Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Recipe

The Best Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Recipe for Sweet Mornings

Ever wondered how the magic of cinnamon roll banana bread could revolutionize your weekend breakfast routine?

Soft, pillowy layers whisper tales of comfort and nostalgia.

Sweet banana essence mingles with swirls of warm cinnamon, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Unexpected ingredients merge into a delightful fusion that surprises and delights.

Each slice promises a journey through rich, tender textures that melt effortlessly.

Home bakers will find this recipe both approachable and exciting.

You cannot resist the temptation of this incredible morning treat.

Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread That Feels Warm And Cozy

  • Quick Weekend Delight: Elevate your weekend baking with this delightful fusion of classic banana bread and cinnamon rolls, offering a mouthwatering twist that transforms ordinary mornings into special moments.
  • Beginner-Friendly Baking: Perfect for home bakers of all skill levels, this recipe provides clear, step-by-step instructions that make creating impressive pastries surprisingly simple and stress-free.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combining the warm, nostalgic flavors of banana bread with the gooey sweetness of cinnamon rolls, this recipe guarantees smiles and second helpings from family and friends during brunches, gatherings, or lazy weekend mornings.
  • Adaptable Treat: Easily customize the recipe by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or adjusting the spice level to suit different tastes, making it a versatile and crowd-winning dessert option.

What’s Blended in Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread

Flour and Leavening:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and base for the bread dough, soft and fine texture.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Essential for bread rising and creating light, airy texture. Fresh yeast is best for optimal performance.
  • Sugar: Helps yeast activation and adds subtle sweetness to the dough.
Dairy and Moisture:
  • Milk: Warm milk activates yeast and adds moisture. Whole milk provides richer flavor.
  • Butter, Unsalted Butter: Creates tender crumb and adds rich flavor. Room temperature is ideal for mixing.
  • Cream Cheese: Provides creamy, tangy element to the glaze.
Flavoring and Binding:
  • Banana, Mashed Banana: Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and depth to the bread. Ripe bananas work best.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet undertones.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the filling.
  • Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice to the filling.
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet glaze with perfect consistency.
  • Salt: Balances flavors and enhances overall taste profile.

Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread – How to Bake

Step 1: Brew the Yeast Mixture

Warm milk in a small container.

Sprinkle yeast and a touch of sugar into the milk.

Let the mixture sit and become bubbly for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Create Banana Dough Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together:
  • Melted butter
  • Mashed ripe bananas
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt
  • Remaining sugar

Pour in the foamy yeast mixture and blend thoroughly.

Step 3: Knead and Rise the Dough

Gradually fold in flour until a soft dough develops.

Work the dough with your hands for 10 minutes until smooth and stretchy.

Transfer to a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and allow to rise in a warm spot for one hour.

Step 4: Whip Up Cinnamon Filling

In a separate bowl, blend:
  • Softened butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Mashed banana

Mix until the filling becomes creamy and spreadable.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Roll out the risen dough into a large rectangle.

Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the surface.

Tightly roll the dough into a log and slice into 12 equal sections.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Arrange roll slices in a greased baking dish.

Let them rise again for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Slide the rolls into the oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 8: Craft Creamy Glaze

Whisk together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Cream cheese
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Blend until silky smooth.

Step 9: Finish and Serve

Drizzle the luscious glaze over warm rolls.

Enjoy immediately.

Banana Bread Tips With Cinnamon Roll Style

  • Ensure your milk is warm (110-115°F) to help yeast activate perfectly without killing it.
  • Use overripe, brown-spotted bananas for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor in the bread.
  • Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, which develops gluten and creates a softer texture.
  • Place the dough in a warm, draft-free area to help it rise faster and more consistently.
  • Adjust powdered sugar or milk quantity to achieve your desired glaze thickness, ensuring it drizzles beautifully over warm rolls.

Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Stored With That Swirl Still Soft

  • Store leftover cinnamon roll banana bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap each roll individually with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and freshness.
  • Place rolls in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
  • Warm rolls in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out and maintain soft texture.
  • Heat individual rolls for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Add a small damp paper towel to prevent hardening and restore moisture.

What Complements Banana Bread Swirl

  • Brew Creamy Comfort: Pair this cinnamon roll banana bread with a velvety vanilla latte to complement the sweet, warm spices and rich banana flavor.
  • Wine Delight Match: Select a dessert wine like Moscato d'Asti, which offers light sweetness and effervescence that beautifully enhances the bread's caramelized cinnamon notes.
  • Ice Cream Dream: Top warm rolls with a scoop of brown butter pecan ice cream for a decadent contrast of temperatures and textures that elevates the entire dessert experience.
  • Fruit Freshness Balance: Serve alongside fresh berries or a citrusy orange compote to cut through the richness and provide a bright, palate-cleansing element.

Cinnamon Banana Bread Styles

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the texture remains soft and tender. Use xanthan gum for better binding and structure.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Swap dairy milk with almond or oat milk. Use coconut oil instead of butter. Replace eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs. Substitute cream cheese glaze with a dairy-free alternative made from cashew cream.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Reduce brown sugar in filling by half. Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Replace powdered sugar glaze with a lighter Greek yogurt drizzle, adding a tangy complement to the cinnamon banana flavor.
  • Nutty Crunch Variation: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans inside the filling. Add a layer of toasted almond slivers on top before baking for extra texture and nutty depth.

FAQs

  • Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Use the same amount and skip the proofing step. Mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

  • How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?

Use very ripe bananas with dark brown or black spots. They’re sweeter and provide more moisture, which enhances the bread’s flavor and texture.

  • What if my dough doesn't rise properly?

Ensure your yeast is fresh and your milk is warm (not hot) around 110°F. A warm, draft-free environment helps activate the yeast and promote rising.

  • Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Yes, after kneading, place the dough in the refrigerator overnight. Let it come to room temperature and rise before rolling and filling.

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Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Recipe


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4.7 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Comfort meets indulgence in this cinnamon roll banana bread, where classic banana bread swirls with rich cinnamon magic. Sweet layers promise a delightful twist on two beloved classics, inviting you to savor each tender, warmly spiced slice.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 large banana)
  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)

Dough and Base Ingredients:

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Filling and Topping Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
  • 23 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by blending warm milk, yeast, and a portion of sugar in a compact vessel. Allow the mixture to bloom and become frothy for several minutes.
  2. Create a foundational mixture in a spacious mixing container by whisking melted butter, mashed banana, vanilla, salt, and remaining sugar. Incorporate the activated yeast and blend thoroughly.
  3. Gradually fold in flour, transforming the ingredients into a supple dough. Massage and knead the dough until it becomes silky and resilient, approximately 8-10 minutes.
  4. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, drape with a kitchen towel, and permit it to rise in a warm environment until it doubles in volume, roughly one hour.
  5. Craft the filling by amalgamating softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and additional mashed banana into a creamy, spreadable consistency.
  6. Deflate the risen dough and roll it into a rectangular shape on a flour-dusted surface. Distribute the filling evenly across the dough’s surface.
  7. Tightly roll the dough into a cylindrical form, then slice into equal portions to create individual rolls.
  8. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, allowing them to proof for an additional 30 minutes.
  9. Heat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls until they transform into a golden, enticing hue, approximately 20-25 minutes.
  10. Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, cream cheese, milk, and vanilla until achieving a smooth, pourable texture.
  11. Once the rolls emerge from the oven, drizzle the glaze generously, creating an irresistible finishing touch.

Notes

  • Activate the yeast carefully by using warm milk (around 110°F) to ensure proper rising without killing the yeast.
  • Mash bananas thoroughly to create a smooth, consistent texture that distributes flavor evenly throughout the bread.
  • Choose overripe bananas with dark spots for maximum sweetness and deeper banana flavor in the recipe.
  • Experiment with alternative flour types like whole wheat or gluten-free blends to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising the bread’s soft texture.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 315
  • Sugar: 19 g
  • Sodium: 170 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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