Imagine the cozy, nostalgic flavor of banana bread rolled up with gooey cinnamon sugar swirls—yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds! These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are soft, moist, and packed with that sweet banana goodness you love, paired with the irresistible magic of a classic cinnamon roll. Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch or just want a comforting treat, this recipe is super easy to whip up and will leave your kitchen smelling heavenly. Grab those ripe bananas and let’s turn them into something amazing!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls bring together two classic comfort foods in the most delicious way. The dough is naturally sweet and fluffy thanks to mashed bananas, while the cinnamon sugar filling melts into every swirl. They’re easy enough for beginner bakers and perfect for using up overripe bananas. Plus, you can prep them ahead of time—ideal for lazy weekend mornings! Whether you’re a cinnamon roll lover or a banana bread fan, this mash-up will totally win your heart (and taste buds).
Ingredients
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls use pantry staples plus a few ripe bananas to give the dough a sweet, moist twist. Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Dough:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 to 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (start with 3, then add more if needed)
For the Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Icing:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
These rolls are easier than you’d think! Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to make your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls from scratch:

1. Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, mix warm milk and sugar.
- Sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, egg, melted butter, and salt.
- Add in the foamy yeast mixture and stir to combine.
- Gradually mix in 3 cups of flour. Add extra flour (up to ½ cup) if the dough is too sticky.
- Knead on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Let It Rise
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the Filling
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Set out softened butter so it’s spreadable.
5. Roll and Fill
- Roll the dough into a rectangle (about 12×16 inches).
- Spread softened butter all over, then sprinkle evenly with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
6. Roll It Up
- Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Slice into 12 equal rolls using a serrated knife or dental floss.
7. Second Rise
- Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
8. Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
9. Make the Icing
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk; mix until creamy.
10. Frost and Serve
- Spread icing over warm rolls and serve fresh!
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 12 soft, fluffy rolls—perfect for sharing with friends, family, or… just keeping all to yourself (no judgment!).
Timing Breakdown:
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Rise time: 1 hour 30 minutes (combined)
- Bake time: 20–25 minutes
- Total time: Around 2 hours 15 minutes
Tips and Variations
Make It Your Own:
- No cream cheese? Use a simple glaze of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
- Add-ins: Toss in chopped walnuts, pecans, or mini chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
- Banana boost: Use an extra ½ banana in the dough for a stronger banana flavor—just reduce the milk slightly.
- Make ahead: Assemble the rolls and place in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temp before baking.
Baking Tip:
- If your rolls are browning too fast on top, loosely cover with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Storage
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but here’s how to store leftovers (if you have any!).
Room Temperature:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Warm for 10–15 seconds in the microwave before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.
Refrigerator:
- Keep rolls in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Reheat individually in the microwave or warm the whole pan in a low oven (300°F for about 10 minutes).
Freezer:
- Freeze baked and cooled rolls (unfrosted) for up to 2 months.
- To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm and frost as usual.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! You can substitute 1:1. No need to activate instant yeast—just mix it right into the dry ingredients.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese for the icing.
Do I need super ripe bananas?
Yes! The riper, the better. Brown-spotted bananas bring the most flavor and sweetness.
Can I prep these the night before?
Totally! Assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temp before baking in the morning.
Why didn’t my dough rise?
Your yeast might have been old or the milk too hot. Make sure the milk is warm, not hot (about 110°F).
Can I freeze the rolls before baking?
Yes—freeze after slicing. Place on a tray to freeze individually, then store in a bag. Thaw and rise before baking.
What’s the best way to reheat them?
A few seconds in the microwave does the trick! Or warm in a low oven for a few minutes to keep them soft.
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the cozy, sweet treat you didn’t know you needed—until now. With that perfect swirl of cinnamon, soft banana-infused dough, and creamy frosting, they’re bound to become a new weekend favorite. Whether you’re baking for brunch, sharing with friends, or just treating yourself (yes, you deserve it!), these rolls check all the comfort food boxes. So grab those ripe bananas and let the magic begin!
Craving more tasty recipes? Follow @butteryrecipes on Pinterest and Facebook for daily inspiration!
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Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Imagine the cozy, nostalgic flavor of banana bread rolled up with gooey cinnamon sugar swirls—yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds! These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are soft, moist, and packed with that sweet banana goodness you love, paired with the irresistible magic of a classic cinnamon roll. Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch or just want a comforting treat, this recipe is super easy to whip up and will leave your kitchen smelling heavenly. Grab those ripe bananas and let’s turn them into something amazing!
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 to 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (start with 3, then add more if needed)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, egg, melted butter, and salt. Add in the foamy yeast mixture and stir to combine.
- Gradually mix in 3 cups of flour. Add extra flour (up to ½ cup) if the dough is too sticky. Knead on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Set out softened butter so it’s spreadable.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle (about 12×16 inches). Spread softened butter all over, then sprinkle evenly with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice into 12 equal rolls using a serrated knife or dental floss.
- Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk; mix until creamy.
- Spread icing over warm rolls and serve fresh!
Notes
If your rolls are browning too fast on top, loosely cover with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking. Add nuts or chocolate chips for variation. To prep ahead, refrigerate overnight before final rise and bake in the morning.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: banana bread, cinnamon rolls, brunch, banana, sweet rolls
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