Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are what happens when your favorite classic banana bread gets cozy with the ooey-gooey goodness of homemade cinnamon rolls. Imagine fluffy dough with sweet banana flavor, a cinnamon-swirled center, and a velvety cream cheese glaze that just melts into every swirl. This recipe brings together the best of both worlds for a dreamy, aromatic treat that’s just right for breakfast, brunch, or a well-deserved snack. Each bite is pure comfort—the ultimate way to use up ripe bananas and fill your kitchen with the most irresistible smell!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients sets the stage for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls that are tender, flavorful, and impossible to resist. Each component serves a delicious purpose, from the ripe bananas that create natural moisture and sweetness to the cinnamon and brown sugar that swirl through the soft dough, filling each roll with cozy decadence.
- Mashed ripe bananas (1 cup, about 2 large): The riper, the better—the natural sweetness and moisture are key here for that banana bread flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): This gives structure to the rolls while keeping them beautifully soft.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Just enough to sweeten the dough without overpowering the banana flavor.
- Active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons, 1 packet): The magic that makes these rolls rise and become ultra-fluffy.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Warm milk (⅓ cup, 110°F): Helps activate the yeast and bring richness to the dough.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, melted): Adds tenderness and depth to the dough.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together for that perfect, pillowy texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and rounds out the banana and cinnamon flavors.
- Brown sugar (½ cup, packed): Infuses the filling with caramel-like richness.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): The star of the swirl, bringing classic cinnamon roll aroma and spice.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, softened): Makes the filling extra gooey and irresistible.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Essential for that luscious glaze on top.
- Unsalted butter for glaze (2 tablespoons, softened): Helps make the glaze beautifully smooth and spreadable.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Dissolves into the glaze for the perfect level of sweetness.
- Vanilla extract for glaze (1 teaspoon): Adds a touch of sophistication to the final drizzle.
- Milk (2–3 tablespoons): Adjusts the glaze to your ideal consistency—drizzly or thick, it’s up to you!
How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Pour the warm milk into a small bowl and sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Let it sit untouched for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This is your sign that the yeast is alive and ready to give your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls that wonderful rise—if you skip this step or the milk is too hot, your rolls might end up dense instead of delightfully fluffy.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and that lovely foamy yeast mixture. Stir everything together until well combined. Now, add in the flour and salt, mixing until a sticky, soft dough forms. This dough will be moist thanks to the bananas, but that’s what promises those tender, cake-like rolls in the end.
Step 3: Knead Until Smooth
Lightly flour your work surface, then turn out your dough and knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’re aiming for a smooth and elastic texture—the kind that bounces back when you press it lightly. Kneading develops the gluten, ensuring your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls hold their shape but are still incredibly soft inside.
Step 4: First Rise
Grease a large bowl (a little cooking spray or butter does the trick), plop your dough in, and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it’s doubled in size. This is the magic moment when the yeast works its wonders, making the dough airy and light.
Step 5: Shape and Fill the Rolls
Punch down your dough gently, then roll it out with a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 10 by 14 inches. Spread the softened butter all over, then shower with the brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll the dough up tightly from the long edge, sealing the seam. Use a sharp knife or floss to cut it into 9 to 12 even rolls—pressing down gently so you don’t squash those gorgeous swirls.
Step 6: Second Rise
Arrange the cut rolls snugly in a greased baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. This rest helps ensure your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls will puff up even more during baking. The extra rise means extra fluffiness, so don’t rush it!
Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls look puffy and ready, bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown on top and the kitchen smells like pure heaven. The edges should be lightly browned, but the centers will stay tender and moist.
Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
While the rolls are baking, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk. Adjust the amount of milk until you have your desired glaze consistency—some like it thick, others prefer things a bit drippy. Either way, you’re in for a treat.
Step 9: Glaze and Serve
As soon as the rolls are out of the oven, slather or drizzle that cream cheese glaze while they’re still warm, letting it soak into every swirl and crevice. Serving them warm is key—the glaze melts gloriously and the banana-cinnamon aroma will have everyone running to the kitchen!
How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
A generous swoosh of cream cheese glaze is non-negotiable for these rolls, but you can take them to the next level with a sprinkle of toasted chopped nuts, extra sliced bananas, or even a dusting of cinnamon on top. If you want to impress, drizzle a tiny bit of caramel sauce for a decadent finish. Presentation makes every bite feel special!
Side Dishes
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are rich and sweet, so they pair beautifully with a big bowl of fresh berries, a fruit salad, or a spoonful of tangy Greek yogurt. If it’s brunch time, a fluffy scramble or smoked salmon bagel on the side can balance out the sweetness and round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the rolls straight from the baking dish for a cozy, family-style feel, or stack them on a tiered cake stand for extra flair at a brunch buffet. For a more playful touch, slice the rolls smaller and arrange them in muffin liners for individual, grab-and-go treats. No matter how you serve them, Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are impossible to ignore!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, place cooled Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. These rolls stay surprisingly moist, thanks to the bananas, but keeping them covered prevents them from drying out.
Freezing
To freeze, let the rolls cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil or a freezer bag. You can freeze either the whole batch or individual rolls for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze before adding the glaze—then simply frost after reheating!
Reheating
To reheat, place individual Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls on a plate and microwave for about 20 seconds, or warm a batch in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. If your glaze has thickened or set, a brief reheat will bring back that oozy, bakery-fresh finish. Add a fresh drizzle of glaze if you want to recapture that “just-baked” magic!
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! Instant yeast can be swapped in at the same quantity. You can even skip activating it in milk—just mix it straight in with your dry ingredients and continue as instructed.
What type Breakfast
For the best Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls, use bananas that are spotty, deeply yellow, or even turning brown—these are at their sweetest and will maximize flavor in your dough.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Make the dough the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate after the first rise. In the morning, let the dough come to room temperature, shape, allow the second rise, then bake. This makes morning prep a breeze.
How do I keep the rolls extra moist?
Be careful not to overbake—check at the earliest baking time. The bananas add plenty of moisture, and covering leftover rolls tightly helps them stay soft for days.
Can I add mix-ins to the filling?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or mini chocolate chips add fantastic flavor and texture. Just sprinkle them over the cinnamon-sugar layer before rolling up your dough.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried combining the cozy comfort of banana bread with the swirly sweetness of cinnamon rolls, this is your sign! Whether it’s for a family brunch, a holiday breakfast, or just a delicious way to use those ripe bananas, Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are sure to warm hearts and impress everyone around the table. I hope you’ll give this recipe a spin and share the love—one tender, gooey bite at a time.
Print
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of banana bread and cinnamon rolls with this recipe. Soft, fluffy rolls filled with a sweet banana-cinnamon mixture and topped with a creamy cream cheese glaze make for a perfect breakfast treat.
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, then mix with bananas, sugar, butter, egg, vanilla, flour, and salt. Knead, let rise, then roll out the dough.
- Fill and Shape: Spread softened butter on dough, sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll up, slice, and place in a baking dish.
- Rise and Bake: Let the rolls rise again, then bake until golden brown.
- Make the Glaze: Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Spread over warm rolls.
Notes
- You can refrigerate the dough overnight before the second rise.
- Enhance the filling with chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips.
- 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
