Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Featured in breakfast-brunch.

Oh my friend, you're in for such a treat with these banana bread cinnamon rolls! Picture this: the most amazing banana bread dough, perfectly soft and fluffy, rolled up with a heavenly cinnamon sugar filling that creates those gorgeous swirls you see. The smell that fills your kitchen while these babies bake is absolutely intoxicating - it's like banana bread and cinnamon rolls had the most delicious love child! And that cream cheese glaze dripping down the sides? Pure heaven! Trust me, once you bite into one of these golden beauties, with the tender banana-infused dough and that perfect cinnamon sweetness, you'll never want regular cinnamon rolls again. The best part? They're surprisingly easy to make and will have your whole house smelling like a bakery!

Tswira dial profile dial zaho awlaydi..
Updated on Sat, 31 May 2025 19:59:17 GMT
Golden banana bread cinnamon rolls with cream cheese glaze on white plate with fresh banana slices pin it
Golden banana bread cinnamon rolls with cream cheese glaze on white plate with fresh banana slices | lonerecipes.com

I first encountered the idea of banana bread cinnamon rolls at a small café in Portland, where the baker combined two of my favorite breakfast treats into one incredible creation. The moment I tasted that perfect spiral of banana-infused dough wrapped around cinnamon sugar filling, I knew I had to recreate it at home. What makes this recipe special is how the mashed bananas are incorporated directly into the dough, creating an incredibly moist and flavorful base that's so much more interesting than regular cinnamon rolls. The natural sweetness from the bananas means you can actually use less sugar in the dough while still getting that perfect sweetness level. The cream cheese glaze is essential - it adds richness and tangy contrast that balances the banana and cinnamon flavors perfectly. Every bite gives you that comforting banana bread taste with the excitement of a cinnamon roll's spiral presentation. It's comfort food at its finest, combining childhood favorites into something that feels both familiar and wonderfully new.

Why I love this recipe

What I absolutely love about these banana bread cinnamon rolls is how they solve two problems at once - what to do with overripe bananas and how to make breakfast feel special without too much effort. The banana addition makes the dough incredibly forgiving and moist, so even if you're not an expert baker, you'll get amazing results. There's something so satisfying about watching the dough rise and then rolling it out with that gorgeous cinnamon filling. The spiral pattern is just beautiful, and when you slice through the log, each roll looks like a little work of art. But beyond the visual appeal, the flavor is what keeps me coming back. The bananas add this subtle tropical note that makes the cinnamon taste even more complex and interesting. Plus, these rolls stay fresh longer than regular cinnamon rolls because of the moisture from the bananas. I love how this recipe takes two comfort food classics and creates something that's somehow better than either one alone. Every time I make them, I'm reminded why home baking is so rewarding - the smell, the process, and especially that first warm bite straight from the oven.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

  • Ripe Bananas: Mash thoroughly and incorporate into warm milk mixture
  • Active Dry Yeast: Dissolve in warm milk and let foam before using
  • All-Purpose Flour: Add gradually while kneading to form smooth dough
  • Brown Sugar: Mix with cinnamon for filling and sprinkle evenly
  • Cream Cheese: Soften at room temperature before making glaze
  • Ground Cinnamon: Combine with brown sugar for aromatic filling

Let's Make These Together

Activate the Yeast
Start by dissolving the yeast in warm milk and watch it get foamy - this tells you it's alive and ready to work its magic in creating fluffy rolls.
Create Banana Dough
Mix your mashed bananas with the yeast mixture, melted butter, and sugar, then gradually work in the flour until you have a soft, slightly sticky dough.
First Rise
Let the dough double in size in a warm spot - this is where patience pays off as the yeast creates those lovely air pockets.
Roll and Fill
Roll your dough into a rectangle, sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then roll it up tightly and slice into beautiful spiral pieces.
Final Bake
After a second rise, bake until golden and fragrant, then finish with that luscious cream cheese glaze while still warm.
Recipe picture pin it
Perfect spiral banana bread cinnamon rolls glazed with cream cheese icing and cinnamon dust | lonerecipes.com

Switch Things Up

I discovered this recipe by accident when I had overripe bananas and a serious cinnamon roll craving hitting at the same time. Instead of making banana bread for the hundredth time, I decided to experiment by incorporating the mashed bananas into my favorite cinnamon roll dough. The result was absolutely magical! The bananas made the dough incredibly tender and added this subtle sweetness that complemented the cinnamon perfectly. Now, whenever I have ripe bananas sitting on my counter, I skip the regular banana bread and go straight for these rolls. My family requests them every weekend, and I've even started making double batches because they disappear so quickly. The best part is how the house smells while they're baking - it's like aromatherapy for your soul!

Perfect Pairings

These banana bread cinnamon rolls pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for breakfast. For a more indulgent treat, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream for dessert. They also complement fresh berries wonderfully - try serving with strawberries or blueberries for a balanced sweetness. A glass of cold milk is always a classic pairing, and for special occasions, they're amazing with a mimosa or coffee cocktail.

Homemade banana cinnamon rolls dripping with frosting served on rustic wooden table with whole banana pin it
Homemade banana cinnamon rolls dripping with frosting served on rustic wooden table with whole banana | lonerecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the rolls the night before up to the second rise step, cover and refrigerate, then bake fresh in the morning.

→ What if my bananas aren't ripe enough?

Use the ripest bananas you have - the more brown spots, the better! You can also roast unripe bananas in the oven to concentrate their sweetness.

→ Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely! Freeze baked rolls without glaze for up to 3 months, then thaw and add fresh glaze before serving.

→ Why is my dough too sticky?

Banana dough is naturally more sticky than regular dough. Add flour gradually, but don't over-flour as this will make the rolls dense.

→ Can I substitute the cream cheese glaze?

You can use a simple powdered sugar and milk glaze, but the cream cheese adds richness that complements the banana flavor perfectly.

Conclusion

These banana bread cinnamon rolls represent the perfect marriage of two beloved breakfast treats. The banana bread base adds incredible moisture and flavor depth that regular cinnamon rolls simply can't match. Whether you're serving them for a special weekend breakfast or surprising your family on a Tuesday morning, these rolls deliver bakery-quality results with homemade love. The cream cheese glaze is the perfect finishing touch that ties all the flavors together beautifully.

Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Fluffy banana bread dough swirled with cinnamon sugar, baked to golden perfection and topped with rich cream cheese frosting.

Prep Time
45 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes
By: chris

Category: breakfast-brunch

Difficulty: intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (8 balls)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Contains Gluten

Ingredients

012 cups all-purpose flour
023 ripe bananas, mashed
031/2 cup warm milk
041/4 cup melted butter
052 tablespoons active dry yeast
061/3 cup granulated sugar
071/2 cup brown sugar
082 teaspoons ground cinnamon
094 oz cream cheese, softened
101 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 01

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Mix in mashed bananas, melted butter, and granulated sugar until well combined. Gradually add flour and knead until smooth dough forms.

Step 02

Place dough in greased bowl, cover with damp cloth, and let rise in warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 03

Roll dough into rectangle on floured surface. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over dough. Roll tightly from long edge and cut into 8 equal pieces.

Step 04

Place rolls in greased baking pan, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F during last 10 minutes of rising.

Step 05

Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top. Meanwhile, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth for glaze.

Step 06

Let rolls cool for 10 minutes, then drizzle with cream cheese glaze. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  1. Use very ripe bananas for best flavor and natural sweetness
  2. Don't over-knead the dough as bananas make it delicate
  3. Rolls can be prepared night before and baked fresh in morning
  4. Store leftovers covered for up to 3 days
  5. Warm slightly before serving for best taste

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Information

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

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: 58 g
  • Protein: 8 g

Spice Up Your Inbox!

Join our gourmet community and get sizzling recipes, cooking tips, and exclusive updates delivered straight to your inbox.

We respect your privacy. No spam, just deliciousness.

×

Success!

You've successfully subscribed to our newsletter!