These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful fusion of two beloved treats: the moist, flavorful banana bread and the soft, sweet cinnamon rolls. Infused with ripe bananas and a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, these rolls are topped with a creamy icing, making them a perfect choice for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Ingredients (Yields 12 rolls)

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
  
  

• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  
  

• ½ cup granulated sugar
  
  

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  
  

• 2 large eggs
  
  

• 1 teaspoon salt
  
  

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
  
  

• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 medium bananas)
  
  

For the Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  
  

• 1 cup brown sugar
  
  

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  
  

• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  
  

For the Icing:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  
  

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  
  

• 1½ cups powdered sugar
  
  

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  
  

Directions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
   
   

2. Prepare the Dough: Add melted butter, eggs, salt, and mashed bananas to the yeast mixture. Stir in the flour gradually until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
   
   

3. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
   
   

4. Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
   
   

5. Shape the Rolls: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12x18-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough. Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the filling if using.
   
   

6. Roll and Slice: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices and place them in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
   
   

7. Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for about 30 minutes until puffy.
   
   

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

9. Prepare the Icing: While the rolls bake, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
   
   

10. Serve: Once the rolls are baked, let them cool slightly before drizzling with the cream cheese icing. Serve warm and enjoy!
    
    

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
  
  

• Total Fat: 18g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 9g
  
  

• Cholesterol: 50mg
  
  

• Sodium: 150mg
  
  

• Total Carbohydrates: 45g
  
  

• Dietary Fiber: 2g
  
  

• Sugars: 20g
  
  

• Protein: 4g