The moment you blend the warm spice of cinnamon rolls with the sweet richness of banana bread, you get something truly magical, Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. These are not your average breakfast buns. They’re pillowy-soft, deeply flavorful, and topped with a dreamy cream cheese frosting that melts over each swirl.
This twist on a classic cinnamon roll brings the comforting taste of banana bread into every bite, making them perfect for weekend brunch, holiday mornings, or a cozy treat any time of year. Whether you’re baking for guests or just for yourself, these rolls promise sweet satisfaction in every golden layer.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
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1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)
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1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
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1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 egg
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1/2 tsp salt
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3 1/4 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
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2 tbsp ground cinnamon
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1/2 tsp nutmeg
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup powdered sugar
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1/2 tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
Directions:
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In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
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Add mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Mix until combined.
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Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
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Meanwhile, mix together the filling ingredients: softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
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Once dough has risen, punch it down and roll into a 16×12 inch rectangle.
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Spread the filling evenly over the dough. Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a log and slice into 12 rolls.
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Place rolls into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 22-25 minutes until golden brown.
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While rolls bake, prepare frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt.
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Once rolls are slightly cooled, spread frosting generously over the tops. Serve warm.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Kcal: 330 kcal | Servings: 12 rolls
The Ultimate Guide to Making Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch
There’s something truly magical about the aroma of cinnamon wafting through the house on a cozy morning. Combine that with the naturally sweet, homey scent of ripe bananas and you’ve got the ultimate baked treat: Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. This delightful hybrid recipe brings together the best of two comfort food classics, banana bread and cinnamon rolls, into one fluffy, gooey, cinnamon-swirled masterpiece.
Perfect for slow weekends, brunch with loved ones, or a sweet morning surprise, these rolls are an elevated take on the classic cinnamon roll, infused with the moist richness of ripe bananas and a decadent swirl of cinnamon-sugar filling. With a luscious cream cheese frosting melting into each warm roll, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds (and thirds).
In this post, we’ll explore the magic behind this recipe, why it works, how you can tweak it for dietary preferences, tips for achieving the perfect texture, and everything else you need to master this indulgent treat. Let’s dive in.
Why Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Are a Game-Changer
If you’ve ever had overripe bananas staring you down on the counter, you probably thought of banana bread. It’s classic, nostalgic, and super forgiving. But what if you could take that banana flavor and use it to elevate another favorite, cinnamon rolls? That’s exactly what we’ve done here.
By incorporating mashed bananas directly into the dough, these rolls take on a naturally sweet and slightly fruity note that complements the warm spices of the filling. Bananas also bring moisture and softness to the dough, making these rolls tender and rich without being overly sweet.
They’re also an excellent way to reduce food waste while creating something truly special, just another reason why this recipe deserves a place in your regular rotation.
Ingredient Deep Dive
Ripe Bananas – The riper, the better! Brown-speckled bananas are ideal for this recipe, as they’re sweeter and softer, making them easier to mash and mix into the dough. Bananas also serve as a natural sweetener and moisture source.
Active Dry Yeast – This ingredient gives the rolls their rise and fluffiness. Be sure to bloom it in warm milk to activate it properly.
Milk & Butter – These two provide richness and moisture to the dough. Full-fat milk and real unsalted butter yield the best flavor.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg – Cinnamon is the star of the filling, while a touch of nutmeg adds depth and warmth.
Brown Sugar – Used in the filling, brown sugar adds a caramel-like richness that pairs beautifully with the banana flavor.
Cream Cheese Frosting – This is the crowning glory. Smooth, tangy, and sweet, it perfectly balances the spices and banana flavor while making each bite incredibly indulgent.
Expert Tips for Perfect Rolls Every Time
1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
When baking enriched doughs like cinnamon rolls, it’s best to use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and a better rise. Cold eggs or butter can slow down yeast activity and make the dough harder to handle.
2. Don’t Skimp on the Kneading
Whether you’re using a stand mixer or kneading by hand, spend a good 8–10 minutes working your dough until it’s soft and elastic. This helps develop gluten, which gives the rolls their tender chew.
3. Let the Dough Rise Properly
The first rise allows the yeast to do its job and develop flavor. Don’t rush this step, let the dough double in size before rolling it out. The second rise after shaping helps create that signature fluffy texture.
4. Slice with Dental Floss
To keep your rolls perfectly round and avoid squishing them with a knife, use unscented dental floss to slice your rolled-up dough. Slide it under, cross the ends over the top, and pull tight, it’s mess-free and precise!
5. Frost While Warm
Spread the cream cheese frosting while the rolls are still warm so it melts slightly into all the layers. This adds moisture and a luxurious finish.
Variations to Try
Chocolate Chip Banana Rolls
Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for an extra indulgent twist. Chocolate and banana are a match made in heaven!
Nutty Banana Rolls
Chopped walnuts or pecans can be mixed into the filling for crunch and earthy flavor. Toast them first for the best texture.
Vegan Banana Rolls
Substitute plant-based milk and butter, use a flax egg instead of a chicken egg, and opt for a dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting. The banana keeps the dough tender even without eggs!
Caramel Banana Rolls
Swap out the frosting for a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert-style rolls.
Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions
You can prepare these banana cinnamon rolls the night before, shape them, and place them in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, bring them to room temperature while the oven preheats and bake as directed.
Once baked and frosted, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day, or refrigerated for up to 4 days. Warm them up in the microwave for 15–20 seconds for the best experience.
Pairing Suggestions
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are rich, so they pair well with something slightly bitter or acidic to balance them out. Here are a few suggestions:
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Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of coffee cuts through the richness of the rolls.
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Chai Tea or Spiced Herbal Tea: The warm spices complement the cinnamon flavor.
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Fresh Berries: Serve alongside fresh raspberries or blueberries for a pop of freshness.
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Greek Yogurt Parfait: Add protein and tang to the meal with a simple parfait topped with granola.
Conclusion
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a fun twist on a classic recipe, they’re the ultimate mash-up of nostalgia and indulgence. With their moist banana-infused dough, swirls of cinnamon-sugar, and creamy frosting, these rolls offer comfort and joy in every single bite.
Whether you’re baking them for a lazy Sunday morning, a holiday brunch, or just to use up those ripe bananas, this recipe is a must-try. It’s endlessly customizable, beginner-friendly, and bound to become a family favorite.