Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls (Soft, Sweet, and Absolutely Dreamy!)

Let me just start by saying—THANK YOU for showing up here, because today’s recipe is something special. If you love banana bread and cinnamon rolls (and who doesn’t?!), this recipe is like the warm hug you didn’t know your weekend needed. I’m honestly swooning over these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. Soft, pillowy dough infused with real banana, layered with brown sugar cinnamon swirl, and topped with a dreamy cream cheese frosting? This is next-level comfort baking. 🥰

These are the kind of rolls that turn a regular morning into a cozy memory. The kind that make people say, “Wait…what is that amazing smell coming from the oven?!”

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What Are Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls?

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a gorgeous mashup of two beloved breakfast (or dessert!) classics. Instead of your usual dough, mashed bananas are kneaded right into the roll base, giving it extra flavor, softness, and natural sweetness. It’s the classic cinnamon roll… with banana bread soul. 🍌✨

Reasons to LOVE This Recipe

🍌 A brilliant twist on traditional cinnamon rolls
🧈 Incredibly soft and moist dough
👩‍🍳 Totally beginner-friendly
💫 Perfect for brunches, holidays, or slow weekends
🎂 Can be prepped ahead and baked fresh in the morning

What Do Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Taste Like?

Imagine the tender crumb of banana bread, but fluffier, and layered with cinnamon-sugar goodness that caramelizes while baking. Each bite is gooey, buttery, and lightly fruity—topped with rich cream cheese icing that melts into all the nooks and crannies. Sweet, a little tangy, warm, and ridiculously indulgent.

Benefits of This Recipe

Zero waste: Got overripe bananas? This is their moment.
Make-ahead friendly: Prep the night before, rise in the fridge, and bake fresh!
Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or even a caramel drizzle.
Soft and fluffy: The banana keeps the dough tender for days (if they last that long).
Freezer-friendly: Great for meal-prep or saving for later.

Ingredients List

For the Dough:

1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup milk, warmed to 110°F
2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
2 large eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
1 tsp salt

For the Filling:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup packed brown sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract

Tools You’ll Need

Large mixing bowls
Whisk & spatula
Measuring cups & spoons
Rolling pin
Greased 9×13-inch baking dish
Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
Stand mixer (optional, but helpful)
Dental floss or sharp knife for cutting rolls

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

Chopped walnuts or pecans – Add to the filling for a banana-nut bread vibe
Mini chocolate chips – Fold into the filling for a sweeter touch
Dairy-free? – Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese
No cream cheese? – Use a simple vanilla glaze instead (powdered sugar + milk + vanilla)

How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, stir together warm milk and a pinch of the granulated sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, remaining sugar, melted butter, and eggs. Stir in the activated yeast mixture.

Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: First Rise

Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Make the Filling

Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Punch down the dough and roll it into a large rectangle (about ¼ inch thick) on a lightly floured surface.

Step 6: Fill and Roll

Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. Roll up tightly from the long side into a log.

Step 7: Slice and Arrange

Cut into 12 equal pieces using dental floss or a sharp knife. Place rolls into a greased 9×13 baking dish.

Step 8: Second Rise

Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

Step 9: Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 10: Make the Icing

Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 11: Ice and Serve

Spread icing over warm rolls and serve immediately. Savor every gooey, banana-cinnamon bite!

What to Serve With Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Hot coffee or chai latte
A fresh fruit salad
Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage
Yogurt parfaits for a balanced brunch
Mimosas (because why not?)

Tips for Perfect Rolls

Use super ripe bananas—the spottier, the better!
Don’t overflour—dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
Let the dough rise in a slightly warm oven (turned off) for faster proofing.
Use dental floss for clean cuts—it works like magic.
Don’t skip the second rise! It makes the rolls extra fluffy.
Ice while warm so it melts into the crevices!

Storage Instructions

Room temp: Store in an airtight container for 1–2 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps well for 4–5 days. Reheat gently.
Freezer: Freeze unfrosted rolls tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these the night before?

Yes! Assemble the rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate before the second rise. Bring to room temp in the morning and bake as directed.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?

Yes—no need to activate it separately. Just add it with the dry ingredients.

Can I skip the cream cheese icing?

You can, but it’s highly recommended! If needed, use a simple glaze (powdered sugar + milk + vanilla).

Can I use bread flour instead?

You can! It may yield slightly chewier rolls, but they’ll still be delicious.

In Conclusion: These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls = Pure Joy

Warm, soft, sweet, and just the right amount of sticky—these rolls are the perfect way to treat yourself and your favorite people. It’s like banana bread and cinnamon rolls fell in love and made magic. I genuinely hope you’ll try them soon (and maybe stash one or two in the back of the fridge just for yourself—no judgment here 😉).

🍌 Craving more banana goodness? Try these recipes next:

💬 Tell Me How Yours Turned Out!

Tried this recipe? Leave a comment and star rating below—I LOVE hearing from you!
Tag your baking photos on Pinterest so I can see your beautiful rolls. 📸 #BananaBreadRolls

🍽️ Nutrition Information (per roll, approx.)

Calories: 310
Carbs: 41g
Fat: 13g
Protein: 5g
Sugar: 18g
Fiber: 2g

Note: Nutritional info is estimated and may vary based on ingredients used.