These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect mash-up of two beloved classics soft, pillowy cinnamon rolls and sweet, moist banana bread. Each bite is full of warm cinnamon swirls and rich banana flavor, topped with a luscious glaze that makes them completely irresistible. Trust me, these rolls will become your new weekend baking obsession!

Why You’ll Love Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Name: Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: PT-487263H44M25S
Total time: PT-487263H44M25S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Dough:; 1 cup warm whole milk (100-110°F); 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (one packet); 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup mashed overripe bananas (about 2 bananas); 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp salt; For the Filling:; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 tbsp ground cinnamon; 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 bananas, thinly sliced; For the Frosting:; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp milk or cream

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking a special breakfast for the family or treating yourself to a cozy weekend brunch, these rolls are a guaranteed hit. Here’s why they’re a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Budget-Friendly: Uses basic pantry ingredients and overripe bananas you already have.
Quick and Easy: Easier than traditional cinnamon rolls thanks to the banana bread base.
Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or extra spice for your own twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: Soft, gooey, and full of comforting flavors everyone loves.

Ingredients in Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Here’s the magic of this recipe it combines two comforting treats into one amazing dish:
Bananas: Overripe bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture.
Flour: All-purpose flour provides structure for the dough.
Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and caramel notes.
Butter: Makes the dough rich and helps the cinnamon swirl melt beautifully.
Cinnamon: The heart of the filling warm and fragrant.
Yeast: Gives the rolls their soft, fluffy texture.
Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
Eggs: Help bind the dough and make it tender.
Salt: Balances the sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, inviting flavor.
Optional Glaze: Powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for a sweet finishing touch.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: No need yet start by proofing the dough. Warm milk to about 110°F (43°C) and combine with yeast and a pinch of sugar; let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mash bananas and mix with eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and the yeast mixture. Add flour, sugar, and salt; knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1 ½ hours or until doubled in size.
Assemble the Dish: Roll the dough into a rectangle, spread with softened butter, and sprinkle generously with brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll tightly into a log and cut into even pieces.
Cook to Perfection: Place rolls into a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30–45 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Finishing Touches: Drizzle warm rolls with glaze or cream cheese frosting for extra decadence.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and gooey for the best experience!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 320

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

These rolls are a treat any time of day:
Serve warm with coffee or tea for breakfast.
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist.
Sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Bring them to a brunch gathering—they’ll be the star of the table!

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Use very ripe bananas for the sweetest flavor.
Make the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge for convenience.
Don’t overbake soft and gooey is the goal.
Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice in the fall for a seasonal twist.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and warm before serving.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes, you can skip the proofing step and add it directly to the dough.
2. Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely, assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning.
3. Can I freeze the rolls? Yes, freeze unbaked rolls and bake straight from frozen, adding extra bake time.
4. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips? Definitely, they add amazing texture and flavor.
5. Can I use whole wheat flour? You can replace half the all-purpose flour for a heartier version.
6. How do I keep them soft? Cover them while cooling to trap steam and keep the texture tender.
7. Can I use a stand mixer? Yes, it makes kneading the dough much easier.
8. Can I make a cream cheese frosting? Yes, it’s delicious combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla.
9. Can I double the recipe? Yes, just use a larger baking dish or two pans.
10. How long will they last? They’re best fresh but last up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine everything you love about banana bread and cinnamon rolls in one irresistible treat. Soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor, they’re perfect for any occasion and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone who tries them!

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Author: Charlotte
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2.5 – 3 hours (including rise time)
Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Category: Breakfast, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious mash-up of two classic baked goods, these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine a soft, fluffy banana-infused dough with a gooey cinnamon-sugar and sliced banana filling. They are typically topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:
1 cup warm whole milk (100-110°F)
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup mashed overripe bananas (about 2 bananas)
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
For the Filling:
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 bananas, thinly sliced
For the Frosting:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp milk or cream

Instructions

To make the dough, in a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, yeast, and a tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Add the remaining granulated sugar, mashed bananas, melted butter, and egg to the yeast mixture. Mix until well combined.
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Knead for about 5-8 minutes by hand or with a dough hook until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
While the dough rises, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, mash the softened butter.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter. Arrange the thin banana slices over the filling.
Tightly roll the dough into a log, starting from one of the long edges. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12 even rolls.
Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, cover, and let them rise for a second time for 30-45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
While the rolls bake, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, and beat until creamy.
Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before spreading the frosting generously over the top. Serve warm.

Notes

Using overripe, brown bananas will give a stronger banana flavor.
For a quicker rise, place the dough in a warm oven (turned off with the light on).
You can prepare these rolls the night before. After placing them in the baking dish, cover them and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
For a vegan version, use plant-based milk, butter, and cream cheese.