Easy Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

There’s something magical about warm Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls fresh out of the oven. They combine the cozy comfort of classic banana bread with the gooey, cinnamon-swirled goodness we all love in homemade rolls. If you have ripe bananas sitting on your counter, this recipe turns them into something truly irresistible.

I love making Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls for slow weekend mornings, brunch with friends, or even as a sweet afternoon treat with coffee. The banana keeps the dough soft and tender, while the cinnamon filling creates that perfect warm, sweet swirl in every bite.

Trust me — once you try these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls, regular cinnamon rolls just won’t feel the same. They’re soft, fluffy, and full of comforting flavor.

More Recipe

• Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

INGREDIENTS

Here’s everything you need to make soft and fluffy Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. I kept the ingredients simple and pantry-friendly 💛

For the Dough:

• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas) (240 g)
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C) (180 ml)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet) (7 g)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 g)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (60 g)
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (440 g)
• ½ teaspoon salt (3 g)

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (113 g)
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed (150 g)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (8 g)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (2.5 ml)

For the Cream Cheese Glaze (Optional but Highly Recommended 😍):

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (113 g)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (28 g)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (120 g)
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (15–30 ml)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (2.5 ml)

INSTRUCTIONS

Let’s make these soft, fluffy Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls together 💛 Take your time and enjoy the process — it’s easier than you think!

1. Activate the Yeast

Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C). It should feel warm, not hot.

In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step ensures your rolls rise beautifully.

2. Make the Dough

Add the mashed bananas, melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined.

Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should feel slightly tacky but not sticky.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough sticks too much, sprinkle a little more flour — but avoid adding too much to keep the rolls soft.

3. First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–1½ hours, or until it doubles in size.

4. Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth and spreadable.

5. Roll and Fill

Once the dough rises, punch it down gently.

Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 14×18 inches (35×45 cm).

Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

6. Shape the Rolls

Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log.

Slice into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.

Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.

7. Second Rise

Cover the dish and let the rolls rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.

8. Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake the Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls for 22–28 minutes, or until golden brown on top and fully cooked in the center.

Do not overbake — that’s the secret to soft, tender rolls.

9. Make the Glaze

While the rolls bake, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.

Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Mix until creamy and pourable.

10. Glaze and Serve

Spread the glaze over warm Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls so it melts slightly into every swirl.

Serve warm and enjoy every gooey bite 💛

TIPS & VARIATIONS

Let’s make your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls absolutely perfect every single time 💛

Pro Baking Tips

• Use very ripe bananas. The darker and softer they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls will taste.
• Do not overheat the milk. If it feels too hot to touch, it can kill the yeast. Keep it around 110°F (43°C).
• Do not overflour the dough. A slightly soft dough gives you fluffy rolls. Too much flour makes them dense.
• Check early while baking. Every oven is different. Start checking at 22 minutes to avoid dry rolls.

Easy Variations

• Add chopped walnuts or pecans (½ cup / 60 g) to the filling for a little crunch.
• Add mini chocolate chips (½ cup / 85 g) for a sweeter twist.
• Swap the glaze for a simple vanilla glaze if you prefer something lighter.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg (¼ teaspoon / 0.5 g) to the filling for extra warmth.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Store Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm slightly before serving.
• Freeze baked rolls (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before glazing.
• To make ahead, prepare the rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight before the second rise. Let them sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes before baking.

SERVING IDEAS

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls shine all on their own, but you can make them even more special with the right pairings 💛

Cozy Breakfast Pairings

• Serve warm with freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte.
• Pair with chai tea for extra warm spice notes.
• Add a side of Greek yogurt (½ cup / 120 g) with fresh berries for balance.

Brunch Table Ideas

• Arrange Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls on a large platter with sliced bananas and strawberries.
• Serve alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a sweet-and-savory brunch.
• Drizzle extra glaze on top right before serving for that irresistible bakery look.

Occasion-Based Serving

• Weekend mornings: Perfect for slow, cozy starts.
• Holiday brunch: A beautiful addition to Easter, Christmas, or Mother’s Day tables.
• Potlucks or gatherings: Bake them in a disposable pan for easy transport.
• Afternoon treat: Warm one roll and enjoy with a glass of cold milk (1 cup / 240 ml).

No matter how you serve them, Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls always feel comforting and homemade in the best way.

FAQs

Here are the most common questions about Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls to help you bake with confidence 💛

1. How do I store Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls?

Store Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Warm them slightly before serving to bring back that soft, gooey texture.

2. Can I freeze Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls?

Yes, you can freeze Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. Let them cool completely, then freeze without glaze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm before adding fresh glaze.

3. Can I make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the rolls, place them in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let them sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes before baking at 350°F (175°C).

4. Why didn’t my Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls rise properly?

Your yeast may have been inactive, or the milk may have been too hot. Always use milk at about 110°F (43°C) and make sure your yeast becomes foamy before adding other ingredients.

5. Can I substitute instant yeast?

Yes. Use the same amount (2 ¼ teaspoons / 7 g). You can mix it directly with the dry ingredients and skip the proofing step, but I still recommend checking your yeast if you are unsure.

6. How do I keep Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls soft?

Avoid overbaking. Remove them when they turn lightly golden. Cover them loosely while cooling to keep moisture inside.

Recipe

Yield: 12 rolls

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Print

Soft, fluffy Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls made with ripe bananas and warm cinnamon swirl, topped with creamy glaze. Perfect for cozy mornings and brunch.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Rise Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Cook Time: 22 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 27 minutes

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (240 g)
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C) (180 ml)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet) (7 g)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 g)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (60 g)
• 1 large egg
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (440 g)
• ½ teaspoon salt (3 g)

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (113 g)
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed (150 g)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (8 g)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (2.5 ml)

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (113 g)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (28 g)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (120 g)
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (15–30 ml)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (2.5 ml)

Instructions

1. Warm the milk to 110°F (43°C). Mix milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
   
2. Add mashed bananas, melted butter, egg, and salt. Stir to combine.
   
3. Gradually add flour and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
   
4. Place dough in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise 1–1½ hours until doubled.
   
5. Roll dough into a 14×18 inch (35×45 cm) rectangle.
   
6. Mix filling ingredients and spread evenly over dough.
   
7. Roll tightly into a log and cut into 12 rolls.
   
8. Place in a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
   
9. Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.
   
10. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    
11. Bake for 22–28 minutes until lightly golden.
    
12. Beat glaze ingredients until smooth and spread over warm rolls.

Notes

Use very ripe bananas for best flavor.

Do not overbake to keep Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls soft.

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1 roll
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 320

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients used.

If you’re looking for something cozy, comforting, and just a little bit special, these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls truly deliver. They bring together the sweet richness of banana bread and the soft, gooey magic of cinnamon rolls in the most irresistible way. Every swirl feels warm, fluffy, and perfectly spiced.

I love how these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls turn simple ripe bananas into a bakery-style treat right from your own kitchen. Whether you bake them for a weekend brunch, a holiday morning, or just because you’re craving something homemade, they always make the house smell incredible and everyone smile.

If you try these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls, I would love to hear how they turned out for you. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest so you can make it again later, and share it with someone who loves cozy baking as much as you do. 💛🍌