If you’ve ever wished you could combine the comfort of banana bread with the irresistible pull of gooey cinnamon rolls, these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are your dream come true. Ultra-soft, fragrant with fresh bananas and a warm swirl of cinnamon sugar, every roll is plush and pillowy on the inside and golden on top, finished with a lush cream cheese glaze. These rolls are pure magic for breakfast, brunch, or that well-deserved sweet treat in the afternoon!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls is in the simple lineup of everyday ingredients. Each has a special role, bringing moisture, structure, flavor, and that unmistakable home-baked aroma. Here’s what makes these rolls completely delightful:
- Mashed ripe bananas: The star of the show! Overripe bananas add moisture, sweetness, and that signature banana bread taste, so don’t be shy about using spotted bananas.
- Granulated sugar: A small amount sweetens the dough and helps activate the yeast.
- Active dry yeast: This leavens the rolls, making them fluffy and soft. Be sure your yeast is fresh for the best rise.
- Warm milk: Warm milk (not hot!) helps dissolve the sugar and gently wakes up the yeast.
- Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and tenderness to both the dough and the filling. Use melted butter in the dough and softened for the filling.
- Egg: Provides structure and extra richness, giving the rolls their pillowy softness.
- All-purpose flour: The essential base, providing the perfect soft and chewy crumb—be sure to measure accurately.
- Salt: Just a touch balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the dough and glaze with unmistakable warmth and aroma.
- Brown sugar (filling): For that classic caramel-cinnamon swirl inside every bite.
- Ground cinnamon (filling): The heart and soul of every cinnamon roll—don’t skip it!
- Cream cheese (glaze): Creates a tangy, creamy glaze that pairs dreamily with bananas and cinnamon.
- Powdered sugar (glaze): For sweetening and smooth texture.
- Milk (glaze): Just a splash to bring the glaze together.
How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing the warm milk and sugar in a small bowl, then sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, just until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This step gets your yeast ready to do its important job—giving those rolls all their lift and lightness.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir in the foamy yeast mixture, blending just until everything’s smooth and inviting. Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. The aroma already hints at everything wonderful to come!
Step 3: Knead and First Rise
Knead the dough by hand or with a mixer for 5–7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. Shape it into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, and cover. Let it rise in a warm, cozy spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size. It’s always satisfying to peek in and see how pillowy your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls dough is getting!
Step 4: Roll Out and Add the Filling
Turn your risen dough onto a floured surface and roll it into a generous 10×15-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter all over the surface, then sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon right to the edges. For a fun twist, you can also sprinkle on some chopped walnuts or mini chocolate chips here.
Step 5: Roll, Slice, and Second Rise
Roll up the dough tightly from the long side so you get more beautiful spirals. Slice the log into 12 even rolls and nestle them into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover once more and let them proof for another 30 minutes, building up that signature fluffy interior.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls for 20–25 minutes, until they’re deliciously golden on top. The scent will fill your kitchen with pure comfort and anticipation!
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
While the rolls are baking, mix together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla until it’s silky and smooth. This glaze is essential for that creamy, tangy finish.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Spread the cream cheese glaze over your warm rolls—the heat will help it seep into every cinnamon swirl, making each bite even more irresistible. Serve them fresh out of the oven for best results, and watch every roll disappear!
How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
Give your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls a bakery-style finish by scattering chopped walnuts, mini chocolate chips, or even a pinch of sea salt over the glaze. A little dusting of extra cinnamon or a few slices of fresh banana can also add a lovely touch.
Side Dishes
These rolls are the star of any breakfast table, but they pair brilliantly with a side of creamy Greek yogurt, a colorful fruit salad, or a steaming cup of rich coffee. If you’re feeling extra cozy, try serving them alongside crispy bacon for the ultimate sweet-and-savory combo.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun brunch spread, arrange the rolls on a platter, drizzle with glaze, and top with banana slices and a sprinkle of nuts. Mini rolls are adorable for parties, or stack the rolls in a tower for a show-stopping centerpiece. You can even serve individual warm Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls in cute ramekins for a personalized treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, move them to the fridge, where they’ll keep up to 4 days—just be sure to cover well so they don’t dry out!
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully. Let them cool, then wrap individually or as a batch in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge, and glaze right before serving for that just-baked feel.
Reheating
Bring leftover rolls back to their gooey, soft glory by microwaving for 20–30 seconds, or warming in a covered baking dish at 300°F for about 10 minutes. If you’ve frozen them, let them thaw first, then reheat and glaze to enjoy all their fresh-baked magic.
FAQs
Can I make these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls the night before?
Absolutely! After slicing and arranging in the pan, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking so they rise beautifully in the oven.
What if I don’t have ripe bananas?
If your bananas aren’t as ripe as you’d like, you can ripen them quickly by baking them (in their peels) at 300°F for about 15 minutes until they blacken. Let cool and mash as usual—they’ll be perfect for this recipe.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the filling?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or mini chocolate chips add awesome texture and flavor to these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. Sprinkle them over the cinnamon sugar before rolling up the dough for a tasty surprise in every bite.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast and skip the proofing step with warm milk—just mix it right in with the flour and other dry ingredients. Keep an eye on the rising times, as instant yeast often works a bit faster.
What’s the best way to store the cream cheese glaze?
If you have extra glaze, cover and refrigerate it for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to use, let it soften at room temperature and give it another quick stir—it’ll be ready to lavish over fresh rolls anytime!
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the moment you pull a pan of Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls from the oven—warm, soft, and swirled with sweet banana and spice. I really hope you treat yourself and your loved ones to this happy mashup of two classics. Give them a try and let each bite show you just how joyful homemade baking can be!
