Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Featured in breakfast-brunch.

Friend, you absolutely NEED to try these banana bread cinnamon rolls! Look at that gorgeous golden color and those perfect swirls - they're like the ultimate comfort food mashup. The banana bread base gives them this incredible moist texture that's so much better than regular cinnamon rolls. And that glaze? It's practically dripping off the sides, promising the most indulgent bite. I can almost smell the cinnamon and banana through the screen! These are going to make your kitchen smell like heaven and your family think you're a baking genius. Trust me, once you make these, regular cinnamon rolls will never be the same. The way they're golden and caramelized on top but still fluffy inside - pure perfection!

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Updated on Tue, 24 Jun 2025 12:31:38 GMT
Golden banana bread cinnamon rolls with glossy white glaze dripping down the sides on a white plate pin it
Golden banana bread cinnamon rolls with glossy white glaze dripping down the sides on a white plate | lonerecipes.com

I discovered this recipe during one of those creative baking moments when I wanted to use up overripe bananas but was craving something more exciting than regular banana bread. These rolls combine the best of both worlds - the moist, tender crumb of banana bread with the sweet, swirled goodness of cinnamon rolls. The dough is enriched with mashed bananas, making it incredibly soft and flavorful. When I roll it out and spread the cinnamon-sugar filling, then slice into perfect spirals, I always get excited seeing those beautiful swirls. The baking process fills my whole house with the most amazing aroma of bananas, cinnamon, and yeast. Once they come out golden and puffy, I can barely wait for them to cool before drizzling on that silky cream cheese glaze. The first bite is always pure heaven - soft, sweet, and perfectly spiced.

Why I love this recipe

What I absolutely love about this recipe is how it transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The banana adds natural sweetness and keeps the rolls incredibly moist, so they stay fresh longer than regular cinnamon rolls. I love that it uses up those overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste. The texture is phenomenal - tender and pillowy with just the right amount of chew. The cinnamon filling gets caramelized during baking, creating these gorgeous golden swirls. And that cream cheese glaze? It's the perfect finishing touch that makes these feel truly special. These rolls are impressive enough for company but easy enough for a weekend family breakfast. I also love how adaptable they are - sometimes I add chopped walnuts or a drizzle of caramel. Every time I make them, they remind me why baking from scratch is so rewarding.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

  • Ripe bananas: Mash until smooth for the dough base
  • All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the rolls
  • Active dry yeast: Dissolve in warm milk to activate
  • Warm milk: Should be around 110°F to activate yeast
  • Butter: Melt for dough and use softened for filling
  • Brown sugar: Mix with cinnamon for the sweet filling
  • Cream cheese: Soften to room temperature for smooth glaze

Let's Make These Together

Activate the yeast
Start by combining your warm milk with the yeast in a large bowl. The milk should feel comfortably warm to your wrist, not hot. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly - this tells you the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Create the banana dough
Add your mashed ripe bananas to the yeast mixture along with melted butter and a quarter cup of brown sugar. The bananas should be very ripe and easily mashable. Gradually work in the flour until you have a soft, slightly sticky dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Knead until perfect
Turn your dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should feel soft and supple, not tough. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size.
Roll and fill
Once risen, roll your dough into a large rectangle about 12x18 inches. Brush generously with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with the remaining brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll it up tightly from the long side, creating a beautiful spiral log.
Slice and bake
Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut your log into 8 equal pieces. Place them cut-side up in your greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for 30 minutes. Bake until golden brown and irresistibly fragrant, then top with your homemade cream cheese glaze.
Recipe picture pin it
Close up view of caramelized banana cinnamon rolls with perfect swirls and creamy white glaze | lonerecipes.com

Switch Things Up

I first made these on a rainy Sunday morning when I had overripe bananas sitting on my counter and a serious craving for cinnamon rolls. Instead of making banana bread again, I thought - why not combine the two? The result was absolutely magical. The banana adds such incredible moisture to the dough, making these rolls stay soft for days. I love how the banana flavor isn't overwhelming but creates this subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon. Now whenever I have ripe bananas, this is my go-to recipe. My kids request these every weekend, and I've even brought them to potluck brunches where they disappear within minutes. The smell alone while they're baking is enough to make everyone gather in the kitchen.

Perfect Pairings

These banana bread cinnamon rolls pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for the ultimate breakfast experience. For a more indulgent brunch, serve alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to balance the sweetness. Fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries make a lovely light accompaniment. A glass of cold milk is perfect for kids, while adults might enjoy them with a mimosa or Irish coffee for special occasions.

Fluffy homemade cinnamon rolls made with banana bread dough and topped with sweet cream cheese frosting pin it
Fluffy homemade cinnamon rolls made with banana bread dough and topped with sweet cream cheese frosting | lonerecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the rolls up to the point of the final rise, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.

→ What if my bananas aren't ripe enough?

For best results, use very ripe bananas with brown spots. If yours aren't quite there, you can speed up ripening by placing them in a paper bag or baking them at 300°F for 15-20 minutes.

→ Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely! Bake them completely, let cool, then wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.

→ How do I know if my yeast is still active?

When you mix yeast with warm milk, it should become foamy and bubbly within 5-10 minutes. If it doesn't foam, your yeast may be expired or your milk was too hot.

→ Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Yes! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips can be sprinkled over the cinnamon-sugar filling before rolling. Just don't add too much or the rolls may not hold together well.

Conclusion

These banana bread cinnamon rolls are the perfect fusion of two beloved breakfast classics. The moist banana bread dough creates an incredibly tender roll, while the cinnamon sugar filling adds warmth and spice. Topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, they're an irresistible treat that will become a family favorite. Whether for a special weekend breakfast or holiday morning, these rolls deliver comfort and indulgence in every bite.

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Soft banana bread dough swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with creamy glaze for the perfect breakfast treat.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: chris

Category: breakfast-brunch

Difficulty: intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (8 balls)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Contains Dairy

Ingredients

013 ripe bananas, mashed
023 cups all-purpose flour
031 packet active dry yeast
043/4 cup warm milk
051/4 cup melted butter
061/2 cup brown sugar
072 tablespoons ground cinnamon
084 oz cream cheese, softened
091 cup powdered sugar
101 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add mashed bananas, melted butter, and 1/4 cup brown sugar. Mix in flour gradually to form a soft dough.

Step 02

Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.

Step 03

Roll out the dough into a 12x18 inch rectangle. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with remaining brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll up tightly from the long side.

Step 04

Cut the roll into 8 equal pieces and place in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Step 05

While rolls bake, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.

Notes

  1. Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness
  2. Make sure your milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast
  3. Don't overbake - rolls should be golden but still soft to touch
  4. These rolls can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Kitchen scale or measuring cups
  • Rolling pin
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Electric mixer
  • Clean kitchen towels

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Wheat/Gluten
  • Dairy
  • Eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 385
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 65 g
  • Protein: 8 g

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