake Time: 25–30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Dough:

1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast

1/4 cup warm milk (110°F)

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 ripe bananas, mashed

1 egg

1/2 tsp salt

3–3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

(Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

4 oz cream cheese, softened

2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

(Optional: 1–2 tbsp milk to thin, if needed)

Instructions

1. Make the Dough:

In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

In a large bowl, mix mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt.

Stir in the yeast mixture.

Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead 6–8 minutes (or 4–5 in a stand mixer with dough hook) until smooth and elastic.

Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (about 1 hour).

2. Make the Filling:

Mix brown sugar and cinnamon.

Roll dough into a 10x14-inch rectangle on a floured surface.

Spread softened butter over dough, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar (add nuts if using).

Roll up tightly from the long edge. Cut into 12 rolls.

3. Final Rise:

Place rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes.

4. Bake:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown.

5. Make Frosting:

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Add milk if thinner texture is desired.

6. Frost and Serve:

Let rolls cool slightly, then spread with frosting. Serve warm!