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This image shows a white baking dish filled with golden-brown banana bread cinnamon rolls, topped with a thick layer of creamy frosting.

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

These banana bread cinnamon rolls are a cozy twist on a classic favorite. Mashed banana adds sweetness and softness to the dough, while a brown sugar-cinnamon filling and a luscious cream cheese frosting create a gooey, tender treat perfect for breakfast or indulgent weekend baking.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rise Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Calories 118 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Stand mixer with paddle and whisk attachments
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rolling pin
  • 9 x 13 inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Sharp knife or dental floss
  • Microwave-safe bowl

Ingredients
  

cinnamon sugar filling

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup  unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Dough

  • ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ⅔ cup mashed overripe banana
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2¼ tsp Rapid Rise yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup milk

cinnamon cream cheese frosting

  • 2 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp milk
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • pinch of salt

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, brown sugar, yeast, cinnamon, and salt, and mix to combine.
    This image shows a mixing bowl filled with flour, sugar, and dry ingredients being whisked together to start the cinnamon roll dough.
  • In a microwave-safe bowl, warm the milk and butter together for about 30 seconds until the butter is mostly melted and the mixture is warm but not hot.
  • If it's too hot, let it cool before adding to the flour mixture to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Add the warm milk mixture and mashed banana to the dry ingredients and beat on low speed, increasing to high until fully incorporated, about 2 minutes.
    final-addition-of-flour-being-added-to-form-the-soft-dough-for-cinnamon-rolls
  • Scrape the sides of the bowl, then add another cup of flour and beat until combined.
    This image shows smooth dough placed in a greased glass bowl, covered and rising in a warm spot.
  • Gradually add the remaining cup of flour until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a ball.
  • Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and stretchy.
  • Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
    a-small-bowl-filled-with-brown-sugar-and-cinnamon-being-mixed-with-a-spoon-for-the-roll-filling
  • While the dough rises, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the filling in a small bowl and set aside.
    risen-dough-being-rolled-out-into-a-large-rectangle-on-a-floured-surface
  • Once risen, roll the dough into an 18x12 inch rectangle on a floured surface.
    softened-butter-being-evenly-spread-over-the-rolled-out-dough-before-adding-filling
  • Spread softened butter all over the surface of the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top, pressing gently so it adheres.
    the-buttered-and-filled-dough-being-tightly-rolled-into-a-log-before-slicing
  • Roll the dough tightly from the long edge and pinch the seam to seal.
  • Slice into 12 even rolls using floss or a sharp knife, then place them in a parchment-lined 9x13 inch pan.
  • Cover loosely and let rise again for about 1 hour, or until puffed and doubled.
  • Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until golden brown and fully baked.
  • Let the rolls cool slightly while you prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, milk, salt, and vanilla extract together until fluffy.
  • Spread the frosting over the warm rolls and enjoy.
    spreading-the-warm-cream-over-the-cinnamon-roll-serving

Notes

  • Use very ripe bananas for a naturally sweeter and softer dough.
  • Don’t rush the kneading—proper gluten development ensures tender and chewy rolls.
  • Press the cinnamon-sugar filling into the butter to prevent it from spilling out during rolling.
  • Dental floss cuts cleaner rolls than a knife, preserving their shape and swirl.