If you love the cozy flavors of banana bread and the irresistible swirl of a classic cinnamon roll, then Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are your new weekend must-bake. Imagine pillowy, golden rolls infused with sweet ripe bananas, filled with a buttery cinnamon swirl, and finished with a dreamy cream cheese glaze. This is comfort baking at its finest—each bite is a nostalgic hug, combining two breakfast favorites into one unforgettable treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You probably already have most of the ingredients on hand, and each one plays an important role in bringing out the best of Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. From ripe bananas for natural sweetness to just the right amount of cinnamon for irresistible warmth, every element works together for that perfect swirl and tender bite.
- Mashed Ripe Bananas: About 2 large bananas, mashed, add sweetness, moisture, and rich banana flavor to the dough.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the dough—stick with all-purpose for the lightest and fluffiest rolls.
- Granulated Sugar: Just enough to sweeten the dough and balance the natural sugars from the bananas.
- Active Dry Yeast: Our leavening hero; be sure it’s fresh for a pillowy, well-risen dough.
- Salt: Crucial for flavor—don’t skip it, as it keeps the rolls from tasting flat.
- Warm Milk (110°F): Helps activate the yeast and brings richness to the dough. Use a thermometer to ensure it’s warm, not hot.
- Unsalted Butter (melted/softened): Adds richness to both the dough and the filling, and creates that luscious roll texture.
- Large Egg: Binds the dough and helps it rise beautifully in the oven.
- Vanilla Extract: Gives a subtle, fragrant sweetness that works wonders with banana and cinnamon.
- Filling – Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar melts into the center of every roll for gooey, caramel-like sweetness.
- Filling – Ground Cinnamon: Two teaspoons for that classic swirl—don’t hold back if you love it extra spiced!
- Filling – Softened Butter: Spread on the dough for a moist, flavorful center that ties the filling together.
- Cream Cheese Glaze – Cream Cheese (softened): The star of the glaze—rich, tangy, and totally dreamy on warm rolls.
- Cream Cheese Glaze – Unsalted Butter (softened): Makes the glaze silky and smooth with just the right body.
- Cream Cheese Glaze – Powdered Sugar: Sifts in velvety sweetness that melts into the glaze.
- Cream Cheese Glaze – Vanilla Extract: Adds a rich, mellow sweetness in every bite.
- Cream Cheese Glaze – Milk: Adjusts the consistency of your glaze—add a little at a time until it’s pourable but thick.
How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining warm milk and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Wait about 5 to 10 minutes until it turns foamy—that’s when you know your yeast is lively and ready. This little step is the secret to fluffy, bakery-style rolls, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, mix together your mashed bananas, granulated sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and the activated yeast mixture. Once thoroughly combined, add in your flour and salt, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. The dough should be soft, slightly sticky, and already smell like banana bread magic.
Step 3: Knead and Let Rise
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If you’ve never kneaded dough before, just push, fold, and turn—it’s way easier than it sounds. Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until doubled. The anticipation is real, but this rise is what makes Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls oh-so fluffy!
Step 4: Shape and Fill
Once your dough has puffed up, give it a gentle punch-down to release air. Roll it into a 10-by-14-inch rectangle (about ¼ inch thick). Spread softened butter right to the edges, then sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the top. For extra fun, add some chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips. Now, roll up tightly from the long side (think jelly roll), and use a sharp knife or unflavored floss to slice into 9 to 12 even rolls.
Step 5: Second Rise
Arrange your rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each so they have room to puff. Cover once again and let them rise another 30 to 45 minutes, until puffy and touching—almost ready to become Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls glory!
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake your rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown and the kitchen smells like heaven. Resist the urge to pull them out early—let the tops get ever-so-slightly caramelized for best flavor and texture.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
While the rolls bake, beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and just enough milk to make a thick but pourable glaze. Spoon it generously over the warm rolls so it can melt into every nook and cranny. Now comes the best part—serve, bite, and swoon over the combination of banana bread and cinnamon roll, all in one magical treat.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
Give your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls some extra sparkle by dusting them with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or an extra pinch of ground cinnamon just before serving. Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch on top, and a handful of mini chocolate chips will satisfy any sweet tooth. For added tropical vibes, a few slices of fresh banana fanned across the plate look gorgeous and taste just right with these rolls.
Side Dishes
These rolls absolutely shine on their own, but they’re delicious alongside creamy Greek yogurt or a simple fruit salad for a balanced breakfast. If you’re hosting a brunch, fresh berries, scrambled eggs, or a crisp, salty bacon can be fun pairings, helping to balance the rich sweetness of the rolls. And don’t forget a hot pot of coffee or chai—there’s nothing better than Cinnamon Rolls and a warm mug to start the day.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls on a rustic wooden board, swirling the glaze on top for extra appeal. Try tucking them into cute baking cups for grab-and-go brunches, or pile them high on a cake stand for a showstopping centerpiece. For parties, consider making minis—simply cut the dough into smaller pieces for adorable, bite-sized treats everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover rolls (it happens, but only if you hide a few!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The cream cheese glaze stays soft, and the rolls remain deliciously moist, especially thanks to the bananas in the dough.
Freezing
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls freeze beautifully! Once baked and cooled—before glazing—wrap individual rolls (or the whole batch) tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm before glazing and serving fresh.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven flavor, reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or pop several in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes. If you’ve stored your glaze separately, spread it on warm rolls for the dreamiest, gooeyest result!
FAQs
Can I make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and shape the rolls the night before, then cover and refrigerate before the second rise. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed for fresh, warm rolls without the morning rush.
What should I do if my bananas aren’t ripe enough?
If your bananas aren’t super ripe, bake them (still in their peel) in a 300°F oven for about 15–20 minutes. The skins will blacken, and the heat will bring out their natural sugars, making them extra sweet and perfect for these rolls.
Can I add extras to the filling?
Yes! Feel free to sprinkle in mini chocolate chips, toasted nuts, or even a handful of dried fruit before rolling up the dough. Each little surprise inside adds a special twist to your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls.
Is there a way to make these rolls vegan?
Definitely. Use a non-dairy milk, replace the butter with a vegan margarine, substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water), and opt for a dairy-free cream cheese in the glaze.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
The tops should be a beautiful golden brown, and the center rolls should feel set but still pillowy. If you’re unsure, gently lift a roll from the edge; if the bottoms are lightly browned and no dough sticks to your finger, they’re ready!
Final Thoughts
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls truly are the best of both worlds—a warm, nostalgic breakfast mashup you’ll find yourself craving again and again. They’re simple enough for a cozy weekend, yet impressive enough for brunch with friends. Give these a try and watch the smiles spread with every swirled, banana-kissed bite!
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Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect marriage of banana bread and cinnamon rolls with this delightful recipe. Soft, fluffy rolls filled with sweet cinnamon and ripe bananas, topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze – a heavenly treat for any time of day!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup warm milk (110°F)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine warm milk and yeast. Mix mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and yeast mixture. Add flour and salt. Knead until smooth. Let rise.
- Prepare the Filling: Roll out dough, spread with butter, sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll up, slice into rolls.
- Second Rise: Place rolls in baking dish, let rise. Bake at 350°F.
- Make the Glaze: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Spread over warm rolls.
Notes
- You can make the dough ahead and refrigerate overnight before the second rise.
- Add chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips to the filling for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
