Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

By Makinze GorePublished: Nov 8, 2023

Approved by the Delish Test Kitchen

3.4

7 Ratings

PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

Yields:

Prep Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

4 hrs 10 mins

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Banana bread is an obvious (and great) choice when you’re trying to figure out how to make use of some overripe bananas, but if you want to switch things up, try making these banana bread cinnamon rolls. The fluffy cinnamon rolls are made extra-soft and sweetened with mashed overripened bananas. Walnuts in the filling remind us of our favorite banana nut bread too. These cinnamon rolls are a quicker version of the traditional rolls. Using instant yeast lets you have a shorter rise time while still getting lofty rolls. Top the warm cinnamon rolls with a maple cream cheese frosting for a very cozy brunch treat.

The rolls are best the same day you bake them, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Editor's Note: After testing, ingredient amounts and the proving time have been adjusted.

Did you try making these? Let us know how it went in the comments!

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Ingredients

Dough

1/4 cup
whole milk
2 Tbsp.
unsalted butter
3 3/4 cups
(450 g.) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup
(50 g.) granulated sugar
1 tsp.
kosher salt
1/2 tsp.
ground cinnamon
1
(1/4-oz.) package instant yeast
1
large egg
1 cup
mashed overripe bananas (from 2 to 3 large)
1 tsp.
pure vanilla extract

Filling

3 Tbsp.
unsalted butter, softened, plus more for pan
1/3 cup
(72 g.) packed light brown sugar
2 tsp.
ground cinnamon
All-purpose flour, for surface
1/2 cup
chopped walnuts

Frosting

6 oz.
cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup
(85 g.) confectioners' sugar
3 Tbsp.
pure maple syrup

Directions

Dough
1. Step 1In a small heatproof bowl, microwave milk and butter until butter is melted. Let cool slightly.
2. Step 2In a large bowl, whisk flour, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon until combined. Whisk in yeast.
3. Step 3Beat egg and banana together. To that add the warm milk mixture and the vanilla. Combine the milk mixture with the flour mixture and stir with a wooden spoon to combine (it might seem dry at first, but keep mixing until everything is combined). Cover with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel and let rest for 30 minutes up to 1 hour.
Filling
1. Step 1Grease a 9" round cake pan with butter. In a small bowl, whisk brown sugar and cinnamon until combined.
2. Step 2On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to an 18" x 12" rectangle with the long side facing you. Spread top of dough with remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Sprinkle brown sugar mixture in an even layer over butter. Top with walnuts.
3. Step 3Starting with a long end, roll dough away from you into a tight log. Trim off ends. Cut log into 9 pieces (about 2" wide).
4. Step 4Arrange pieces cut side down in prepared pan. Cover and let rise in a warm spot until dough has risen slightly and feels relaxed when poked, around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
5. Step 5Preheat oven to 375°. Bake rolls until tops are golden brown and center is set, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool 20 minutes.
Frosting
1. Step 1In a medium bowl, stir cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar until no lumps remain. Stir in maple syrup.
2. Step 2Frost tops of rolls while still slightly warm.