Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Craving a warm, gooey breakfast that’s both nostalgic and new? These banana bread cinnamon rolls are a must-try! Combining the sweet richness of ripe bananas with a classic cinnamon roll structure, they deliver the best of both worlds. Each bite bursts with the flavor of banana-infused dough, layered cinnamon-sugar goodness, and a tangy cream cheese glaze. Whether it’s for brunch, a special occasion, or just because, this recipe is sure to impress. Get ready to make your kitchen smell amazing and your taste buds dance!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These banana bread cinnamon rolls offer a perfect twist on a classic favorite. The natural sweetness and moisture from the bananas keep the rolls soft and fluffy. The brown sugar-cinnamon filling creates a warm, spiced swirl that’s simply divine, and the creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting adds a delightful tang to balance the sweetness. It’s a nostalgic flavor mashup that feels like a hug in food form.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 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 Filling:

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

For the Frosting:

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

How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

1. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, brown sugar, yeast, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
2. Microwave milk and butter for about 30 seconds until warm but not hot. Stir into the dry ingredients along with mashed banana. Beat on low, gradually increasing to high for 2 minutes.
3. Add another cup of flour and beat again. Gradually add remaining flour until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the bowl.
4. Knead dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and allow to rise for 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
5. Prepare the Filling: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
6. Roll dough into an 18×12-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
7. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge. Pinch the seam to seal. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces using unflavored dental floss or a very sharp knife.
8. Place in a parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan. Cover and let rise another hour.
9. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until golden brown.
10. Make the Frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, cinnamon, milk, vanilla, and salt until fluffy. Spread over warm rolls.

Helpful Tips

• Use bananas with plenty of brown spots for the sweetest, most flavorful dough.
• Make sure the milk mixture is warm—not hot—to avoid killing the yeast.
• Letting the dough rise in a slightly warm (but not hot) oven can speed up proofing.
• Use dental floss for cleaner cuts on your rolls.

Substitutions And Variations

• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter and cream cheese.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling for crunch.
• Chocolate Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling.
• Maple Frosting: Swap the vanilla extract for maple syrup in the frosting for a deeper flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! Assemble the rolls the night before and refrigerate. Allow them to return to room temperature before baking.

Can I freeze them? Absolutely. You can store the baked, unfrosted rolls in the freezer. Reheat and frost just before serving.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer? No problem! You can mix and knead the dough manually—it just requires a bit of extra effort.

Storage Instructions

Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To enjoy later, warm briefly in the microwave. For extended storage, freeze the rolls for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Banana bread cinnamon rolls blend two beloved classics into one comforting, bakery-worthy treat. With their moist, banana-infused dough and luscious cream cheese frosting, these rolls are sure to become a weekend favorite. Try them out, leave a comment to share how yours turned out, and don’t forget to explore our other cozy breakfast recipes!

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

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• Author: Lisa
• Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine overripe banana dough with a gooey cinnamon-sugar swirl and a tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for cozy mornings, brunch spreads, or weekend baking—save and share this must-make recipe!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup packed light brown sugar

2 1/4 tsp rapid rise yeast

1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp salt

1 cup milk

6 tbsp unsalted butter

2/3 cup mashed overripe banana

For the Filling:

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Pinch of salt

For the Frosting:

1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 oz cream cheese, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tbsp milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, brown sugar, yeast, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
2. Microwave milk and butter for about 30 seconds until warm but not hot. Stir into the dry ingredients along with mashed banana. Beat on low, gradually increasing to high for 2 minutes.
3. Add another cup of flour and beat again. Gradually add remaining flour until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the bowl.
4. Knead dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and allow to rise for 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
5. Prepare the Filling: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
6. Roll dough into an 18×12-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
7. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge. Pinch the seam to seal. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces using unflavored dental floss or a very sharp knife.
8. Place in a parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan. Cover and let rise another hour.
9. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until golden brown.
10. Make the Frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, cinnamon, milk, vanilla, and salt until fluffy. Spread over warm rolls.

Notes

Use very ripe bananas for best flavor and texture.

Let refrigerated rolls rest at room temp before baking.

Rolls can be frozen unfrosted for up to 2 months.

• Prep Time: 1 hour Rise Time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Protein: 5g