The Best Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe to Make Today

Soft, pillowy dough swirls with the comforting aroma of banana bread cinnamon rolls that promise pure morning magic.

These delectable pastries blend the nostalgic warmth of classic banana bread with the irresistible swirl of cinnamon rolls.

Every bite delivers a delightful fusion of sweet banana essence and rich cinnamon spice.

Ripe bananas lend their natural sweetness and moisture to create an incredibly tender dough.

Warm spices dance through each layer, creating a heavenly breakfast treat that transforms ordinary mornings.

The golden-brown spirals emerge from the oven, beckoning you with their tantalizing fragrance.

Tasty Pairings for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

• Pair with Warm Beverages: Complement the sweet, spicy rolls with a steaming mug of chai latte or cinnamon-spiced coffee for a cozy morning treat.
• Enhance with Nutty Companions: Serve alongside toasted pecans or walnuts to add a delightful crunch and bring out the banana's rich, earthy undertones.
• Boost with Creamy Dairy: Enjoy with a cold glass of milk or a dollop of vanilla bean yogurt to balance the rolls' sweet and tangy cream cheese icing.
• Create a Breakfast Symphony: Pair with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or caramelized bananas to add a bright, refreshing contrast to the rich, warm rolls.

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Variations to Explore

• Gluten-Free Banana Bread Rolls: Replace wheat flour with a blend of gluten-free all-purpose flour and almond flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains soft texture.
• Vegan Banana Cinnamon Swirls: Substitute eggs with mashed flaxseed, use coconut milk instead of dairy milk, and replace butter with plant-based margarine for a completely dairy-free and egg-free alternative.
• Low-Sugar Banana Rolls: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar, reduce brown sugar in filling, and incorporate stevia or erythritol to minimize overall sugar content while preserving delicious banana flavor.
• Whole Wheat Wellness Rolls: Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour to increase fiber content and add nutty, wholesome undertones to the classic banana bread cinnamon roll recipe.

FAQs

• How do I know if my yeast is activated correctly?

Look for a foamy surface after 5-10 minutes. If the mixture doesn’t become foamy, your yeast might be old or the milk temperature was incorrect. Discard and start over with fresh yeast.

• Can I substitute the milk in this recipe?

Use dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk as a substitute. Just ensure it’s warm (around 110°F) to properly activate the yeast. Avoid using cold milk as it won’t activate the yeast properly.

• What if my dough isn't rising?

Place the dough in a warm, draft-free area like near a preheated oven or inside an oven with the light on. Ensure your yeast is fresh and the environment is warm enough. Ideal rising temperature is around 80-90°F.

• How do I get perfect, even cinnamon roll slices?

Use dental floss or a very sharp knife. For dental floss, slide it under the rolled dough and cross the ends to create clean, even cuts. For a knife, use a gentle sawing motion to prevent squishing the dough.

Why Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Are Pure Comfort

• Elevate Comfort Food: Transform traditional cinnamon rolls with a delightful banana twist, creating a unique and indulgent breakfast or dessert experience that surprises taste buds.
• Beginner-Friendly Baking: Perfect for home bakers of all skill levels, this recipe offers simple steps and forgiving techniques that make creating delicious pastries feel like a breeze.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Combines the beloved flavors of banana bread and cinnamon rolls, guaranteeing a treat that will have everyone gathering around the table with excitement and anticipation.
• Versatile Crowd Delight: Ideal for weekend brunches, potlucks, or special morning celebrations, these rolls bring a homemade touch that feels both comforting and impressive.

What You’ll Need for Banana Bread Rolls

• All-Purpose Flour: Soft and versatile flour perfect for creating tender rolls.
• Active Dry Yeast: Magical ingredient that helps dough rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Subtle flavor enhancer for the dough.

• Warm Milk: Helps activate yeast and creates soft texture.
• Eggs: Binding agent that adds richness to the dough.
• Mashed Bananas: Moist and sweet base that gives unique banana flavor.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps create tender rolls.

• Brown Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Warm and sweet spice combination that creates classic cinnamon roll flavor.
• Softened Butter: Helps spread filling evenly.

• Cream Cheese, Softened Butter: Creamy base for smooth icing.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates sweet and smooth icing texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds delicate aromatic flavor to the icing.

How to Make Cinnamon Rolls with Banana Flavor

Step 1: Awaken the Yeast Magic

Grab a small bowl and mix warm milk with a hint of sugar.

Sprinkle yeast over the surface and let it dance and bubble for 5-10 minutes until it becomes gloriously foamy.

Step 2: Create the Dough Foundation

• Mashed bananas
• Remaining sugar
• Melted butter
• Eggs

Stir in the activated yeast mixture.

Gradually fold in flour and salt until a soft, dreamy dough forms.

Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover snugly, and let it rest in a cozy, warm spot for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Craft the Cinnamon Filling

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Set the delicious mixture aside.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 6: Spread and Roll

Evenly spread the cinnamon filling across the dough, leaving a small border.

Tightly roll the dough from the long edge into a beautiful log.

Step 7: Slice and Arrange

Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.

Nestle the rolls in a greased baking dish with a little space between them.

Step 8: Second Rise

Cover the rolls and let them puff up in a warm spot for 30-45 minutes.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 10: Whip Up Cream Cheese Icing

• Softened cream cheese
• Softened butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Until smooth and irresistibly creamy.

Step 11: Ice and Serve

Remove rolls from the oven and let cool briefly.

Generously spread the cream cheese icing on top.

Serve warm and savor the incredible banana and cinnamon goodness!

Tips for Soft, Swirled, and Tasty Rolls

• Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to prevent killing yeast, and watch for foamy texture as a sign of active fermentation.
• Add flour gradually to achieve soft, elastic dough without becoming too dry or sticky, kneading until smooth.
• Place dough in a draft-free, warm spot like near a preheated oven or inside a turned-off oven with the light on for consistent rising.
• Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp serrated knife to cut rolls cleanly without squishing the dough, ensuring uniform size and baking.
• Tent cinnamon rolls with aluminum foil if they brown too quickly during baking, maintaining a golden color and preventing burning.

Storing and Reheating Banana Bread Rolls Easily

• Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
• Cover rolls individually with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out and preserve their soft texture.
• Warm rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through, ensuring they remain soft and delicious.
• If the cream cheese icing has hardened, let the rolls sit at room temperature for a few minutes or gently warm them to restore the creamy consistency.

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Comfort meets innovation in these banana bread cinnamon rolls, blending classic breakfast charm with sweet bakery magic. Warm spices and caramelized banana swirls promise a delightful morning treat you’ll savor down to the last delicious crumb.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients (Dough):

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk, warmed to about 110°F (110 degrees Fahrenheit)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Filling Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Topping Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Awaken the yeast by dissolving it in warm milk with a touch of sugar, allowing it to bloom and become frothy for 5-10 minutes.
2. Create a luscious base by whisking together mashed bananas, remaining sugar, melted butter, and eggs until thoroughly integrated.
3. Merge the activated yeast with the banana mixture, stirring to ensure complete incorporation.
4. Gradually fold in flour and salt, transforming the ingredients into a soft, pliable dough.
5. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead vigorously for 5-7 minutes, developing its smooth, elastic texture.
6. Nestle the dough into a greased bowl, cover, and allow it to rise in a cozy environment until it doubles in volume, approximately 1-2 hours.
7. Craft the filling by blending softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon into a uniform, fragrant mixture.
8. Deflate the risen dough and roll it into a thin rectangular canvas, roughly 1/4 inch thick.
9. Generously spread the prepared filling across the dough’s surface, leaving a narrow margin around the edges.
10. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the longest side.
11. Slice the rolled dough into 12 uniform pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
12. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, providing slight separation between each piece.
13. Drape a clean towel over the rolls and permit a second rise for 30-45 minutes until they become puffy and nearly doubled.
14. Heat the oven to 350°F and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, achieving a golden-brown perfection.
15. Simultaneously prepare the cream cheese icing by whipping cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla into a silky, smooth consistency.
16. Once baked, allow the rolls a brief cooling moment before lavishing them with the decadent cream cheese icing.
17. Serve the Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls warm, inviting everyone to savor the harmonious blend of banana, cinnamon, and creamy sweetness.

Notes

• Use ripe, spotty bananas for maximum sweetness and deeper banana flavor in the rolls.
• Ensure milk is warm (not hot) when activating yeast to prevent killing the active cultures.
• Knead dough until smooth and elastic to develop proper gluten structure for soft, tender rolls.
• Allow sufficient rising time in a warm, draft-free area to help dough develop optimal texture and volume.
• For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-free alternative: Replace milk with almond milk and use vegan butter in filling and icing.
• Check rolls at 20 minutes to prevent over-browning, as ovens can vary in temperature and performance.

• Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 295
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg