Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the soft, moist texture of banana bread with the gooey, spiced swirl of classic cinnamon rolls. This hybrid treat is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, offering rich banana flavor, a fluffy dough, and a warm cinnamon-sugar filling topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. It’s a cozy twist on two beloved baked goods.

ingredients

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

for the dough
all-purpose flour
ripe bananas (mashed)
granulated sugar
unsalted butter (melted)
warm milk
egg
active dry yeast
salt
vanilla extract

for the filling
brown sugar
ground cinnamon
unsalted butter (softened)

for the glaze
cream cheese (softened)
confectioners’ sugar
milk or heavy cream
vanilla extract

directions

In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

In a large mixing bowl, mix mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.

Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.

Gradually mix in flour and salt until a soft dough forms.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Roll out the dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface.

Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.

Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into even rolls.

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise again for 30-45 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake rolls for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.

While baking, prepare the glaze by beating cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

Spread the glaze over the warm rolls before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 12 rolls.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: approximately 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for a crunchy twist.
Incorporate mini chocolate chips for a banana-chocolate combo.
Use maple extract in the glaze for a deeper flavor.
Swap the glaze for a simple powdered sugar drizzle for a lighter touch.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To reheat, warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes.
For longer storage, freeze the rolls (unglazed) for up to 2 months, then thaw and glaze after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas?
Yes, the riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the dough.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate the rolls overnight before the second rise. Bake in the morning.

Do I need a stand mixer?
No, the dough can be kneaded by hand.

Can I skip the cream cheese glaze?
Yes, substitute with a classic powdered sugar glaze or enjoy plain.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?
Yes, but skip the proofing step and mix it directly into the flour.

Why didn’t my rolls rise properly?
Ensure the yeast is fresh and the milk is warm—not hot—to activate it.

Can I add banana slices inside the rolls?
It’s not recommended, as they can release too much moisture during baking.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely, kids love the banana-cinnamon combo and helping roll the dough.

Can I make them vegan?
Yes, use plant-based butter, milk, and a flax egg substitute.

What can I serve with these rolls?
Pair with coffee, milk, or a fruit salad for a balanced breakfast.

Conclusion

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate comfort food mash-up—moist, fluffy, spiced, and sweet. Whether you’re baking for brunch guests or treating yourself on a cozy morning, these rolls deliver the nostalgic taste of banana bread with a decadent, cinnamon-swirled upgrade. One bite and you’ll be hooked!