Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

vIf you’ve ever wished your favorite banana bread could meet your favorite cinnamon rolls, you’re in for the coziest treat imaginable! Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a brown sugar-cinnamon swirl that makes every bite taste like a hug. These rolls combine the nostalgic sweetness of overripe bananas with the buttery warmth of classic cinnamon rolls.

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Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

This recipe is one of my proudest mash-ups — part tender banana bread, part gooey cinnamon roll, and entirely irresistible. You get that soft, comforting banana flavor in every bite, balanced perfectly by ribbons of cinnamon sugar and a dreamy cream cheese frosting that’s lightly spiced with cinnamon.

Here’s why you’ll adore it:

• Perfect use for ripe bananas – no waste and maximum flavor!
• Warm and fluffy texture – the dough is soft, pillowy, and stays moist for days.
• Make-ahead friendly – you can prep the dough the night before and bake in the morning.
• Homemade bakery vibes – your kitchen will smell like heaven when these are in the oven!

The taste? Imagine a freshly baked banana loaf wrapped in a buttery cinnamon swirl, topped with creamy, spiced frosting. Anything but boring!!

Benefits of Making Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Beyond their irresistible flavor, these cinnamon rolls bring you:

• Energy for the day thanks to bananas and natural carbs.
• Homemade joy – baking from scratch is pure comfort therapy.
• A beautiful brunch centerpiece – perfect for holidays, weekends, or gifting to neighbors.

Ingredients for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

For the Dough

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons Rapid Rise yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup mashed overripe banana

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stand mixer (optional, but helpful)
• Rolling pin
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Sharp knife or unflavored dental floss

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

• Make it dairy-free: use plant-based milk and vegan butter.
• Add nuts: chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch and depth.
• Try different fillings: swap the cinnamon sugar for Nutella or a brown sugar–pecan mixture.
• Banana boost: if your bananas are smaller, add a third one for extra moisture.

How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, brown sugar, yeast, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.

In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the milk and butter for about 30 seconds, until the butter is mostly melted and the mixture feels warm (not hot). Add the mashed banana.

Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and beat on low speed, gradually increasing to high until combined (about 2 minutes). Scrape down the bowl, add another cup of flour, and beat again. Continue adding flour until a soft dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. When you can stretch it without tearing, it’s ready!

Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into an 18×12-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface, right to the edges. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the butter and lightly press it in.

From the long edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log, sealing the end seam by pinching it closed. Use a piece of unflavored dental floss or a very sharp knife to slice the log into 12 even rolls.

Arrange the rolls in a parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise again for about 1 hour, until puffed and doubled in size.

Step 4: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and fully baked in the center.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

While the rolls cool slightly, beat together the butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, milk, vanilla, and salt until light and fluffy. Spread generously over the warm rolls.

What to Serve with Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Pair these heavenly rolls with:

• A cup of hot coffee or chai latte.
• Fresh fruit salad for balance.
• Crispy bacon or scrambled eggs for a complete brunch.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls

• Don’t overheat the milk: too hot and it can kill the yeast!
• Use overripe bananas: the darker, the sweeter the flavor.
• Even slices: dental floss works better than a knife for clean, perfect cuts.
• Soft center trick: place a small pan of water on the lower rack while baking for extra moisture.

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: Store unfrosted rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep frosted rolls covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze baked, unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and warm before frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the rolls through the second rise, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of rapid rise?
Absolutely. Just activate it in the warm milk and butter mixture for 5–10 minutes before adding to the flour.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can use just butter for the frosting — it will still be deliciously rich and sweet.

Conclusion

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are everything you love about homemade baking — soft, flavorful, and overflowing with cinnamon sweetness. They’re a breakfast showstopper and a comfort food classic you’ll make again and again.

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