Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a warm, gooey fusion of two beloved baked treats: classic banana bread and cinnamon rolls. With a soft banana-infused dough, rich cinnamon sugar swirls, and a luscious glaze, these rolls are perfect for cozy mornings, weekend brunch, or any time I want a sweet homemade treat that feels special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe combines the moist texture and rich banana flavor of banana bread with the irresistible swirl and sweetness of a cinnamon roll. It’s a creative twist on two classics that feels both familiar and fun. The dough is soft and flavorful, the filling is warm and spiced, and the glaze ties everything together beautifully. Whether I serve them fresh from the oven or enjoy leftovers the next day, these rolls always deliver.

this Recipe

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough:

• Mashed ripe bananas

• All-purpose flour

• Active dry yeast

• Warm milk

• Granulated sugar

• Unsalted butter, melted

• Egg

• Salt

• Vanilla extract

For the filling:

• Brown sugar

• Ground cinnamon

• Unsalted butter, softened

For the glaze:

• Powdered sugar

• Milk or cream

• Vanilla extract

• Optional: cream cheese for a richer glaze

directions

1. I begin by activating the yeast in warm milk with a bit of sugar and letting it sit for about 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. In a large bowl, I combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and the yeast mixture.

3. I gradually add flour and salt to form a soft, slightly sticky dough, kneading it for about 8 minutes until smooth.

4. I place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

5. Once risen, I roll the dough out into a rectangle and spread it with softened butter.

6. I mix together brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle it generously over the buttered dough.

7. I roll it up tightly from the long side and slice it into 1- to 1.5-inch rolls.

8. I arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes.

9. I bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

10. While the rolls bake, I whisk together the glaze ingredients, adjusting consistency with more milk or sugar as needed.

11. I drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 cinnamon rolls. It takes around 25 minutes to prep, 1.5 to 2 hours to rise, and 20–25 minutes to bake, so I plan for about 2.5 to 3 hours total from start to finish.

Variations

Sometimes I add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for crunch. When I want something extra decadent, I use a cream cheese glaze instead of a simple powdered sugar one. I’ve also sprinkled mini chocolate chips inside the filling for a dessert-style twist. For a nutty flavor, I’ve swapped some of the butter for browned butter in the filling.

storage/reheating

I store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave individual rolls for 20–30 seconds or warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes. They also freeze well—just wrap tightly and thaw before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, I prep them the night before and refrigerate after slicing. In the morning, I let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.

Do I have to use very ripe bananas?

Yes, the riper the bananas, the better—they add sweetness and moisture to the dough.

Can I use instant yeast?

Yes, I use instant yeast the same way, but I usually skip the proofing step and mix it directly into the dry ingredients.

What if I don’t have cream cheese for the glaze?

No problem—a simple glaze with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla works perfectly and still tastes great.

Can I bake these in a muffin tin?

Yes, I sometimes bake the rolls in a greased muffin tin for individual servings—they bake a bit quicker, around 15–18 minutes.

Conclusion

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a sweet, comforting twist on traditional rolls that bring the best of banana bread and cinnamon-spiced goodness together in every bite. Whether I serve them for brunch, dessert, or a cozy weekend breakfast, they never fail to impress and satisfy.