These banana bread cinnamon rolls are the perfect fusion of two classic favorites. Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls meet the rich, naturally sweet flavor of banana bread, all topped with a creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers ultra-soft rolls with a gooey cinnamon filling and subtle banana flavor in every bite. It’s comforting, easy to make, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Plus, it’s a great way to use overripe bananas.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons rapid rise yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup mashed overripe banana
Filling:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Frosting:
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix 2 cups flour, brown sugar, yeast, cinnamon, and salt.
- Warm milk and butter until just melted and warm (not hot).
- Add the milk mixture and mashed banana to the dry ingredients. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add remaining flour and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
- Roll dough into a rectangle (about 18×12 inches).
- Spread softened butter over the dough.
- Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt, then sprinkle evenly over the butter.
- Roll tightly into a log and cut into 12 rolls.
- Place in a lined baking dish and let rise again for 1 hour.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden.
- Beat frosting ingredients until smooth and fluffy.
- Spread frosting over warm banana bread cinnamon rolls and serve.
Tips & Tricks
- Use very ripe bananas for stronger flavor.
- Don’t overheat milk to avoid killing yeast.
- Use floss to cut clean rolls.
- Let rolls cool slightly before frosting.
- Add chopped nuts for extra texture.
Details
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Rise Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast / Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Medium
- Dietary: Vegetarian
Notes
- Swap cream cheese frosting with a simple glaze if preferred.
- Add chocolate chips for a dessert twist.
- Best served warm for a gooey texture.
Nutrition (Approximate)
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 55g
- Fat: 16g
FAQ
Can I make banana bread cinnamon rolls overnight?
Yes, refrigerate after shaping and bake the next day.
Why didn’t my dough rise?
Your yeast may be inactive or the milk was too hot.
Can I freeze these rolls?
Yes, freeze before or after baking (without frosting).
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but texture will be slightly denser.
How ripe should the bananas be?
Very ripe with brown spots for best flavor.
Storage
- Room Temperature: 1–2 days in airtight container
- Refrigerator: Up to 4 days
- Freezer: Up to 2 months
- Reheating: Warm in microwave or oven
Similar Recipes
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons rapid rise yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup mashed overripe banana
Filling:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Frosting:
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix 2 cups flour, brown sugar, yeast, cinnamon, and salt.
- Warm milk and butter until just melted and warm (not hot).
- Add the milk mixture and mashed banana to the dry ingredients. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add remaining flour and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
- Roll dough into a rectangle (about 18×12 inches).
- Spread softened butter over the dough.
- Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt, then sprinkle evenly over the butter.
- Roll tightly into a log and cut into 12 rolls.
- Place in a lined baking dish and let rise again for 1 hour.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden.
- Beat frosting ingredients until smooth and fluffy.
- Spread frosting over warm banana bread cinnamon rolls and serve.
Notes
- Swap cream cheese frosting with a simple glaze if preferred.
Conclusion
These banana bread cinnamon rolls are soft, flavorful, and irresistibly comforting. With their sweet banana-infused dough and rich cinnamon filling, they’re a perfect treat for any time of day.