Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Okay, I’m seriously bursting with excitement to share this one—these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are everything you didn’t know you needed in your life! Imagine the best parts of banana bread—moist, tender, and sweetly spiced—rolled up in soft, gooey cinnamon swirl perfection. It’s like your two favorite breakfast treats had a delicious, doughy lovechild. The smell alone will pull your whole house into a warm, inviting hug of cinnamon and bananas. Plus, I’ve got some foolproof tips to get those rolls perfectly fluffy, with just the right amount of sticky glaze. If you’ve ever thought, “I wonder if I can make banana bread even more awesome?”—the answer is YES, and it’s right here!

Quick Facts

• Yield: Serves 8–10
• Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 1 hour for dough rising)
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: About 2 hours

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

• 3 ripe bananas (around 1 cup mashed)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for dough and filling)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (for filling)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for filling)

For the Glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2–3 tbsp milk (to thin, as needed)

How I Make It

Step 1:

First, let’s wake up the yeast. In a small bowl, stir together warm milk, 1 tbsp of the granulated sugar, and the yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it’s foamy and bubbly—this means the yeast is alive and ready to go.

Step 2:

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth but still a little chunky (I love that texture). Add the rest of the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, and egg. Mix it all up, then stir in the yeast mixture.

Step 3:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and 1 tsp cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until a soft dough forms. It’s sticky but manageable! Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead gently for about 5 minutes until smooth and slightly elastic.

Step 4:

Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 5:

Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out into a roughly 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the softened 2 tbsp butter over the surface, then sprinkle evenly with the brown sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon. Roll it up tightly from the long side, then slice into 9 or 10 even rolls.

Step 6:

Arrange the rolls next to each other in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover again, and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and irresistible.

Step 7:

For the glaze, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla. Add the powdered sugar and enough milk to get a nice smooth drizzle consistency. Spread or dribble over warm rolls right out of the oven.

Variations & Tips

• Use walnuts or pecans in the filling for a crunchy surprise.
• Swap regular cinnamon for cinnamon sugar or pumpkin pie spice depending on your mood.
• If your dough feels too sticky, add flour 1 tbsp at a time, but don’t overdo it—soft = good!
• For extra banana flavor, add a spoonful of banana puree to the glaze.
• Use a stand mixer with dough hooks for easier kneading.

How I Like to Serve It

These banana bread cinnamon rolls are perfect for a slow weekend brunch paired with a cup of strong coffee or chai tea. They also make a dreamy, cozy breakfast on chilly mornings, when you crave something warm and indulgent. If you’re serving a crowd, toss a few extras in a basket and watch everyone go back for seconds!

Notes

• Store leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.
• Reheat gently in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to bring back that soft, fresh-from-the-oven feel.

Closing: This recipe brings the cozy, comforting vibe of banana bread and cinnamon rolls together in one irresistible bite—trust me, it’s a winner every single time.