If you’re craving comfort food that merges the best of two beloved classics, this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is your new brunch best friend. Imagine all the nostalgic banana bread flavors wrapped up in a soft, fluffy cinnamon roll, with swirls of buttery brown sugar and a rich, tangy cream cheese glaze on top. It’s the kind of recipe that will have everyone gathering in the kitchen the second these rolls hit the oven, and it’s surprisingly easy to master even if you’re new to baking sweet rolls. Whether you want to brighten a gray morning or treat your loved ones to something special, this recipe brings big smiles and warm, gooey goodness to your table—every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe lies in its simple ingredients, each one playing an important role in building amazing flavor and that classic gooey, pull-apart texture. Don’t overlook a single part, from the ripe banana (for softness and sweetness) to that silky cream cheese glaze—it all adds up to cinnamon roll perfection.
- Warm milk (¾ cup): The foundation of a soft, pillowy dough—make sure it’s just warm to the touch, not hot.
- Active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons, 1 packet): This is what brings the rise and fluffiness; let it bloom for best results.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Helps activate the yeast and adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough together and creates richness.
- Large ripe banana (1, mashed): Adds incredible moisture and turns these rolls into banana bread bliss.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup melted + 3 tablespoons softened for filling): Brings that melt-in-your-mouth feel to both the dough and the spicy cinnamon swirl.
- All-purpose flour (3 ¼ cups): The backbone of your dough—make sure to measure it properly for consistent results.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavors.
- Brown sugar (½ cup, for filling): Creates that caramel-like filling layer—light or dark both work beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon, for filling): The star spice—don’t skimp for maximum swirling flavor.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened, for glaze): Brings tang and silkiness to the finishing touch.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup, for glaze): Gives the glaze its classic sweetness and smooth texture.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon, for glaze): Rounds out all the warm, sweet flavors.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons, for glaze): Helps achieve that perfect, spreadable consistency.
How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start the magic by combining your warm milk, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Let it all sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the top turns frothy—this means your yeast is alive and kicking! There’s something so satisfying about this simple step, as it promises fluffy rolls later on. If the mixture doesn’t foam, your yeast might be past its prime, so make sure it bubbles happily before moving on.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Once your yeast is active, whisk in the egg, mashed banana, and melted butter. Add the flour and salt, mixing until everything comes together in a soft, slightly sticky dough. Either with a dough hook or by hand, knead for 6 to 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic—it should spring back when poked. This is where the banana bread element really shines through in both flavor and tenderness!
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it once to coat the surface so it doesn’t dry out. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise somewhere warm for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. This gentle wait is where your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe gets its signature light, airy texture.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
As your dough rises, stir together the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This fragrant mixture is the heart of your rolls—don’t be afraid to make it a little extra cinnamon-y if that’s your style. Keep your softened butter ready; it will help the sugar-cinnamon swirl cling perfectly to the dough.
Step 5: Roll and Fill the Dough
Once your dough has doubled, gently punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 16 by 12-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly across the surface, making sure to reach the edges—this is where things start to smell incredible! Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar generously over the buttered dough, patting gently to stick.
Step 6: Shape and Second Rise
From the long side, roll up the dough tightly to create that beautiful swirl effect. Cut the roll into 12 equal pieces—a bench scraper or sharp knife does the trick. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover again, and let them rise for 30 to 45 minutes. They’ll puff up into pillowy spirals that fill the dish perfectly.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls have their second rise. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell like pure heaven—cozy banana notes and warm cinnamon everywhere!
Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
While the rolls are baking, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and just enough milk to get a smooth, spreadable glaze. Taste as you go; you want a balance of tangy-sweet and luscious!
Step 9: Glaze and Serve
While the Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are still warm, generously slather the glaze over the tops. The heat will help it seep into every swirl, making each bite creamy and decadent. Serve right away, and watch them vanish!
How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way! Try dusting the tops with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a scattering of chopped walnuts for crunch. If you’re feeling playful, banana slices or even a drizzle of caramel sauce can take your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe totally over the top.
Side Dishes
These rolls are deliciously rich, so serve with a big bowl of fresh fruit or a bright citrus salad to balance the sweetness. For a true brunch feast, a side of scrambled eggs or crispy bacon pairs beautifully, rounding out your table with savory goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe as the centerpiece of a breakfast board, surrounded by berries, whipped cream, and coffee. Or, bake them in a cast-iron skillet for that rustic bakery look! Individual rolls can be nested in cupcake liners if you want portable treats for brunch on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover rolls (if you have any!) can be covered tightly and stored at room temperature for a day or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them extra moist, press a layer of plastic wrap against the cut edges or transfer to an airtight container.
Freezing
You can freeze your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe either before or after baking. For unbaked rolls, shape and arrange in the pan, then cover tightly and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge, let them rise, then bake as directed. Fully baked and cooled rolls can be wrapped individually and frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw and gently reheat to enjoy.
Reheating
To reheat, pop single rolls in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm the whole pan in a 300°F oven loosely covered with foil until heated through. Add a little extra glaze after reheating for maximum gooey freshness!
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! Just swap in the same amount of instant yeast, and you can skip the bloom step—simply add it with the flour. Your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe will still puff up beautifully.
Can I make these rolls overnight?
Yes—all the hard work happens the day before! After placing the sliced rolls in the pan, cover and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them come to room temperature and continue with the second rise before baking.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the filling?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or mini chocolate chips sprinkled over the cinnamon-sugar layer add wonderful texture and even more flavor.
How ripe should the banana be?
The riper, the better—think deeply speckled or brown bananas for extra sweetness and moisture. Underripe bananas won’t provide the same flavor punch or tenderness.
Is it possible to make this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe dairy-free?
Yes, with a few simple swaps: use your favorite plant-based milk and vegan butter for the dough and filling, plus a dairy-free cream cheese (or omit the glaze) for that final drizzle.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about pulling a pan of warm, gooey, golden Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe from the oven and sharing it with people you love. I can’t recommend this recipe enough—give it a try soon and see just how much joy homemade sweet rolls can bring to any morning!
Print
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (includes rising time)
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect marriage of banana bread and cinnamon rolls with this delectable recipe. Soft, fluffy rolls filled with a sweet cinnamon mixture and topped with a creamy glaze, these treats are a delightful twist on classic flavors.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large ripe banana (mashed)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
For the glaze:
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add the egg, mashed banana, melted butter, flour, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Kneading and Rising: Knead the dough by hand or with a dough hook for 6–8 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Filling and Rolling: Roll out the risen dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the dough, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and roll up tightly. Cut into 12 pieces.
- Baking: Place rolls in a baking dish, let rise again, then bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Glaze: While baking, prepare the glaze by mixing cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Spread over warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare the rolls ahead and refrigerate overnight before the second rise.
- Add chopped walnuts or mini chocolate chips to the filling for a tasty variation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
