Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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Freshly baked Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with cream cheese frosting

Breakfast

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:

Ingredients for Homemade Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Everything you need to make these delicious Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls—ripe bananas, flour, cinnamon, and a touch of love!

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:

Step-by-step instructions for making Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
From mixing the dough to the final swirl—see how these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls come together in just a few steps!

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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Freshly baked Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with cream cheese frosting

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

Scale
  • 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
  • 12 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mix warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, egg, melted butter, and salt. Add in the foamy yeast mixture and stir to combine.
  3. 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.
  4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  5. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Set out softened butter so it’s spreadable.
  6. Roll the dough into a rectangle (about 12×16 inches). Spread softened butter all over, then sprinkle evenly with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  7. Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice into 12 equal rolls using a serrated knife or dental floss.
  8. Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
  9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  10. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk; mix until creamy.
  11. 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.

  • Author: Clara
  • 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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