There’s something unmistakably comforting about the scent of cinnamon drifting through the kitchen on a cool morning, especially when it mingles with the warm, sweet aroma of ripe bananas. Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are what happens when two breakfast favorites fall in love. Imagine the moist tenderness of banana bread wrapped up in the soft, gooey swirls of a cinnamon roll, crowned with creamy icing. It’s the kind of treat that brings everyone to the table—slow mornings, family brunches, or cozy weekends at home.
I still remember the first time I baked these. It was a rainy Sunday, and I had a few overripe bananas on the counter. Tired of the usual loaf, I decided to experiment, blending my love for banana bread with the irresistible pull of cinnamon rolls. What emerged from the oven wasn’t just breakfast—it was magic. These rolls have since become a cherished tradition, especially around the holidays when the house is full and the mornings feel extra special.
In many households, banana bread is a nostalgic staple—simple, sweet, and tied to memories of childhood. Cinnamon rolls, on the other hand, are celebratory. They’re indulgent, meant to be shared and savored slowly. This recipe combines the best of both worlds and turns humble ingredients into a bakery-worthy experience you’ll want to repeat again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The Perfect Marriage of Two Classics: Banana bread meets cinnamon roll in a soft, fluffy, sweet swirl.
- Incredible Texture: Thanks to ripe bananas, the dough stays moist and tender.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep them the night before for fresh-baked comfort in the morning.
- Family Favorite: These rolls are a hit with kids and adults alike—comforting, sweet, and crowd-pleasing.
- Not Too Sweet: Perfectly balanced with a hint of banana and cinnamon warmth.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 medium bananas)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup warm milk (around 110°F)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
HOW TO MAKE BANANA BREAD CINNAMON ROLLS:
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Wake Up the Yeast
Combine the warm milk with a pinch of sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This step ensures your rolls will rise beautifully.
2. Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, and eggs. Stir in the foamy yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough begins to form.
3. Knead and Rise
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead it for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Make the Cinnamon Filling
Mix the softened butter with brown sugar and cinnamon until creamy. Set it aside—you’ll spread this delicious mixture all over the dough soon.
5. Roll and Fill
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface.
6. Shape the Rolls
Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut it into 12 even pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean slices.
7. Let Them Rise Again
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish with a little space between each. Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes until they puff up beautifully.
8. Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell like heaven.
9. Make the Cream Cheese Icing
Beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
10. Ice and Enjoy
Let the rolls cool slightly, then generously spread the icing on top. Serve warm and enjoy every gooey bite.
HELPFUL TIPS:
- Banana Tip: The darker the banana peel, the better. Overripe bananas bring out the best flavor.
- Cold Kitchen Hack: Place your dough in a slightly warm oven (turned off) to help it rise.
- Neat Slicing: Use unflavored dental floss instead of a knife to slice the rolls cleanly.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the rolls the night before and refrigerate them overnight for stress-free mornings.
DETAILS:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus rise time)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: About 2.5 hours
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
NOTES:
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls can be made ahead, frozen, and reheated—making them a reliable addition to your weekend baking routine. The banana flavor intensifies slightly the next day, so leftovers (if you have any!) are just as delightful.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (Per Roll):
- Calories: ~300
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Sugar: 20g
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but for best texture, use a 50/50 mix of whole wheat and all-purpose.
Can I freeze the rolls?
Absolutely. Freeze baked (but unfrosted) rolls and thaw overnight. Warm before icing and serving.
Can I add extras like nuts or chocolate?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or chocolate chips are a delicious addition to the filling.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps well for 4–5 days. Reheat before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 1 month.
Related Recipes:
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:
CONCLUSION:
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a fun twist—they’re a warm hug on a plate. With a pillowy dough kissed by banana and cinnamon, and crowned with luscious cream cheese icing, these rolls bring comfort and joy to any table. Whether it’s for a holiday brunch or a lazy Sunday, these cinnamon rolls turn simple moments into something special.
Print
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Description
There’s something unmistakably comforting about the scent of cinnamon drifting through the kitchen on a cool morning, especially when it mingles with the warm, sweet aroma of ripe bananas. Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are what happens when two breakfast favorites fall in love. Imagine the moist tenderness of banana bread wrapped up in the soft, gooey swirls of a cinnamon roll, crowned with creamy icing. It’s the kind of treat that brings everyone to the table—slow mornings, family brunches, or cozy weekends at home.
I still remember the first time I baked these. It was a rainy Sunday, and I had a few overripe bananas on the counter. Tired of the usual loaf, I decided to experiment, blending my love for banana bread with the irresistible pull of cinnamon rolls. What emerged from the oven wasn’t just breakfast—it was magic. These rolls have since become a cherished tradition, especially around the holidays when the house is full and the mornings feel extra special.
In many households, banana bread is a nostalgic staple—simple, sweet, and tied to memories of childhood. Cinnamon rolls, on the other hand, are celebratory. They’re indulgent, meant to be shared and savored slowly. This recipe combines the best of both worlds and turns humble ingredients into a bakery-worthy experience you’ll want to repeat again and again.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 medium bananas)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup warm milk (around 110°F)
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
2 large eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
For the Filling:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Wake Up the Yeast
Combine the warm milk with a pinch of sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This step ensures your rolls will rise beautifully.
2. Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, and eggs. Stir in the foamy yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough begins to form.
3. Knead and Rise
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead it for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Make the Cinnamon Filling
Mix the softened butter with brown sugar and cinnamon until creamy. Set it aside—you’ll spread this delicious mixture all over the dough soon.
5. Roll and Fill
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface.
6. Shape the Rolls
Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut it into 12 even pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean slices.
7. Let Them Rise Again
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish with a little space between each. Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes until they puff up beautifully.
8. Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell like heaven.
9. Make the Cream Cheese Icing
Beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
10. Ice and Enjoy
Let the rolls cool slightly, then generously spread the icing on top. Serve warm and enjoy every gooey bite.
Notes
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls can be made ahead, frozen, and reheated—making them a reliable addition to your weekend baking routine. The banana flavor intensifies slightly the next day, so leftovers (if you have any!) are just as delightful.