If you love the cozy comfort of a cinnamon roll and the sweet nostalgia of banana bread, this is the treat you’ve been waiting for! Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine everything you love about pillowy-soft, gooey-centered cinnamon rolls with the old-fashioned warmth of banana bread, all in one showstopping pan. With swirls of cinnamon sugar, tender banana dough, and a dreamy cream cheese glaze, every bite feels like a mood-lifting hug. These rolls are utterly irresistible at breakfast or brunch, and sure to become a family favorite.

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls comes from simple baking staples, each bringing a unique touch to the final rolls. Don’t skip any ingredients—each one plays a role in crafting that gorgeous flavor, fluffy texture, and tempting swirl.

Ripe Bananas: Mashed bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, setting these rolls apart from the classic version.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for soft, sturdy dough that can hold all those delicious swirls.
Whole Milk: Adds tenderness to the dough, making every bite light and fluffy.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens both the dough and the cinnamon filling without overpowering the banana flavor.
Active Dry Yeast: Gives the dough its signature rise, resulting in rolls you can pull apart with your fingers.
Unsalted Butter: Adds buttery richness to the dough and the filling for those iconic layers.
Salt: Balances the sugar, highlighting every flavor in the rolls.
Egg: Binds and enriches the dough, making it extra soft.
Ground Cinnamon: Delivers that signature aromatic swirl and classic taste.
Brown Sugar: For a deeper caramel note in the cinnamon swirl, enhancing the banana bread vibe.
Cream Cheese: The secret to a tangy-sweet glaze that finishes the rolls with bakery style flair.
Powdered Sugar: Gives the glaze its smooth, luscious texture.
Vanilla Extract: Infuses the dough and glaze with warm, cozy aroma.

How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Banana Dough

Start by activating the yeast in warm milk and a spoonful of sugar, letting it foam for a few minutes. Once bubbly, mix in the mashed bananas, melted butter, remaining sugar, egg, and vanilla. Gradually add flour and salt, blending until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Knead until smooth and elastic, about ten minutes by hand or five in a stand mixer. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled, which usually takes an hour in a warm spot.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl Filling

While the dough rises, whip together room temperature butter, brown sugar, and plenty of cinnamon. This blend should be smooth and easily spreadable—if you want even more banana bread flavor, add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or mini chocolate chips right to this mixture!

Step 3: Shape the Rolls

Once the banana dough is fluffy and doubled in size, turn it onto a floured surface. Roll out into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Slather the surface with your cinnamon filling, making sure to spread edge to edge for those perfect spirals. Roll the rectangle up, starting from the long edge, then slice into thick rounds using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean edges.

Step 4: Second Rise and Bake

Arrange the rolls, swirl side up, in a buttered baking dish, leaving a bit of space between each for rising. Cover loosely, let them puff up for another 30-45 minutes until the rolls almost touch, then bake at 350°F until golden-brown and irresistibly fragrant. Resist the urge to pull one apart immediately—the aroma is pure Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls magic!

Step 5: Glaze and Enjoy

While the rolls are still a bit warm, whip together cream cheese, powdered sugar, a splash of vanilla, and a drop of milk until you have a smooth glaze. Spread it liberally over the warm rolls, letting it drip into all the swirls. Grab a roll (or two), close your eyes, and take a bite of the most heavenly Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls!

How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted walnuts or pecans lends the perfect crunch to the top of these gooey rolls. For added decadence, dust with a little cinnamon or add sliced fresh banana just before serving. A drizzle of caramel or an extra swoosh of cream cheese frosting never hurts either!

Side Dishes

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a brunch superstar but taste even better alongside a big bowl of fresh fruit salad or a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt. For a more indulgent morning feast, pair with crispy bacon or scrambled eggs to balance the sweetness. Honestly, a freshly brewed cup of coffee or chai might be the only sidekick you’ll ever need.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, stack the cooled, frosted rolls into a “pull-apart cake” and garnish with edible flowers or chocolate shavings. Serve individual rolls in cupcake wrappers for a cute brunch buffet. You can even slice cooled rolls into thick pieces and grill briefly for a caramelized edge—so good for an Instagram-worthy breakfast spread!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you plan to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll last another three days. Just be sure to let them return to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls freeze beautifully! Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for those “just-baked” vibes any day of the week!

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave a single roll for 15-20 seconds or warm a whole batch in a 325°F oven, covered with foil, for 10-15 minutes. If you’ve stored the rolls without glaze, add a fresh drizzle after reheating for bakery-level perfection.

FAQs

Can I make these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls entirely by hand?

Absolutely! While a stand mixer saves time, you can easily mix and knead the dough by hand. It may take a bit more elbow grease, but it’s totally doable and just as delicious.

What if my bananas aren’t very ripe?

Underripe bananas won’t provide the same moisture or sweetness. To ripen quickly, bake them unpeeled on a baking sheet at 300°F for 15-20 minutes until black and soft, then cool before using.

Can I make these rolls vegan?

Yes! Swap the milk for plant-based milk, use flax egg in place of regular eggs, and sub vegan butter and cream cheese for their dairy counterparts. The rolls will still be soft, sweet, and swirled with cinnamon.

How far in advance can I prep the rolls?

The shaped, unbaked Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls can be left to rise in the fridge overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and finish rising before baking as usual.

What’s the key to perfectly fluffy rolls?

Don’t rush the rising! Give your dough plenty of time in a warm place to double in size. Additionally, use very ripe bananas to boost moisture, which helps create that signature fluffy, tender crumb.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re sharing them with friends, serving at brunch, or just treating yourself on a cozy morning, Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a guaranteed way to spread joy. They’re soft, swirly, fragrant, and always make everyone ask for seconds. Give them a try soon—you just might discover a new favorite comfort bake!