Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Why You’ll Love Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are more than just your average cinnamon roll. The banana not only adds flavor but also moisture and natural sweetness, making the rolls tender and rich without needing too much added sugar. They’re dairy-free with almond milk, easy to make at home, and fill your kitchen with the most comforting aroma as they bake. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough:

  • 1 medium ripe banana

  • 3/4 cup warm almond milk

  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 packet instant yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp)

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 1/2 tsp salt

For the Filling:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar

  • 2 tbsp almond milk

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe banana. Add the warm almond milk, melted butter, granulated sugar, and instant yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to activate the yeast.

  2. Add the flour and salt to the bowl and stir until a dough begins to form. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  3. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

  4. Once risen, roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle (about ¼-inch thick).

  5. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and walnuts if using.

  6. Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces.

  7. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for an additional 30 minutes.

  8. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

  9. While the rolls are baking, whisk together the glaze ingredients until smooth.

  10. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 rolls
Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Calories: 280 kcal per roll

Variations

  • Nut-Free: Skip the walnuts if you prefer or need a nut-free version.

  • Vegan-Friendly: Use a plant-based butter to make the recipe fully vegan.

  • Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the filling for a chocolatey twist.

  • Cream Cheese Glaze: Swap the simple glaze for a dairy-free cream cheese frosting if desired.

  • Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour, though texture may vary slightly.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store cooled cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating: Warm individual rolls in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes to refresh their softness.

FAQs

How ripe should the banana be for this recipe?

The banana should be medium ripe with brown spots. The riper it is, the sweeter and more flavorful the rolls will be.

Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?

Yes, regular dairy milk or any other plant-based milk will work in this recipe.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the dough and let it rise once, then refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out.

What if I don’t have instant yeast?

You can use active dry yeast, but you’ll need to proof it first in warm almond milk with sugar for about 10 minutes until foamy.

Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?

Yes. You can freeze the baked rolls without glaze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before glazing and serving.

How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?

The tops should be golden brown, and the center rolls should no longer look doughy. A thermometer inserted in the center should read about 190°F (88°C).

Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?

You can slightly reduce the sugar in the filling and glaze if desired, but it will affect sweetness and texture.

What kind of flour is best for these rolls?

All-purpose flour works best for a tender but structured dough. Bread flour can also be used for chewier rolls.

Can I add fruit or other mix-ins?

Yes, diced apples, raisins, or even blueberries can be added to the filling for extra flavor.

Why did my dough not rise?

Check that your yeast is fresh and that the almond milk was warm, not hot. Cold or overly hot liquid can prevent yeast from activating.

Conclusion

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a delicious twist on a beloved classic, bringing extra flavor and softness with the addition of ripe banana. Whether you’re baking for a special brunch or just craving something sweet and cozy, these rolls are sure to impress. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, they’re a fun and rewarding bake you’ll want to make again and again.


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Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

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Soft and fluffy banana bread-inspired cinnamon rolls with a sweet cinnamon filling, topped with a simple vanilla glaze.

  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 medium ripe banana
  • 3/4 cup warm almond milk
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet instant yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 tsp salt

For the Filling:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp almond milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Mash the banana in a large bowl. Add warm almond milk, melted butter, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  2. Mix in flour and salt until a dough forms. Knead for 5 minutes, then let the dough rest in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and walnuts.
  4. Roll the dough tightly from the long end and cut into 12 rolls. Place in a greased baking dish and let rise for another 30 minutes.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
  6. Whisk together glaze ingredients and drizzle over warm rolls before serving.

Notes

  • You can omit the walnuts for a nut-free version.
  • These are best enjoyed warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Try using oat or soy milk as a substitute for almond milk if needed.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg
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