If you love the comforting flavor of banana bread and the irresistible aroma of cinnamon rolls, this recipe combines both into one heavenly creation — Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. Imagine soft, fluffy rolls infused with mashed bananas, layered with a brown sugar-cinnamon filling, and finished with a luscious cream cheese glaze. They’re the perfect weekend bake, ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. I tried this recipe with overripe bananas for maximum sweetness, and it turned out beautifully moist and flavorful. Each bite melts in your mouth with that cozy banana essence complemented by a swirl of warm cinnamon. These rolls are not only indulgent but also a wonderful way to use up those ripe bananas sitting on your counter.
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Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls: The Perfect Twist on a Classic Treat
- Total Time: 2 hrs
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls infused with the sweet flavor of ripe bananas, combining the comfort of banana bread with the indulgence of classic cinnamon rolls.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for filling)
- 2 tsp cinnamon (for filling)
- 3 tbsp softened butter (for filling)
- 4 oz cream cheese (for frosting)
- 2 tbsp butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1–2 tbsp milk (for frosting)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, mix mashed bananas, melted butter, remaining sugar, egg, and salt until smooth.
- Add the yeast mixture to the banana mixture and stir to combine.
- Gradually add flour and cinnamon, mixing until a dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Roll dough into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
- Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll tightly into a log and cut into 9–12 rolls.
- Place rolls in a greased baking pan, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
- While baking, make frosting by beating cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- Spread frosting over warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Can substitute whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour for a heartier texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat before serving.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These banana bread cinnamon rolls combine the best of both worlds — the soft, gooey texture of a classic cinnamon roll and the rich, fruity sweetness of banana bread. They’re easy to make, fill your kitchen with an incredible aroma, and taste even better the next day. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or savoring all to yourself.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Bananas: Overripe bananas are the star of this recipe. Their natural sweetness and moisture enhance the dough, creating that signature banana bread flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and softness. For a slightly heartier texture, you can replace a portion with whole wheat flour.
Yeast: Instant yeast helps the dough rise beautifully, giving the rolls a light and fluffy texture.
Milk: Warm milk activates the yeast and adds richness to the dough. I once used almond milk, and it worked just as well.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds flavor and tenderness to both the dough and filling. Use softened butter for easy spreading.
Eggs: They help bind the dough and contribute to its soft, pillowy texture.
Brown Sugar: Used in the filling for that classic cinnamon roll sweetness and caramel undertone.
Cinnamon: The heart of any cinnamon roll — its warmth complements the banana flavor perfectly.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors without overpowering them.
Cream Cheese: The base of the decadent frosting, offering a tangy balance to the sweet rolls.
Powdered Sugar: Blends smoothly with cream cheese to create a creamy glaze.
Vanilla Extract: Adds an aromatic sweetness to both the dough and frosting.Directions
Begin by warming your milk until just lukewarm. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
Mash the bananas until smooth and add them to the yeast mixture along with melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined.
Gradually mix in the flour and salt, kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and slightly tacky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour. Cover the bowl and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle generously across the buttered dough.
Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it into even rolls. Arrange them in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and fluffy.
For the frosting, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over warm rolls and serve immediately.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 12 cinnamon rolls and takes about 2 hours total — including 1 hour of rising time and 25–30 minutes of baking. Perfect for a cozy weekend morning.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a low oven at 300°F until soft again. You can also freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months — simply thaw and frost before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Nutty Banana Rolls – Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans in the filling for extra crunch.
Caramel Banana Delight – Drizzle caramel sauce over the frosting for a decadent twist.
Chocolate Swirl Banana Rolls – Add mini chocolate chips or spread Nutella inside before rolling.
Maple Cream Cheese Glaze – Substitute part of the powdered sugar with maple syrup for a richer flavor.
Whole Wheat Version – Replace half the flour with whole wheat for a nuttier, denser texture.
Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Vegan Version – Swap butter for vegan margarine, milk for almond milk, and use a flax egg substitute.
Banana Nutella Rolls – Spread a layer of Nutella and sliced bananas inside before rolling.
Spiced Autumn Rolls – Add nutmeg, cloves, or allspice to the cinnamon sugar mix for a seasonal touch.
Overnight Rise – Let the rolls rise in the fridge overnight for easy baking in the morning.
FAQs
1. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next morning.
2. Can I use frozen bananas?
Absolutely — just thaw and drain them before mashing.
3. Do I need a stand mixer?
No, you can knead the dough by hand; it just takes a bit more effort.
4. Can I skip the cream cheese frosting?
Yes, a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk also works well.
5. Why did my dough not rise?
Your yeast may have expired, or your milk was too hot and killed the yeast.
Conclusion
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls bring together two beloved comfort foods in one indulgent treat. They’re soft, aromatic, and perfectly sweet — ideal for breakfast or dessert. The rich banana flavor pairs beautifully with the gooey cinnamon swirl, creating a bakery-worthy roll you’ll crave again and again. Whether served fresh from the oven or reheated the next day, these rolls promise warmth and nostalgia in every bite.
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