Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Last updated on June 24, 2025

Welcome to the world of homemade treats where comfort meets creativity and sweet meets savory! Today, I’m thrilled to share a delightful recipe that combines two of our favorite comfort foods: banana bread and cinnamon rolls. Picture this: warm, gooey cinnamon rolls infused with the rich aroma of banana, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. If that sounds delectable to you, then Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are about to become your new favorite!

Whether it’s a cozy breakfast, a light dessert, or a fun snack, these cinnamon rolls are perfect for any occasion. The satisfaction of pulling freshly baked rolls out of the oven is one of those little joys of life, and what better way to enjoy it than with a twist on a classic? Let’s get started and bring this delicious recipe to life!

Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

There are countless reasons to fall in love with Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls:

1. Perfect Fusion: This recipe merges the classic flavors of banana bread and cinnamon rolls, giving you the best of both worlds.

2. Comfort Food: Baked goods like these offer a warm, comforting experience. The smell that fills your kitchen as they bake is simply irresistible.

3. Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding your favorite nuts, chocolate chips, or additional spices.

4. Impressive Yet Simple: While they may look and taste absolutely impressive, making them is surprisingly easy, even for beginners.

5. Great for Sharing: These rolls are perfect for breakfast gatherings, brunch with friends, or even just as a midday snack.

With so many reasons to love them, you’ll find it hard to resist having just one!

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

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• Author: Sarah Mendez
• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the cozy flavors of banana bread with the gooey, spiced swirl of a classic cinnamon roll. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, this recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Essential Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole milk (warmed to 110–115°F)
• 2 1/4 oz packets active dry yeast (about 5 tsp total)
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup butter (melted)
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/2 cup mashed banana (about 1 large banana)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 1/2 – 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt

Filling Ingredients:

• 6 tbsp butter (softened)
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 medium bananas (thinly sliced)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Optional Add-Ons:

• Chocolate chips
• Dried fruit like raisins or cranberries

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Instructions

1. Prepare Yeast Mixture: Warm milk to 110–115°F. Pour into a large bowl and add yeast and sugar. Let sit 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Stir in melted butter, egg, egg yolk, mashed banana, and vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix flour and salt. Gradually stir into wet mixture to form a shaggy dough. Add more flour if too sticky.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until elastic and smooth.
5. First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled.
6. Make Filling: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a bowl.
7. Roll Out Dough: Punch down dough and roll into a 20×16-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
8. Fill: Spread softened butter on the dough. Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture, banana slices, and walnuts if using.
9. Roll & Slice: Roll the dough into a log. Slice into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or floss.
10. Second Rise: Place rolls in a greased baking dish. Let rise for 20–25 minutes.
11. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden and fluffy.
12. Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth and fluffy.
13. Frost & Serve: Let rolls cool 10 minutes, then spread with frosting and enjoy warm.

Notes

• Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor.
• Walnuts add a lovely crunch but are totally optional.
• If rolls brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• These rolls freeze well—frost after reheating.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: banana bread cinnamon rolls, banana cinnamon rolls, cream cheese frosting rolls, breakfast rolls, easy cinnamon rolls

Ingredients You’ll Need for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Let’s gather our ingredients to create these delightful rolls! Here’s what you need:

Essential Ingredients

1. Whole Milk – 1 cup (warm to help activate the yeast)
2. Yeast – 2 1/4 oz packets (this will make our rolls rise)
3. White Sugar – 1/4 cup (to sweeten the dough and help the yeast)
4. Butter – 1/4 cup (melted for the dough)
5. Egg – 1 (adds richness)
6. Egg Yolk – 1 (for added moisture)
7. Mashed Banana – 1/2 cup (adds moisture and flavor)
8. Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon (for warmth and sweetness)
9. All-Purpose Flour – 4 1/2 – 5 cups (to form the dough)
10. Salt – 1/2 teaspoon (enhances flavor)

Filling Ingredients

1. Butter – 6 tablespoons (softened for spreading)
2. Dark Brown Sugar – 1 cup (for a deep, caramel-like sweetness)
3. Ground Cinnamon – 1 tablespoon (the star spice of our filling)
4. Vanilla Extract – 1 1/2 tablespoons (extra flavor enhancement)
5. Bananas – 1-2 medium (cut into thin slices for filling)
6. Walnuts – 1/2 cup finely chopped (optional, for crunch)

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

1. Cream Cheese – 8 oz (softened for smooth frosting)
2. Unsalted Butter – 2 tablespoons (softened for a rich texture)
3. Confectioners’ Sugar – 3/4 cup (for sweetness)
4. Vanilla Extract – 2 teaspoons (for flavor)
5. Cinnamon – 1/2 teaspoon (a hint of spice in the frosting)

Optional Add-Ons:

• Chocolate Chips – For a sweeter roll.
• Dried Fruit – Such as raisins or cranberries for extra flavor.

How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Step by Step

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process to make these heavenly Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls! Follow along, and don’t worry if you’re a bit new to baking; I’ll guide you through each step clearly.

1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture

Start by warming the milk gently. You want it to be between 110-115 degrees Fahrenheit. Too hot will kill the yeast, and too cold won’t activate it. Pour the warm milk into a large mixing bowl.

Sprinkle the yeast on top of the milk, followed by the sugar. Let this sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. If it doesn’t foam, it may mean your yeast is old, and you’ll want to start over with fresh yeast.

2. Mix in the Wet Ingredients

Once your yeast has bubbled up, add the melted butter, entire egg, egg yolk, the mashed banana, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Use a whisk to blend everything together until well mixed and smooth.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine 4 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and the salt. Slowly incorporate this flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until a thick, shaggy dough forms. If the dough seems too sticky, gradually add more flour until it’s easier to handle.

4. Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently for about 8-10 minutes. You’re looking for an elastic texture; it should spring back when poked gently.

5. Let the Dough Rise

Grease a large bowl with a bit of avocado oil (or any oil you have) and place your dough inside it. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.

6. Make the Filling

While your dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, mix together the dark brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and the additional vanilla extract. This mixture will create a deliciously sweet filling to swirl through your rolls.

7. Roll Out the Dough

Once your dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle, about 20×16 inches.

8. Spread the Butter and Filling

Use a spatula to spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough. Next, sprinkle the brown sugar mixture generously over the buttered surface. Add the banana slices and chopped walnuts evenly on top.

9. Roll and Slice

Starting from one side of the rectangle, roll the dough tightly into a log. Once rolled, cut the log into 12 equal pieces. A sharp knife or a piece of unflavored dental floss can help with this.

10. Second Rise

Place these cinnamon rolls in a greased casserole dish. Let them rise for another 20-25 minutes. You want them to puff up a little before baking.

11. Bake

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when they are fluffy and lightly browned on top.

12. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls cool for a few minutes, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon using a hand mixer or whisk until it’s fluffy.

13. Frost and Serve

After letting the rolls cool for about 10 minutes, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. Allow a little of that frosting to melt into the warm rolls for a deliciously gooey treat.

Your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are now ready to be enjoyed!

Serving Suggestions for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

These rolls are delightful on their own, but there are plenty of ways to serve them for an even better experience:

• Fresh Fruit: Serve with fresh sliced strawberries, blueberries, or a side of mixed berries. The tartness of the fruit balances the sweetness of cinnamon rolls perfectly.

• Coffee or Tea: Pair your rolls with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk. The warmth of the drink complements the rolls beautifully.

• Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert, serve warm rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The meltiness of the ice cream with the warmth of the rolls is pure bliss.

• Breakfast Potluck: These rolls are excellent for gatherings. Just make sure to keep them warm, and watch them disappear!

Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

To ensure your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls turn out perfectly every time, keep these handy pro tips in mind:

1. Fresh Ingredients: Always check the expiration dates on your yeast. Fresh yeast is crucial for the perfect rise!

2. Brush with Butter: If you want to elevate your rolls even more, brush lightly with melted butter just before baking for a glossy finish.

3. Use a Thermometer: Use a kitchen thermometer to help you ensure the milk is at the right temperature for activating the yeast.

4. Let I Cool Before Frosting: Waiting for about 10 minutes before adding the cream cheese frosting lets it melt into the rolls just the right amount without completely soaking them.

5. Experiment with Fillings: Don’t hesitate to swap the bananas or add extras like blueberries or white chocolate chips for a new flavor twist.

Easy Variations for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Feeling creative? Try these variations to mix things up in the kitchen:

• Nut-Free Option: Omit the walnuts if you prefer a nut-free roll. You can replace them with chocolate chips or leave them out entirely.

• Chocolate Banana Rolls: Add cocoa powder to your dough for a chocolatey banana experience, and maybe swap the frosting for chocolate ganache!

• Pumpkin Spice: Incorporate pumpkin puree in place of some of the banana for a fall-inspired twist.

• Cinnamon Swirl Only: If bananas aren’t your thing, simply omit them and make classic cinnamon rolls instead.

Storage Tips for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

If you happen to have leftovers (which is unlikely because they’re so delicious!), here’s how to store them:

1. Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

2. Refrigerator: For longer storage, place them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week. Just be sure to reheat before serving.

3. Freezer: If you want to save them for later, freeze the unbaked rolls after cutting them. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Conclusion

There you have it! Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls that are not only delicious but also beautiful and satisfying to make. The warm, sweet scent of baking cinnamon rolls fills the kitchen with joy, and there’s nothing like enjoying a soft, fluffy roll with cream cheese frosting. They make perfect treats for breakfast, brunch, or whenever you desire a bit of comfort. Take your time, enjoy the process, and make these rolls your own. Happy baking!

FAQs About Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

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