There’s a special kind of magic that happens when the sweet scent of cinnamon wafts through your kitchen, blending with the comforting aroma of freshly baked banana bread. This banana bread cinnamon rolls recipe was born one rainy Sunday morning, when I had overripe bananas staring at me from the fruit bowl and a craving for something indulgent with my coffee. Why choose between two classics when you can have both?
These cinnamon rolls are soft, gooey, swirled with a cinnamon-brown sugar filling, and have all the richness of moist banana bread. Whether it’s summer brunch on the patio or a winter morning wrapped in blankets, this recipe fits every moment.
💛 Why You’ll Love These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
- They’re soft, fluffy, and perfectly gooey in the center
- The banana adds a natural sweetness and moist texture
- Ideal for make-ahead breakfasts or special holiday mornings
- A fun twist on traditional cinnamon rolls that surprises and delights
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 7)
Dough:
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, room temp
- 1 ripe banana, mashed (about ½ cup)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for banana bread flavor)
Filling:
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 tbsp butter, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
⏲️ Prep & Bake Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 22–25 minutes
- Total Time: ~2 hours 30 minutes
🍽️ Equipment You’ll Need
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional, but helpful)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Rolling pin
- 9×13 baking dish or similar
- Whisk or fork
- Plastic wrap or clean towel
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl (or stand mixer), whisk together the egg, yolk, mashed banana, melted butter, and remaining sugar. Add the activated yeast mixture.
Gradually stir in flour, cinnamon, and salt until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 7–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a dough hook until soft and slightly sticky.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Make the Filling
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside. Prepare the softened butter for spreading.
Step 5: Roll and Fill
Punch down the dough and roll it into a 12×16-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the butter across the dough, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Step 6: Roll and Slice
Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Slice into 7 equal rolls. Place them in a greased baking dish, leaving space to expand.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover the dish and let rolls rise for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
Step 8: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 22–25 minutes until golden on top and cooked through.
Step 9: Make the Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Adjust consistency to your liking.
Step 10: Frost and Serve
Spread the cream cheese frosting over warm rolls and serve immediately.
🌞 All-Seasons Appeal
Spring/Summer: Pair with fresh fruit salad and iced coffee for a breezy brunch.
Fall/Winter: Add a pinch of clove to the filling and serve with spiced chai or hot cocoa.
🧁 Tips for Success
- Use ripe bananas: The browner, the better. They bring depth of flavor and natural sweetness.
- Check your yeast: If it doesn’t foam in warm milk, it may be expired.
- Don’t over-knead: You want a soft dough, not overly elastic like pizza dough.
- Make ahead: Prep the night before, cover the rolls, and refrigerate. In the morning, bring to room temp while oven preheats.
🍌 Variations
- Nutty Banana Rolls: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling.
- Chocolate Swirl: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips with the cinnamon-sugar for an indulgent twist.
- Maple Frosting: Swap vanilla for maple extract and add a touch of maple syrup to the frosting.
🥄 Storage & Freezing
- Store: In an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Freeze baked, unfrosted rolls up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, warm in oven, and frost before serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- A drizzle of warm caramel sauce
- Toasted coconut for tropical vibes
- Crushed freeze-dried bananas on top for crunch and fun