The combination of soft banana bread dough and buttery cinnamon sugar creates a breakfast pastry that’s nostalgic yet indulgent. Topped with luscious maple vanilla bean frosting, every bite is rich, warm, and satisfying.
These cinnamon rolls are perfect for weekend brunches, cozy mornings, or even a sweet gift. The banana gives a natural moistness and flavor, the cinnamon swirl is deeply comforting, and the frosting adds an elegant finishing touch. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or treating yourself, this recipe brings bakery-level joy to your home kitchen.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
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1 cup whole milk, warmed
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1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
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2 mashed ripe bananas
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1 large egg
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1/2 tsp salt
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4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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3/4 cup brown sugar
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1 tbsp cinnamon
For the Frosting:
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
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1/4 cup pure maple syrup
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1 tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
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1 cup powdered sugar
Directions:
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In a large bowl, mix warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
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Add sugar, melted butter, mashed bananas, egg, and salt. Mix until combined.
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Gradually mix in the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
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Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5–6 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
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Roll out the dough into a large rectangle. Spread the softened butter over it, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.
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Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 even slices.
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Place rolls in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
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While baking, prepare the frosting by beating all ingredients together until creamy.
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Let rolls cool slightly before frosting generously with maple vanilla bean frosting.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours (includes rising time)
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 12 rolls
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Vanilla Bean Frosting is a divine fusion of two universally loved treats: the comforting charm of banana bread and the warm, spiced swirl of classic cinnamon rolls. This dessert (or decadent breakfast) is an absolute game-changer for anyone who wants to elevate their baking game with familiar flavors presented in a new and indulgent form. The result is a soft, fluffy roll that carries the rich, naturally sweet taste of bananas, layered with cinnamon-sugar goodness and topped with an irresistible maple vanilla bean frosting.
A New Spin on a Familiar Favorite
Traditional banana bread has always been the go-to solution for ripe bananas sitting on the kitchen counter. It’s moist, simple, and comforting. But when you blend those ripe bananas into a yeast-raised dough and roll them into cinnamon sugar spirals, something magical happens. The natural moisture from the bananas transforms the dough into a pillowy soft base, and the caramelized cinnamon filling elevates the entire roll into something truly special.
This dish combines the nostalgia of classic cinnamon rolls with the hearty, wholesome essence of banana bread. It also opens the door for creative customization throw in chopped nuts, a dash of nutmeg, or even a sprinkle of chocolate chips to make it your own.
Why This Recipe Works
At its core, this recipe leans into flavor and texture. The dough is enriched with mashed bananas and butter, which not only provide sweetness and fat but also contribute to the dough’s softness. The yeast helps develop the signature rise and airiness we expect from cinnamon rolls, while the filling a simple but powerful mix of brown sugar and cinnamon gives each bite that familiar warmth and sweetness.
Then there’s the frosting. While many cinnamon roll recipes rely on a standard cream cheese topping, this one uses a maple vanilla bean glaze that takes the flavor complexity up several notches. The maple syrup adds an earthy depth and a smooth richness, while the vanilla bean (or vanilla paste) adds aromatic intensity and visual appeal through the specks in the glaze.
A Perfect Recipe for All Seasons
Although cinnamon rolls are often associated with colder weather and cozy mornings, this banana bread variation is truly seasonless. The bananas offer a tropical note that feels appropriate for summer brunches, while the cinnamon and maple flavors feel just right for fall and winter gatherings. It’s perfect for:
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Holiday brunches (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter)
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Birthday breakfasts
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Weekend baking projects
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Potluck gatherings
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Surprise treats for guests
Because it feels both rustic and luxurious, this dish can suit casual mornings just as well as special occasions.
Tips for Success
To achieve the best results with this recipe, it’s essential to pay attention to a few key details:
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Use overripe bananas: The spottier the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your dough will be.
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Don’t skip the rise time: Letting the dough rise properly is essential for that fluffy texture.
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Roll evenly: When spreading the cinnamon-sugar mixture and rolling the dough, aim for consistency so each piece bakes uniformly.
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Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your rolls in the oven to avoid drying them out.
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Frost while warm: Applying the frosting while the rolls are still warm allows it to melt slightly into the layers, creating that ooey-gooey, bakery-style finish.
Healthier and Customizable Options
While this dish is a treat, it can be adjusted for various dietary preferences:
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Whole wheat flour can be substituted for part of the all-purpose flour for a heartier version.
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Plant-based alternatives (non-dairy milk, vegan butter, and flax eggs) can transform it into a vegan-friendly recipe.
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Reduced sugar versions can use coconut sugar or natural sweeteners.
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Add-ins like walnuts, pecans, or even dried fruit can increase nutritional value and texture.
This flexibility makes the recipe a great addition to a family’s baking rotation, as it can be tweaked for different tastes and dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions
These banana bread cinnamon rolls are incredibly versatile in how they can be served. They’re best enjoyed warm, either freshly baked or gently reheated. Serve them:
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With a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting morning start
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As a dessert with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream
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At brunch buffets, sliced into smaller pieces for easier sharing
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Packaged in a festive box as a thoughtful homemade gift
Their rich aroma alone is enough to make them a showstopper at any gathering.
Make-Ahead Convenience
Another perk of this recipe is that it can be prepared in advance. You can assemble the rolls and store them in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, just take them out, let them come to room temperature, and bake. This makes it ideal for special mornings where you want to serve something fresh and homemade without starting from scratch at dawn.
They also freeze well both before and after baking. Store them in an airtight container and simply reheat when needed for a quick indulgent treat.
What Makes Maple Vanilla Bean Frosting So Special?
The frosting in this recipe deserves a spotlight of its own. Maple syrup and vanilla bean (or paste) aren’t just ingredients; they’re flavor powerhouses. Maple syrup adds that unmistakable earthy sweetness, while the vanilla adds complexity and aroma that balances the sugary notes.
Unlike standard icings, this glaze doesn’t overpower the cinnamon rolls it enhances them. It’s the kind of finishing touch that makes each bite memorable and keeps you coming back for more.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is approachable, fun to make, and immensely satisfying. It’s the kind of hybrid dish that makes people raise their eyebrows in curiosity, then close their eyes in bliss after the first bite. You don’t just taste banana bread or cinnamon rolls you get a whole new experience that combines the best of both.
It’s also a fantastic way to introduce young bakers or kids to yeast-based doughs in a fun and engaging format. The act of rolling, slicing, and frosting is very hands-on, making this a great family activity as well.
Conclusion:
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Vanilla Bean Frosting are more than just a baked good they’re a statement piece for your breakfast table or dessert spread. They blend comfort and creativity into every bite, showcasing how traditional recipes can be transformed into something entirely new and exciting.
From their rich banana-infused dough to their cinnamon-sugar swirl and luxurious maple vanilla topping, these rolls are a love letter to both banana bread and cinnamon rolls. They are indulgent but not heavy, familiar yet surprising, and every bite is layered with care and flavor.
So whether you’re planning a weekend baking session, prepping a brunch menu, or simply looking to use those overripe bananas, this recipe delivers a decadent twist on tradition that’s sure to impress. You might never look at banana bread or cinnamon rolls the same way again.