Name: Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Dough:; 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large); 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F); 1/4 cup melted butter; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet); 1/2 tsp salt; 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading); For the Filling:; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 tbsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup softened butter; For the Cream Cheese Frosting:; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 tbsp butter, softened; 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

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Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate mashup of two beloved treats: the sweet, moist richness of banana bread and the gooey, spiced swirl of a classic cinnamon roll. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with banana flavor, all topped off with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Every bite is pure comfort—and I promise, my kitchen smells like heaven when I make these.

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe turns overripe bananas into something truly magical. It’s perfect when I want to elevate a classic cinnamon roll with an extra layer of flavor and softness. The dough is easy to work with, and the banana gives it a subtle sweetness and moist texture. Plus, that frosting melts into the warm rolls for an irresistibly creamy finish. Whether it’s for brunch, a special breakfast, or a cozy weekend treat, these rolls never disappoint.

Ingredients

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

For the Dough:

1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large)
1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1/2 tsp salt
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)

For the Filling:

1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup softened butter

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp butter, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

I start by combining the warm milk and yeast in a bowl and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it gets foamy.
Then I mix in the mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, egg, and salt until well blended.
I gradually stir in the flour and knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes until it’s soft and slightly sticky.
I place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for an hour or until it doubles in size.
Once risen, I roll the dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle and spread it with the softened butter.
I mix the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle it evenly over the dough.
I roll the dough tightly from the long edge and slice it into 12 even rolls, placing them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
After covering and letting them rise for another 30–45 minutes, I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
I bake the rolls for 25–28 minutes until golden brown.
While the rolls are still warm, I beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth, then spread it generously over the top.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 rolls
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bake Time: 25–28 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per roll

Variations

When I want a twist, I like adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for a crunchy contrast. Sometimes I swap the cream cheese frosting with a maple glaze or caramel drizzle for a richer finish. For a healthier version, I’ve used whole wheat flour for half of the flour, and it still turns out soft and flavorful.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, I pop them in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm them in a low oven until heated through. They’re also freezer-friendly—before frosting, I wrap and freeze the baked rolls, then thaw and warm them before adding frosting.

FAQs

How ripe should my bananas be?

I like using bananas that are heavily speckled or even turning black on the outside. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful the dough becomes.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, I roll, fill, and shape the rolls, then let them rise before baking.

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

If I’m out of cream cheese, I make a simple glaze with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. It’s not quite the same, but still delicious.

Can I make these rolls vegan?

With a few swaps—like plant-based milk, vegan butter, and an egg replacer—I can easily adapt this recipe to be fully vegan.

Why did my rolls come out dense?

If my rolls are too dense, it’s usually because the dough didn’t rise enough or I added too much flour. I always make sure my yeast is fresh and active, and I try to knead just until the dough is soft and elastic.

Conclusion

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls bring together the best of both worlds: the cozy comfort of banana bread and the indulgence of gooey cinnamon rolls. I love how they fill my kitchen with an irresistible aroma and always turn out soft, sweet, and satisfying. Whether I’m treating myself or sharing with loved ones, this recipe is a go-to favorite I’ll keep coming back to.