Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Who says you have to choose between banana bread and cinnamon rolls? This Breakfast recipe brings together two beloved treats into one amazing creation. These banana bread cinnamon rolls combine the comforting flavor of ripe bananas with the sweet, spiced goodness of classic cinnamon rolls. Whether you're planning a special weekend brunch or just want to treat yourself to something special, banana bread cinnamon rolls deliver that perfect balance of soft texture and rich taste.

The best part? You don't need to be a professional baker to nail this recipe. These banana bread cinnamon rolls are surprisingly simple to make, and the aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is absolutely worth it. Trust me, once you try making banana bread cinnamon rolls at home, you'll wonder why you didn't start sooner.

A Match Made in Breakfast Heaven

There's something magical about combining banana bread with cinnamon rolls. The natural sweetness from ripe bananas means you can use less sugar, while the moist texture they create makes every bite incredibly soft and fluffy. Traditional cinnamon rolls can sometimes feel heavy, but the banana bread cinnamon rolls version feels lighter and more interesting. The banana flavor isn't overwhelming; it just adds a subtle depth that makes these rolls stand out from anything you'd find at a bakery.

These rolls work perfectly alongside your morning coffee or as a sweet finish to a brunch spread. They pair beautifully with fresh fruit, yogurt, or even a savory breakfast sandwich. The cream cheese glaze on top adds that classic tangy sweetness that brings everything together. Whether you're serving them fresh out of the oven or reheating them the next day, these banana bread cinnamon rolls stay soft and delicious.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• The Golden Secret to Perfect Rolls
• FAQ
• Your New Breakfast Favorite Awaits
• Related
• Pairing
• Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• ripe bananas (mashed)
• all-purpose flour
• granulated sugar
• instant yeast
• warm milk
• unsalted butter (melted)
• eggs
• vanilla extract
• salt

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

• brown sugar
• ground cinnamon
• softened butter

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• cream cheese (softened)
• powdered sugar
• milk
• vanilla extract

Substitutions:

• plant-based milk, vegan butter, flax eggs (vegan option)
• gluten-free flour blend (gluten-free option)
• coconut sugar (refined sugar alternative)

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Banana Dough

1. Mash your ripe bananas in a large bowl until smooth with just a few small lumps
2. Add warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas
3. Mix the wet ingredients together until well combined
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture
6. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic
7. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 60 minutes until doubled in size

Pro tip: If your kitchen is cold, turn your oven on for just 1 minute, turn it off, and place the dough inside to rise.

Step 2: Roll and Fill

1. Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release air bubbles
2. Roll the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12x18 inches
3. Spread the softened butter evenly across the entire surface
4. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle generously over the butter
5. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log
6. Cut the log into 10 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss

Pro tip: For cleaner cuts, use unflavored dental floss; slide it under the log, cross the ends over the top, and pull through.

Step 3: Second Rise and Bake

1. Place the cut rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, leaving small gaps between them
2. Cover with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy
3. Preheat your oven to 350°F while the rolls finish rising
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the centers are fully cooked
5. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before adding glaze

Step 4: Make the Glaze and Serve

1. Beat softened cream cheese in a bowl until smooth and creamy
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time
3. Mix in milk and vanilla extract until you reach a pourable consistency
4. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm banana bread cinnamon rolls
5. Serve immediately while still warm for the best taste and texture

Expert Cooking Tips

Making perfect banana bread cinnamon rolls takes a few insider tricks that'll take your baking to the next level.

• Temperature Matters for Yeast Your milk should be warm to the touch but not hot; around 110°F is perfect. Too hot and you'll kill the yeast, too cold and it won't activate properly.
• Don't Skip the Banana Ripeness Those bananas need to be seriously ripe with brown spots all over. Green bananas won't give you the right sweetness or moist texture.
• Kneading Creates the Perfect Texture Proper kneading develops the gluten that gives you soft and fluffy rolls. The dough should feel smooth and slightly tacky but not sticky.
• Glaze Timing Add your cream cheese glaze while the rolls are still warm but not piping hot. This way it melts slightly into the crevices without completely running off.
• Room Temperature Ingredients Everything except the milk should be at room temperature. Cold butter won't spread evenly, and cold eggs can slow down the yeast.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

The beauty of this cinnamon roll banana bread recipe is how adaptable it is to different tastes and dietary needs.

Flavor Variations

• Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Rolls Sprinkle ½ cup of chocolate chips over the cinnamon sugar filling before rolling. The chocolate melts into pockets of gooey goodness.
• Nutty Version Add ¼ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for extra crunch and a dessert pastry feel.
• Maple Twist Replace half the brown sugar with maple syrup and add a splash of maple extract to both the dough and glaze for a deeper flavor profile.

Dietary Modifications

• Vegan Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Use almond milk, vegan butter, and replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water per egg). The texture stays wonderfully soft.
• Gluten-Free Option Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour that contains xanthan gum. King Arthur Measure for Measure works great.
• Lower Sugar Version Cut the sugar in the dough by half and use only ⅓ cup brown sugar in the filling. The banana flavor shines through even more.
• Whole Wheat Alternative Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber. You might need an extra tablespoon of milk as whole wheat absorbs more liquid.

Equipment Recommendations

Having the right tools makes baking these banana bread cinnamon rolls so much easier.

• Stand Mixer with Dough Hook ; Makes kneading effortless, though hand kneading works too
• Rolling Pin ; Essential for getting an even rectangle; a wine bottle works in a pinch
• 9x13 Inch Baking Dish ; Perfect size for 10 rolls with room to expand
• Sharp Knife or Dental Floss ; For cutting clean slices without squishing the rolls
• Kitchen Scale ; Helps divide the dough evenly for uniform rolls
• Instant-Read Thermometer ; Takes the guesswork out of checking milk temperature
• Large Mixing Bowls ; You'll need at least two for separating wet and dry ingredients
• Pastry Brush ; Great for spreading melted butter evenly

You don't need fancy equipment to make amazing banana bread cinnamon rolls, but these basics will help you get consistent results every time.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

These rolls are perfect for making ahead, which is great news for busy mornings.

Storing Baked Rolls

Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.

Freezing Instructions

Freeze baked rolls (without glaze) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature, then warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.

Make-Ahead Strategy

• Overnight Method: After cutting the rolls and placing them in the baking dish, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed.
• Freeze Unbaked: Freeze the rolls before the second rise. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise for about 2 hours, then bake normally.

FAQ

Your New Breakfast Favorite Awaits

Now that you've got all the secrets to making incredible banana bread cinnamon rolls, it's time to get baking! These rolls bring together everything we love about weekend brunch: they're impressive but approachable, and they fill your home with the most amazing smell. The combination creates something truly special that your family will request again and again.

Once you master this recipe, try our 3 Ingredient Banana Bread Recipe for a simpler take on banana baking. If you're a cinnamon roll fan, our Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls Recipe offers a sweet and savory twist. The best part about banana bread cinnamon rolls is how they make any morning feel like a celebration!

Happy baking! These rolls are pure comfort in every bite 🍌; Viola

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: