Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

The smell of warm bananas and cinnamon fills the air—it’s pure comfort. These rolls are soft, gooey, and taste like a mix between banana bread and classic cinnamon rolls. I made them on a lazy morning, and they made the whole day feel special.

I love how the banana adds sweetness and keeps the dough so fluffy. The cinnamon swirl melts perfectly into the soft bread, and the icing on top makes it all come together. It’s cozy, sweet, and perfect for breakfast or dessert.

If you’re craving something warm, simple, and homemade, these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are for you. Let’s make them together—they’re as easy as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Two Favorites in One: The best of banana bread meets classic cinnamon rolls.
• Soft and Tender: Mashed banana keeps these rolls incredibly moist and fluffy.
• Natural Sweetness: Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and reduce the need for extra sugar.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
• Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for feeding a hungry family or impressing brunch guests.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time: Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 1 hour 30 minutes rise time) Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: About 2 hours 25 minutes

Servings: This recipe makes 12 large cinnamon rolls—enough for 6-8 people. Need more for a big gathering? Double the batch and use two baking pans.

Difficulty: Easy enough for beginner bakers but rewarding for experienced ones too. The dough is forgiving and fun to work with.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large mixing bowl
• Stand mixer with dough hook (or mix by hand)
• Rolling pin
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Clean kitchen towel
• Small saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Offset spatula or knife for frosting

Ingredients

These banana bread cinnamon rolls are made with simple pantry ingredients that create amazing flavor and texture.

Ripe bananas provide moisture and natural sweetness, while warm cinnamon creates that classic roll experience. The cream cheese frosting adds the perfect tangy-sweet finish. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this recipe together:

For the Dough:

• All-Purpose Flour: 4 cups (500g), spooned and leveled, provides structure
• Rapid Rise Yeast: 2 and 1/4 teaspoons (one packet) helps the dough rise quickly
• Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup (50g) feeds the yeast and adds sweetness
• Salt: 1 teaspoon balances the flavors
• Milk: 3/4 cup (180ml), warmed to 110°F, activates the yeast
• Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup (57g), melted, adds richness
• Mashed Banana: 1 cup (about 2 large ripe bananas) creates moisture and flavor
• Eggs: 2 large, at room temperature, bind the dough

For the Filling:

• Light Brown Sugar: 3/4 cup (150g), packed, for sweetness
• Ground Cinnamon: 2 tablespoons for warm spice
• Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup (57g), softened, spreads easily

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream Cheese: 4 ounces (113g), softened to room temperature
• Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons (28g), softened
• Powdered Sugar: 1 and 1/2 cups (180g) for sweetness
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon adds depth
• Milk: 1-2 tablespoons to reach desired consistency

Variations for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

• Add Walnuts: Sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped walnuts over the filling for crunch.
• Try Chocolate Chips: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for banana bread flavor.
• Use Maple Frosting: Replace cream cheese frosting with maple glaze for different sweetness.
• Add Nutmeg: Mix 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg into the filling for extra warmth.
• Make Them Smaller: Cut into 15-18 rolls for bite-sized treats.

How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

Warm the milk to 110°F in a small saucepan. In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, mashed banana, and eggs. Mix until a soft dough forms.

2. Knead the Dough

Knead the dough by hand for 8-10 minutes or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky. Add a tablespoon of flour if too wet.

3. First Rise

Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled in size.

4. Make the Filling

While dough rises, mix brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Set aside with softened butter.

5. Roll Out the Dough

Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 16×12 inch rectangle using a rolling pin.

6. Add the Filling

Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top, pressing gently.

7. Shape the Rolls

Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or dental floss.

8. Second Rise

Place rolls in a greased 9×13 inch pan, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes until puffy.

9. Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake rolls for 25 minutes until golden brown on top. The centers should be fully cooked but still soft.

10. Make the Frosting

While rolls bake, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing well. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until spreadable.

11. Frost and Serve

Let rolls cool for 10 minutes, then spread cream cheese frosting generously over warm rolls. Serve immediately.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

These versatile rolls work for many occasions:

• Weekend Breakfast: Serve warm with coffee or tea for a cozy morning.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Place on a large platter as the main attraction.
• Holiday Mornings: Perfect for Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving breakfast.
• Afternoon Snack: Enjoy with cold milk as a sweet treat.
• Dessert Option: Serve slightly warm with vanilla ice cream.

Decoration Ideas:

• Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra sweetness
• Sprinkle chopped pecans on top of frosting
• Add banana slices as garnish
• Dust with extra cinnamon

Storing Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

• Room Temperature: Store unfrosted rolls covered at room temperature for 1-2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep frosted rolls in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge.
• Freezer: Freeze unfrosted baked rolls wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and frost before serving.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare rolls through step 8, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let sit at room temperature 30 minutes before baking.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Very Ripe Bananas: Brown spotted bananas provide the best flavor and sweetness.
• Check Milk Temperature: Too hot kills yeast, too cold slows rising. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
• Don’t Over-Flour: The dough should be slightly sticky. Too much flour makes dry rolls.
• Rise in Warm Spot: An oven with just the light on creates the perfect warm environment.
• Cut with Dental Floss: Slide floss under the log, cross ends, and pull through for clean cuts.
• Don’t Overbake: Slightly underdone centers stay soft and gooey. They firm up as they cool.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Per Roll (1 of 12)
Calories	385
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	55mg
Sodium	240mg
Total Carbohydrates	65g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	32g
Protein	6g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but substitute only half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat. Using all whole wheat makes dense, heavy rolls.

My dough is not rising. What went wrong? The milk was likely too hot and killed the yeast, or the yeast was expired. Check expiration dates and use a thermometer.

Can I make these without a stand mixer? Absolutely. Mix ingredients in a bowl and knead by hand for 8-10 minutes. Your arms will get a workout but the results are the same.

How do I know when the rolls are done? The tops should be golden brown and the internal temperature should reach 190°F. The centers may look slightly soft but will firm up.

Can I use instant yeast instead of Rapid Rise? Yes, they work the same way. Use the same amount.