If the very idea of fresh, gooey cinnamon rolls makes your heart flutter, just wait until you try these One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls! This recipe brings together the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture of classic cinnamon rolls and the homey, comforting flavors of banana bread—all with a one-bowl, no-fuss method that feels almost magical. Whether it’s a special brunch, lazy weekend breakfast, or a sweet afternoon treat, these rolls are destined to steal the show!

One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of pantry staples and a couple of ripe bananas are all you need for One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building flavor, tenderness, and that irresistible cinnamon swirl. Here’s how everything works together:

Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better—these add moisture, sweetness, and classic banana bread flavor.
Active Dry Yeast: Gives the rolls their lift and signature fluffy texture.
Warm Milk (110°F): Helps activate the yeast and keeps the dough extra tender.
Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and sweetens both the dough and the overall roll.
Unsalted Butter (melted and softened): Adds richness to the dough and creates a luscious filling.
Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances every flavor in the recipe.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to each bite—don’t skip it!
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure—start with less and add more to reach that perfect, soft dough consistency.
Brown Sugar: Our go-to for deep, caramel-y notes in the filling.
Ground Cinnamon: The heart of any cinnamon roll—fragrant and cozy.
Powdered Sugar: Whips into a silky glaze that pools over the rolls.
Milk (for glaze): Loosens the glaze just enough for easy drizzling.

How to Make One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by adding the warm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast into a large mixing bowl. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes, just until it becomes foamy on top. This bubbling action is your sign that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!

Step 2: Mix in the Wet Ingredients

Add your mashed, super-ripe bananas, melted butter, salt, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Stir them together until smooth—the banana makes everything extra creamy and fragrant at this stage, adding that unmistakable banana bread aroma to the kitchen.

Step 3: Form the Dough

Gradually stir in 2 1/2 cups of flour, only adding more if you need it. The dough should be soft, slightly tacky, but not sticky. Give it a loving 5 to 7-minute knead right in the bowl. It’s a surprisingly soothing step that brings all the ingredients together into a smooth, pillowy ball.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Cover the bowl with a towel and let it snuggle up in a warm place for about 1 hour. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough has doubled in size and feels airy and puffy to the touch. This is the moment to imagine just how fluffy your One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls will turn out!

Step 5: Prepare the Filling and Assemble

Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently roll it out into a 10×14-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over every inch, creating a perfect landing strip for the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle the filling evenly, then roll the dough up tightly (from the long side), slice into 9 to 12 rolls, and arrange them in a greased baking dish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pop the rolls into the oven for about 22–28 minutes, or until they’re golden, puffy, and your kitchen smells like a dream. While you wait, you can start whipping up the simple glaze.

Step 7: Glaze and Enjoy

For the finishing touch, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. As soon as the rolls emerge, gloriously hot, from the oven, give them a generous drizzle so the glaze soaks into every swirl. This gooey, sweet touch is what tips these One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls into pure bliss territory.

How to Serve One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

A little extra flourish goes a long way. Try sprinkling chopped toasted nuts, adding a dusting of extra cinnamon, or even grating a little fresh nutmeg on top. For a pop of color, a few slices of banana tucked on each serving really drives home the banana bread vibe.

Side Dishes

You can never go wrong with a cup of strong coffee or a creamy chai alongside these warm rolls. For a brunch spread, pair with a bowl of fresh fruit salad or some crisp bacon to balance out all that sweet, comforting flavor from your One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re sharing with friends or making these for an occasion, arrange the rolls in a fun spiral pattern on a big platter, or stack them up and drizzle the glaze from above for a dramatic look. Individual ramekins for personal-sized rolls are another playful way to serve up these beauties, letting everyone enjoy their own gooey masterpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply store any leftover One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness. Make sure they’re fully cooled before covering, so the glaze doesn’t become too sticky or runny inside the container.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked, unglazed rolls for up to 2 months. Once cooled, wrap each roll individually and place them in a zipped freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature, then reheat and glaze. It’s like having bakery-fresh rolls on demand!

Reheating

To bring leftover rolls back to life, warm them in a microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a low oven (around 300°F) for about 10 minutes. Finish with a fresh drizzle of glaze if you’d like that “just-baked” taste.

FAQs

Can I make One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap out the milk and butter for your favorite non-dairy alternatives. Coconut milk and vegan butter work wonderfully and add their own delicious twist.

Why is my dough sticky?

If your dough is a little sticky, just add flour one tablespoon at a time until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Humidity and banana size can affect dough texture, so don’t worry—it’s easy to adjust as you go.

Can I prep these cinnamon rolls the night before?

Yes! After assembling and slicing, place the rolls in your baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and finish rising before baking the next morning for effortless, fresh One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The riper, the better. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots—these will mash easily and provide the sweetest, richest banana bread flavor in your cinnamon rolls.

Can I add extra mix-ins to the filling?

Definitely! Chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or even a touch of orange zest can be folded into the filling for extra flavor and fun. Customizing your One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls is all part of the adventure.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a batch of homemade One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls—warm, gooey, and brimming with comfort. Whether you bake them for yourself or to bring smiles to loved ones, I can’t recommend this recipe enough. Roll up your sleeves, grab those ripe bananas, and get ready to fall in love at first bite!

One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield: 9–12 rolls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, with the added sweetness and flavor of ripe bananas. The dough comes together easily in just one bowl, making this recipe perfect for a cozy breakfast or a special treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the dough:

2 ripe bananas (mashed)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour

For the filling:

1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)

For the glaze:

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Add the mashed bananas, melted butter, salt, and vanilla, and stir to combine. Gradually mix in 2 1/2 cups of flour, adding more as needed until the dough is soft but not sticky.
Knead the dough in the bowl for about 5–7 minutes. Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a 10×14-inch rectangle.
Spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon. Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 9–12 rolls.
Place the rolls in the prepared baking dish and bake for 22–28 minutes or until golden brown.
While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls before serving.