If you’re on the fence about what to bake for your next brunch or weekend breakfast, allow me to introduce you to Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls—a truly mouthwatering marriage of two all-time favorites. Imagine fluffy swirls of tender, banana-infused dough wrapped around a gooey cinnamon-sugar core and blanketed in luscious cream cheese frosting. This delightful, comforting treat is as impressive as it is approachable, and whether you’re a banana bread fan, a cinnamon roll aficionado, or simply someone who loves an irresistibly sweet breakfast, Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls will bring sunny smiles to your table.

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls lies in their simple, familiar ingredients—each one working its own magic to create layers of flavor and soft, pillowy texture. As you gather these kitchen staples, you’ll soon see how every bit is essential to the cozy, nostalgic goodness of this recipe!

Warm Milk: Encourages the yeast to rise and gives the dough softness and richness.
Instant or Active Dry Yeast: Powers that fluffy, bakery-style lift in every roll.
Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds just enough baseline sweetness to the dough.
Mashed Ripe Banana: The secret ingredient—ripe bananas add incredible flavor, natural sweetness, and lovely moisture.
Melted Unsalted Butter: Makes the dough richer and ensures every bite is tender.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone for soft, structured rolls.
Salt: Balances all that sweetness and deepens the flavor.
Softened Unsalted Butter (for Filling): Helps the cinnamon-sugar layer melt into pure gooey bliss.
Brown Sugar (for Filling): Adds moisture and a warm, caramelized touch to the cinnamon swirl.
Ground Cinnamon: Delivers the star cozy spice in every layer!
Thin Banana Slices (optional): Boosts the banana flavor for those seeking extra fruitiness.
Cream Cheese (for Frosting): Adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet rolls.
Milk (for Frosting): Loosens up the frosting to a perfectly spreadable consistency.
Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the frosting flavor.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps the frosting stay fluffy and luscious.

How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Pour the warm milk into a small bowl, then sprinkle the yeast and granulated sugar over the top. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until you see a foamy layer form on the surface. This means your yeast is alive and ready to go!

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your mashed ripe banana and the melted butter. The aroma alone at this stage will have you smiling! Now, pour in the foamy yeast mixture and stir to blend everything together.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients and Knead

Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the banana mixture—do this in batches so it’s easier to mix. Stir until a soft dough forms, then turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6 to 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Place your dough ball into a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size. This is where those yeast bubbles do their job, making every Banana Bread Cinnamon Roll beautifully fluffy.

Step 5: Shape and Fill the Rolls

Roll the dough into a 12-by-18-inch rectangle on a lightly floured countertop. Spread the softened butter all over the surface. Sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon, and if you love bananas, scatter on some thin banana slices right now.

Step 6: Roll Up and Slice

From the long edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or string to cut it into 12 thick, gorgeous swirls. Arrange these in a greased 9-by-13-inch baking pan, leaving a bit of space between each—these beauties will expand as they bake!

Step 7: Final Rise and Bake

Cover the pan and let the rolls rise again for about 30 to 45 minutes, until they look puffed-up and jolly. While they rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and your whole kitchen smells heavenly.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls cool just slightly, beat together the cream cheese, milk, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until silky and smooth. Spread this all over the warm rolls so it melts into every swirl and crevice.

How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, dust your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a handful of chopped nuts, or a few fresh banana slices. Even a drizzle of maple syrup can add a wow factor when you want to turn breakfast into a true celebration.

Side Dishes

These cinnamon rolls are dreamy alongside salty breakfast classics like crisp bacon or eggs, and they also pair beautifully with a big bowl of fresh fruit. For a brunch spread, consider a platter of sliced oranges, strawberries, or even a yogurt parfait for something a little lighter to contrast the gooey sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking to impress, try stacking Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls in a pyramid on a cake stand, or serve each roll on a small plate with a warm mug of coffee or chai. For parties, you can even cut the rolls smaller before baking and serve them as “mini rolls” for a sweet, bite-sized treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, any leftover Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days. A quick microwave reheat brings them right back to that fresh-from-the-oven softness.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the unfrosted rolls in a well-wrapped airtight container for up to two months. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and then gently warm in the oven or microwave before slathering with fresh frosting.

Reheating

For the ultimate warm, gooey experience, pop individual rolls into the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds, or reheat a whole pan in a low oven (about 300°F) until just heated through. Add extra frosting after reheating if you want an extra-indulgent treat!

FAQs

Can I prepare Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls the night before?

Absolutely! After placing the shaped rolls in your baking pan, cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise a bit more, then bake as directed for a stress-free breakfast treat.

What kind of bananas work best?

The riper, the better—those spotty, overripe bananas everyone tries to rescue from the fruit bowl are ideal. They’re extra sweet and blend in easily, creating the best banana flavor for your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls.

How do I make these dairy-free?

Simple swaps are all you need! Use your favorite plant-based milk, dairy-free butter, and vegan cream cheese. This way, everyone can enjoy these cinnamon rolls, regardless of dietary needs.

Why do my rolls sometimes turn out dense?

This is usually due to either using too much flour, under-proofing, or over-kneading the dough. Be gentle, measure carefully, and give your dough plenty of rising time for fluffy, tender Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, and it’s a guaranteed party hit! Simply double every ingredient and divide between two pans. Just make sure you’ve got plenty of frosting—no one will want to miss out on a roll.

Final Thoughts

If you’re thinking about what to bake next, go ahead and treat yourself to a pan of Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. They have the cozy charm of banana bread, the irresistible swirls of a classic cinnamon roll, and plenty of sweet, joyful nostalgia in every bite. Don’t be surprised if they become your new go-to for impressing guests or spoiling yourself—give them a try soon!

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delicious combination of banana bread and cinnamon rolls with these soft, gooey treats topped with a creamy frosting.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

1 cup warm milk
2 1/4 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast
1/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup mashed ripe banana
1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt

Filling:

1/4 cup softened unsalted butter
2/3 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
optional: thin banana slices for extra banana flavor

Frosting:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar

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Instructions

In a small bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed banana and melted butter, then stir in the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
Roll dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread with softened butter, sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon, and add banana slices if using.
Roll tightly from the long side, then cut into 12 rolls. Arrange in a greased 9×13-inch pan, cover, and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown.
For frosting, beat cream cheese, milk, vanilla, and powdered sugar until smooth. Spread over warm rolls and serve.

Notes

Overripe bananas give the best flavor.
Rolls can be prepared the night before—cover and refrigerate, then bake in the morning after bringing to room temperature.
To make dairy-free, use plant-based milk, butter, and cream cheese.

Prep Time: 1 hour (plus rising time)
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American