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Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Ben Carraoli

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

I still remember the first time I made these banana bread cinnamon rolls—my kitchen smelled absolutely heavenly. The combination of ripe bananas and warm cinnamon felt like pure comfort in every bite. I was honestly surprised at how soft and fluffy they turned out. The cream cheese frosting just melted into the rolls, making them even more indulgent
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Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour – gives structure and soft texture; avoid overpacking for best results
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar – adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast – helps the dough rise quickly and evenly
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – enhances the warm flavor throughout
  • 1 teaspoon salt – balances sweetness and boosts flavor
  • 1 cup milk – use whole milk for softer richer dough
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter – adds richness; use melted for dough
  • 2/3 cup mashed ripe bananas – the riper the better for stronger flavor
  • 1/4 cup butter for filling – softened for easy spreading
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar for filling – creates a gooey caramel-like swirl
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon for filling – gives classic cinnamon roll flavor
  • 1/3 cup butter for frosting – makes frosting smooth and rich
  • 2 ounces cream cheese – adds tangy flavor; use at room temperature
  • 2 cups powdered sugar – sweetens and thickens frosting
  • 1 tablespoon milk for frosting – helps achieve creamy consistency
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances overall flavor

Method
 

  1. Start by mixing flour, sugar, yeast, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Warm the milk and butter together until just lukewarm, then mix it with mashed bananas. Combine everything until a soft dough forms and begins to come together nicely.
  2. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes. You’ll notice it becomes smooth and stretchy, which means the gluten is developing properly. This step ensures your rolls turn out soft and fluffy.
  3. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for creating light and airy rolls.
  4. While the dough rises, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Keep softened butter ready for spreading. This filling is what creates that classic gooey swirl inside each roll.
  5. Roll the dough into a large rectangle and spread the butter evenly across it. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top and gently press it down. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
  6. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log from one side. Cut it into equal pieces using a sharp knife or floss. Place the rolls into a lined baking dish with a bit of space between them.
  7. Cover the rolls again and let them rise for another hour. They will puff up and become soft and airy. This step helps achieve that bakery-style texture.
  8. Bake the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake. They should turn golden brown while staying soft inside.
  9. Mix cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Spread it generously over warm rolls so it melts slightly. This creates a rich and creamy topping.

Notes

  • I always use overripe bananas because they add stronger flavor and sweetness
  • I make sure the milk is warm, not hot, so it doesn’t kill the yeast
  • I avoid overbaking because slightly gooey centers taste the best
  • I sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for extra warmth
  • I let the rolls cool slightly before frosting so it melts perfectly