
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

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.

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.