Let me tell you, folks, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the house on a Saturday morning. It’s pure magic, and this recipe for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls takes that magic to a new level.

The first time I attempted these, I was craving a comforting breakfast but with a bit of a twist. I had some overripe bananas on the counter, begging to be used, and the idea of combining their sweetness with the warm, spicy flavors of cinnamon rolls was irresistible. Let me say it was a breakfast revelation!

These rolls are like fluffy clouds of banana bread, bursting with cinnamon sugar and studded with crunchy walnuts. They’re decadent enough to feel like a special treat yet healthy enough to fuel your morning adventures.

Now, before diving into the recipe, let me add a disclaimer. Feel free to adjust the sweetness or spice level to your preference. I love a good balance of both, but you do you!

Alright, let’s get baking!

Ingredients for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

• For the Dough:
  • • 1/4 cup whole milk
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 3 3/4 cups (450 g) all-purpose flour
    • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1 (1/4-oz) package instant yeast
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 cup mashed overripe bananas (from 2 to 3 large)
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• For the Filling:
  • • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, plus more for pan
    • 1/3 cup (72 g) packed light brown sugar
    • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
    • All-purpose flour for surface
    • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• For the Frosting:
  • • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
    • 1/2 cup (60 g) confectioners’ sugar
    • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

Directions for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

• Warm up the party: In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter over low heat until the butter melts. Don’t let it get too hot! You want it lukewarm.
• Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Combine the warm milk mixture, yeast, egg, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl.
• Dough magic: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Then, get ready to get your hands dirty! Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add more flour.
• Rise and shine:
• Place the dough in a greased bowl.
• Cover it with plastic wrap.
• Let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
• Filling time: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
• Roll it out:
  • • Once the dough has risen, punch it down on a lightly floured surface.
    • Roll it out into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
    • Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with those delicious chopped walnuts.
• The fun part:
  • • Roll up the dough tightly from the long edge to form a log.
    • Pinch the seam closed to seal it.
    • With a sharp knife, cut the log into about 12 equal slices.
• Bake time: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish and arrange the cinnamon rolls inside, leaving a little space between them for them to puff up.
• Second rise: Cover the rolls loosely with plastic wrap and let them rise again for another 30 minutes.
• Baking bliss: Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and delicious-smelling.
• Frosting heaven: While the rolls are baking, whip up the frosting by creaming together the softened cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and maple syrup until smooth and spreadable.
• The grand finale: Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before slathering them with that dreamy frosting.

Conclusion

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls make a fantastic breakfast or brunch.