I still remember the first time I swirled two of my favorite flavors into one recipe—banana bread and cinnamon rolls. It was one of those spontaneous baking days when I had overripe bananas on the counter and a craving for something warm, soft, and comforting. I didn’t want to make just another banana loaf or a basic batch of rolls. I wanted something different. Something that combined the cozy nostalgia of banana bread with the gooey layers of cinnamon-sugar filling. And when I finally pulled these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls out of the oven, it was love at first bite.
This recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen not just for how delicious it is, but for the reaction it gets every time. Whether I’m baking it for family brunches, special Sunday mornings, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift, it never disappoints. The scent of banana and cinnamon wafting through the house feels like a hug in the air—warm, sweet, and inviting.
You will love this recipe because it brings together everything we adore about a cozy bake. It has the sweet banana flavor baked into the dough, layers of buttery cinnamon filling, and that decadent, tangy cream cheese frosting that melts perfectly over the top while they’re still warm. The texture is incredibly soft, with just the right amount of moisture from the banana and a fluffy rise that rivals any classic cinnamon roll.
What’s great about these rolls is how versatile they are. You can make them in advance and refrigerate overnight, then simply bake them in the morning. You can also freeze them for later, or customize them with chopped nuts, a drizzle of caramel, or a sprinkle of brown sugar crumble if you’re feeling indulgent. They also happen to be a hit with both kids and adults, making them ideal for breakfast tables, brunches, or dessert.
Better yet, they’re affordable to make. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry or fridge—ripe bananas, flour, sugar, yeast, butter, eggs, cinnamon, and cream cheese. Nothing too fancy, just real ingredients that come together to create something unforgettable. And once you try these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls, I promise, they’ll become a favorite in your recipe box too.
How to Prepare This Recipe
Making these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls is simpler than you might expect. It all starts with a dough that’s soft and tender, thanks to the mashed banana blended right into the mix. What I love about this recipe is how it strikes the perfect balance between rich flavor and ease of preparation. Even if you’re not a frequent baker, the process is approachable and satisfying.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by warming your milk until it’s just slightly warm to the touch—not hot. In a mixing bowl, combine the milk with a bit of sugar and sprinkle in the dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is important to ensure the rolls rise properly.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Once the yeast is activated, add mashed ripe bananas, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the remaining sugar. Mix well until combined. Slowly incorporate the flour and a pinch of salt. Use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook or knead by hand for about 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for about 1–1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Filling
While the dough rises, prepare the filling. Mix softened butter with brown sugar and ground cinnamon until it forms a spreadable paste. This mixture will be the sweet, spiced heart of every swirl in your rolls.
Step 4: Roll and Fill the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly across the surface, making sure to reach the edges.
Step 5: Roll Up and Slice
Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into even rolls—each about 1½ to 2 inches wide. You should get around 12 rolls.
Step 6: Second Rise
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish or lined tray, leaving a bit of space between each one. Cover loosely with a towel and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes. They’ll puff up beautifully during this time.
Step 7: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking—the goal is soft and tender centers.
Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls bake, make the frosting. Beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add a splash of milk if needed for spreadability.
Step 9: Frost and Serve
As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, spread the cream cheese frosting over them while they’re still warm. The frosting melts slightly and seeps into all the swirls, creating that irresistible finish.
Quick and Easy
Despite the rising time, the steps are straightforward and don’t require any special tools. Most of the effort is hands-off. You’ll be surprised how manageable it feels, especially once you see the dough come together and smell the cinnamon as it bakes.
Customizable
This recipe also invites creativity. You can add crushed walnuts or chopped pecans into the filling. Want a dairy-free version? Use plant-based milk, butter, and cream cheese alternatives. Prefer less sugar? Reduce it slightly in the filling and frosting. You can even switch up the frosting with a vanilla glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar if you prefer something lighter.
Popular With Many People
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a favorite for a reason. They combine comfort food flavors in a new way, bringing together the moist texture of banana bread with the nostalgic appeal of gooey cinnamon rolls. Serve them at gatherings, holiday mornings, or lazy weekends, and they’re guaranteed to disappear fast. Their soft, flavorful, and aromatic nature makes them a hit across all age groups.
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Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the cozy, moist flavor of banana bread with the gooey layers and sweet frosting of classic cinnamon rolls. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this recipe is soft, fluffy, and packed with cinnamon-banana warmth in every bite.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (not hot)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 to 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 115g cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (if needed, for consistency)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast:
In a bowl, combine the warm milk, 1 tablespoon of the sugar, and the yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. - Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the mashed bananas, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, remaining sugar, and the activated yeast mixture. Stir until well combined. - Form the Dough:
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes by hand or with a dough hook until smooth and elastic. - First Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. - Make the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a spreadable paste. - Shape the Rolls:
Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a rectangle (roughly 14×18 inches). Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. - Roll and Slice:
Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss. - Second Rise:
Arrange the rolls in a greased or parchment-lined baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy. - Bake:
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown. Do not overbake. - Make the Frosting:
While the rolls bake, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Add milk as needed to reach a smooth, spreadable consistency. - Frost and Serve:
Spread the frosting over warm rolls immediately after baking so it melts slightly into the swirls.
Notes
Use very ripe bananas for the best texture and flavor.
Rolls can be refrigerated overnight before baking.
To freeze, wrap rolls individually and store for up to 2 months.
Serve warm for the best experience
- Prep Time: 25
- Cook Time: 25
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Yes, overripe bananas are ideal. The riper they are, the more natural sweetness and banana flavor they add to the dough. They also contribute to a softer, more tender texture.
Can I prepare these rolls the night before?
Absolutely. After slicing and placing the rolls in the baking dish, cover and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, allow them to come to room temperature for about 30–45 minutes before baking.
Can I freeze these rolls?
Yes. You can freeze the unbaked rolls after slicing or freeze the baked rolls without frosting. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm and frost before serving. It’s a great way to always have a batch ready for last-minute guests or cravings.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate them for up to five days. Warm them slightly in the microwave before serving for best texture and flavor.
Can I make this recipe without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can knead the dough by hand. It takes a little extra time, but it works just as well. Make sure the dough becomes smooth and elastic before the first rise.
What can I use instead of cream cheese for the frosting?
If you want to skip cream cheese, try a vanilla butter glaze or a simple powdered sugar icing made with milk and vanilla extract. It will still taste wonderful, though slightly lighter.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely. You can sprinkle chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dark chocolate chips over the cinnamon filling before rolling. These add-ins bring texture and extra flavor variety to the rolls.