Go Back

Nana's Secret Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Capture the feeling of warm cinnamon-filled Sunday mornings with these easy, gooey, banana-bread-infused cinnamon rolls. They're easier than you think!
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Breakfast, Dessert

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Wooden Spoon or Hands
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Medium bowl

Ingredients
  

Dough

  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
  • tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 ripe bananas mashed
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra)

Cinnamon Filling

  • ¾ cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter softened

Cream Cheese Icing

  • 4 oz cream cheese softened (115 g)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tbsp milk

Instructions
 

  • Activate yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast; let stand 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  • Make dough: Add melted butter, sugar, mashed bananas, vanilla, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  • Knead and rise: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  • Prepare filling: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon.
  • Roll and fill: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12x18-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture.
  • Form rolls: Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Cut into 12 equal slices.
  • Second rise: Place rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes, or until puffy.
  • Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Make icing: In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and creamy. Add more milk if needed.
  • Frost and serve: Let the rolls cool slightly before frosting with the cream cheese icing. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Feel free to experiment! Try adding chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) to the filling, or a swirl of chocolate chips. Use maple syrup instead of granulated sugar in the dough.
Keyword Banana Bread, Cinnamon Rolls, Easy, Gooey