Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

If you love banana bread and cinnamon rolls, why not enjoy the best of both in one delicious bite? These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with sweet banana flavor, swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, and finished with a creamy glaze. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy weekend treat.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, room temperature

• 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed

• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, egg yolk, and mashed bananas. Mix until combined.

3. Gradually add flour and salt, stirring until a dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes by hand (or 5–6 minutes with a dough hook) until smooth and elastic.

4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle (about 14x18 inches).

2. Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough.

3. Roll tightly into a log from the long side, then cut into 12 even rolls.

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

Step 4: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 5: Make the Glaze

1. Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.

2. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, mixing until creamy.

3. Spread glaze over warm cinnamon rolls before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra banana flavor, add sliced bananas between the dough and filling before rolling.

• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for crunch.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5.