Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Soft, gooey, and wildly fragrant, these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls but with a twist that’ll make your kitchen smell like a dream. The ripe bananas melt right into the dough, creating an ultra-moist, rich texture that’s both cozy and irresistible. Drizzled with a silky cream cheese glaze, every bite is layered with sweetness, spice, and nostalgia. Trust me, you’re going to want more than one.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born from one of those mornings where you’ve got overripe bananas sitting on the counter and a craving for something warm, sweet, and swirled with cinnamon. I wanted something beyond the classic banana bread, something with a little more flair. Enter the Banana Bread Cinnamon Roll. It’s that familiar banana flavor you love, rolled up with cinnamon-sugar coziness and topped with that melt-in-your-mouth glaze. It’s become a weekend ritual in our house, and once you try it, it might become one in yours too.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Cinnamon rolls have roots tracing back to Sweden, where they’re known as “kanelbullar” and are celebrated during “Kanelbullens Dag” or Cinnamon Roll Day. On the other hand, banana bread rose to popularity in the United States during the Great Depression as a way to avoid wasting overripe bananas. This recipe beautifully merges these two classic comfort foods into one indulgent breakfast treat. It’s a delicious meeting point of Swedish tradition and American ingenuity.

Why You’ll Love Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

These rolls combine the comfort of banana bread with the indulgence of cinnamon rolls, creating a bite that’s warm, sweet, and unforgettable.

Versatile: You can enjoy them as breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a cozy afternoon treat.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples and overripe bananas you might otherwise toss.

Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps and no fancy equipment needed make it approachable for all.

Customizable: Add nuts, swap glazes, or fold in chocolate chips for your personal touch.

Crowd-Pleasing: These warm, gooey swirls are impossible to resist, even for picky eaters.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the night before, pop them in the fridge, and bake fresh in the morning.

Great for Leftovers: Warmed up the next day, they’re just as satisfying as fresh out of the oven.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

There’s something magical about pulling warm, fluffy cinnamon rolls from the oven. Here’s how to make sure yours are bakery-quality every single time.

1. Let your bananas get super ripe, almost black-speckled, for maximum sweetness and flavor.
2. Don’t skip the proofing time. That extra rise makes all the difference in texture.
3. When spreading your cinnamon sugar, go all the way to the edges for even flavor in every bite.
4. Use dental floss (unflavored!) to slice the dough cleanly without squishing it.
5. Bake until golden on top but soft in the center, and ice while warm so the glaze melts into all the crevices.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Before we get started, make sure your tools are ready to go. This helps everything flow smoothly.

Mixing Bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients.

Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: To knead the dough and mix the icing.

Rolling Pin: Essential for rolling out that banana dough evenly.

Sharp Knife or Floss: For slicing clean, even rolls.

9×13 Baking Dish: The perfect size to hold all the rolls snugly together.

Whisk: Helps make your glaze silky smooth.

Ingredients in Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

The ingredients here work in harmony to give you that rich banana flavor, soft texture, and cinnamon swirl magic.

1. Mashed Bananas: 1 cup – Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and rich banana flavor.
2. All-Purpose Flour: 4 cups – Provides structure and softness when kneaded.
3. Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup – Sweetens the dough just enough.
4. Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup – Deepens the sweetness and caramel-like notes in the filling.
5. Instant Yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons – Helps the dough rise beautifully.
6. Ground Cinnamon: 1 tablespoon – The star spice of the filling, warm and aromatic.
7. Whole Milk: 3/4 cup, warm – Activates the yeast and makes the dough rich.
8. Unsalted Butter: 6 tablespoons (softened) + 4 tablespoons (melted) – Adds richness to both dough and filling.
9. Egg: 1 large – Binds the dough and contributes to its texture.
10. Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons – Adds depth to both dough and glaze.
11. Cream Cheese: 4 ounces – The base for that dreamy glaze.
12. Powdered Sugar: 1 cup – Sweetens the glaze into silky perfection.

Ingredient Substitutions

Life happens. Here are a few quick swaps you can make without losing the magic.

Whole Milk: Use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
Unsalted Butter: Substitute with plant-based butter if needed.
Cream Cheese: Dairy-free cream cheese or Greek yogurt can work in a pinch.
All-Purpose Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix if avoiding gluten.

Ingredient Spotlight

Bananas: The riper the better. Their natural sweetness and moisture are what transform this dough into something special.

Brown Sugar: Its molasses content gives that deep, rich swirl that caramelizes slightly when baked.

Instructions for Making Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Ready to get your hands a little sticky? Here’s the fun part. Let’s roll up our sleeves and bring this comforting treat to life.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes. Add mashed bananas, softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well. Gradually stir in flour until dough forms.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Grease your mixing bowl and place the dough inside. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Roll out the dough into a rectangle (about 10×16 inches). Brush with melted butter, sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll tightly from the long side, then slice into 12 rolls.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Place rolls in prepared baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes. Bake for 25–28 minutes, until golden and puffed.
6. Finishing Touches:
   While baking, whip cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk into a smooth glaze. Spread over warm rolls.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve warm and gooey, straight from the pan or plated with extra glaze drizzled on top.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

These rolls balance the fluffy softness of banana bread with the tender layers of cinnamon swirl. The banana brings a mellow, fruity base while the cinnamon and brown sugar create gooey ribbons that melt in your mouth. The cream cheese glaze adds just the right tang to round it all out. Every bite gives a little pull, a little chew, and a lot of comfort.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Let’s make sure your baking day is stress-free and sweet from start to finish.

• Use very ripe bananas for better flavor and moisture.
• Allow your dough to rest between steps to improve texture.
• Roll the dough evenly so each roll bakes at the same pace.
• For extra gooey centers, add a tablespoon of heavy cream over each roll before baking.

What to Avoid

Little mistakes can lead to big baking disappointments. Here’s what to look out for.

• Skipping proofing time can lead to dense, heavy rolls.
• Overbaking makes them dry. Take them out when just golden.
• Using cold ingredients can hinder yeast activity.
• Not sealing the roll tightly will cause the swirl to unravel.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 320
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including rising time)

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Want to make your mornings easier? These rolls are perfect for prepping ahead. After assembling, cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking. Baked rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 5. To freeze, wrap individually and reheat in the microwave or oven.

How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Serve these beauties warm with a fresh cup of coffee or tea. For a brunch spread, pair them with fruit salad and savory quiche. You can even add chopped nuts or extra banana slices on top for presentation.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Got leftovers? You’re in luck.

• Slice and pan-toast with a bit of butter for a caramelized edge.
• Cube them into a decadent bread pudding.
• Use for a sweet breakfast sandwich with nut butter in between.

Additional Tips

A few more nuggets of baking wisdom before you dive in.

• Let the rolls cool for 10 minutes before glazing so it melts just right.
• Use a serrated knife if you don’t have floss for slicing.
• For extra flair, dust the top with cinnamon sugar before baking.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation matters, especially if you’re sharing. Garnish with banana slices or a dusting of cinnamon before serving. Use a beautiful ceramic baking dish and bring them to the table straight from the oven. The melted glaze and golden tops will do the rest.

Variations to Try

Change it up to fit your flavor cravings.

• Nutty Banana Rolls: Add chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for crunch.
• Chocolate Swirl: Sprinkle chocolate chips before rolling for extra indulgence.
• Maple Glaze: Swap cream cheese glaze for a warm maple syrup drizzle.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk, butter, and cream cheese.
• Mini Rolls: Cut smaller pieces for bite-sized versions, perfect for parties.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant?

Yes, just activate it in warm milk with sugar for 10 minutes before mixing.

Q2: How ripe should the bananas be?

The darker and spottier, the better. That means more natural sweetness and flavor.

Q3: Can I freeze the rolls before baking?

Absolutely. Just assemble, freeze in the pan, then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Q4: What if I don’t have cream cheese?

Try using a mix of butter and powdered sugar with a touch of milk for a simple glaze.

Q5: Can I make these without a mixer?

Yes, just knead by hand for about 8 minutes until the dough is smooth.

Q6: Do I have to let them rise twice?

Yes, the double rise gives them their soft, fluffy texture.

Q7: How do I keep them soft the next day?

Store in an airtight container and warm slightly before serving.

Q8: What’s the best way to reheat?

Microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes.

Q9: Can I add nuts or raisins?

Of course. Just mix them into the filling layer before rolling.

Q10: How do I know they’re done baking?

They should be golden on top and sound slightly hollow when tapped.

Conclusion

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the kind of cozy, homemade treat that makes any morning feel special. Whether you’re baking them for guests, a lazy Sunday, or just because you’ve got some bananas to use up, this recipe delivers every time. Soft, swirly, sweet, and impossible to resist, these rolls are the perfect reason to slow down and savor something truly comforting. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite.

Print