Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Featured in Start Your Day Deliciously.

Banana bread cinnamon rolls blend sweet banana flavor with the cozy warmth of cinnamon for a delicious breakfast or brunch option. Soft, fluffy dough made with ripe mashed bananas, rich butter, and just the right touch of sweetness is filled with a buttery brown sugar-cinnamon swirl. Each roll is baked to golden perfection, then finished with creamy, tangy cream cheese icing. These rolls are ideal for sharing, best served warm, and perfect for gatherings or a comforting treat any time. Enjoy their pillowy texture and inviting aroma fresh from the oven.

Rehan Magic House Recipes
Updated on Tue, 17 Jun 2025 16:20:38 GMT
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Banana bread cinnamon rolls combine everything I crave in a cozy weekend breakfast. Imagine the familiar sweetness of ripe bananas woven through pillowy dough, all wrapped around a swirl of cinnamon sugar and finished with creamy icing. If you love both banana bread and classic cinnamon rolls, this recipe brings them together for the perfect indulgence.

I first made these when I had a few bananas just past their prime and wanted something special for family breakfast. Now everyone asks for them whenever bananas go brown on the counter.

Ingredients

  • Ripe bananas: mashed makes the rolls extra tender so choose bananas with lots of brown spots for maximum flavor
  • Granulated sugar: adds a gentle sweetness and helps activate the yeast
  • Unsalted butter: both in melted and softened form gives richness and softness to the dough as well as the filling
  • Milk: warmed to about body temperature helps activate the yeast for a plush rise
  • Active dry yeast: is essential for the flavorful fluffy texture use a packet so you know the amount is right
  • Large eggs: make the dough rich and supple select fresh eggs for best results
  • All purpose flour: creates structure in the dough scoop and level your flour for accuracy
  • Salt: adds balance and enhances all the banana flavor
  • Brown sugar: in the filling offers a deep sweet molasses note for that gooey swirl
  • Ground cinnamon: brings warmth and aroma opt for fresh fragrant cinnamon
  • Cream cheese: in the icing gives tang and a creamy topping
  • Powdered sugar: helps make the icing smooth and sweet
  • Vanilla extract: rounds out the flavor use real vanilla if you can

Step-by-Step Instructions

Activate the Yeast:
Combine warmed milk and a pinch of sugar in a small bowl then sprinkle the yeast across the surface and do not stir wait until bubbles form and the top looks foamy about five to ten minutes this ensures the rolls rise properly
Prepare the Dough:
Whisk mashed bananas remaining sugar melted butter and eggs in a large mixing bowl beating until everything is smooth add the activated yeast gently stir to blend slowly add flour and salt in batches mixing until a soft but not sticky dough forms
Knead the Dough:
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface dust your hands and knead for five to seven minutes pressing with your heels and folding the dough repeatedly until it becomes stretchy and smooth transfer to an oiled bowl cover with a towel and let rise somewhere warm for one to two hours until doubled
Make the Filling:
Beat softened butter with brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl until creamy and well blended set aside at room temperature to keep it spreadable
Roll Out the Dough:
On a floured counter punch the dough down then use a rolling pin to flatten into a large rectangle about quarter inch thick pay attention to even sizing for uniform rolls
Fill and Roll:
Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the rectangle making sure you reach every corner except for a half inch border along one long side carefully roll up the dough into a tight log starting from the opposite long edge and pressing to keep the filling inside
Slice and Arrange:
With a sharp knife cut the log into twelve equal pieces arrange cut side up in a greased baking dish and leave space between each roll for expansion
Second Rise:
Cover the dish with plastic or a towel and set in a warm spot for thirty to forty five minutes until the rolls look puffed and nearly doubled
Bake:
Set oven to three hundred fifty degrees bake rolls for twenty to twenty five minutes until golden brown on top and just cooked through test by touching the center roll for firmness
Make the Cream Cheese Icing:
Combine softened cream cheese butter powdered sugar and vanilla in a bowl beat until perfectly smooth and fluffy adjusting with a splash of milk if the icing feels too thick
Ice and Serve:
Cool rolls for a short five minutes then spread icing generously over them while still warm enjoy immediately
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My favorite part is the aroma from the bananas and cinnamon filling the whole kitchen. We often end up eating a roll straight from the pan because the textures are so irresistible and the icing melts into every swirl.

Storage Tips

Once cooled any leftover cinnamon rolls keep best in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness refrigerate them and warm briefly before eating. These rolls also freeze beautifully just wrap them tightly and thaw overnight for a ready treat.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have cream cheese for the icing try making a simple vanilla glaze with powdered sugar milk and a splash of vanilla. You can also swap in whole wheat flour for up to half of the all purpose flour for a slightly nuttier taste. Vegan butter and plant based milk work if you need a dairy free option.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve warm banana bread cinnamon rolls with hot coffee or a big glass of cold milk. For a brunch spread pair with fresh fruit or a savory dish like scrambled eggs to balance out the sweetness. These rolls are also perfect for celebrating birthdays or holiday mornings with something extra special.

Cultural Context

Cinnamon rolls have roots in Swedish baking often served with fika or coffee breaks. Adding ripe bananas takes inspiration from classic American banana bread blending traditions for a new modern comfort food. Every family seems to have their own twist but this version always reminds me of Sunday mornings with my loved ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use overripe bananas?

Yes, using overripe bananas boosts natural sweetness and enhances flavor in the dough.

→ How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate and gently rewarm before serving.

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be prepared ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator overnight. Bring to room temperature before shaping and baking.

→ Is it necessary to use cream cheese icing?

Cream cheese icing adds extra richness, but you may substitute with a simple vanilla glaze if preferred.

→ Why is my dough not rising well?

Ensure your yeast is fresh and the milk is warm but not hot. Allow enough time in a draft-free warm spot for the dough to rise.

→ Can I freeze banana bread cinnamon rolls?

Yes, baked and cooled rolls without icing can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw and frost before serving.

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Soft rolls with banana, cinnamon and brown sugar filling, topped with luscious cream cheese icing.

Prep Time
120 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
145 Minutes
By: Reham

Category: Breakfast & Brunch

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 cinnamon rolls)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Dough

01 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
02 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
04 1/2 cup milk, warmed to about 110°F
05 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
06 2 large eggs
07 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
08 1 teaspoon salt

→ Filling

09 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
11 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

→ Cream Cheese Icing

12 4 oz cream cheese, softened
13 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
14 1 cup powdered sugar
15 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 01

In a small bowl, combine warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the surface and let sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, remaining sugar, melted butter, and eggs until well combined. Add activated yeast mixture to the banana mixture and stir. Gradually add flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms. Turn dough onto a floured surface, knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1-2 hours.

Step 03

Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Set aside.

Step 04

Punch down risen dough and roll into a large rectangle on a floured surface, about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 05

Spread filling evenly over dough, leaving a border. Roll dough tightly into a log starting from one long edge.

Step 06

Cut rolled dough into 12 pieces. Place rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving space between each.

Step 07

Cover rolls and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, until puffed and nearly doubled.

Step 08

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 09

While rolls bake, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 10

Remove rolls from oven, cool slightly. Spread icing over warm rolls and serve.

Notes

  1. These rolls are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. The cream cheese icing adds a delightful sweetness and creaminess.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains gluten
  • Contains eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 46 g
  • Protein: 6 g