Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls – The Best of Both Worlds 🍌🍯🌀
What happens when you mix the soft, stretchy texture of cinnamon rolls with the warm, sweet flavor of banana bread ?
You get these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls — pillowy-soft swirls filled with gooey banana-cinnamon-sugar and topped with a rich vanilla or cream cheese glaze. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you need a little extra comfort in your life.
Let’s dive into how to make this delicious hybrid treat!
🧁 Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Rolls
- Perfect combo : Banana bread meets cinnamon roll magic.
- Soft & fluffy : Just like bakery-style rolls.
- No yeast fear : Simple dough that rises beautifully with just one rise.
- Great for sharing : A showstopper at family gatherings or weekend brunches.
- Make-ahead friendly : Roll, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh in the morning.
🧾 Ingredients (Makes 8–10 Rolls)
For the dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter
- ½ cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 medium banana)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
For the cinnamon-banana filling:
- ¾ cup brown sugar , packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup softened butter
- ½ cup mashed banana (about 1 large banana)
For the glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
- Optional: Cream cheese glaze for extra richness
🔪 Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring tools
- Wooden spoon or stand mixer
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet or round cake pan
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Sharp knife or floss for slicing
- Whisk or spatula
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl:
- Combine warm milk and yeast .
- Let sit for 5–10 minutes , until foamy and fragrant — this means the yeast is active.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl:
- Add mashed banana , melted butter , sugar , salt , and activated yeast mixture .
- Mix well until smooth.
- Gradually stir in flour , one cup at a time, until the dough comes together.
Once too thick to stir, turn out onto a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes , until smooth and elastic.
Place in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1 hour , or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl:
- Mix brown sugar , cinnamon , and mashed banana .
- Stir in softened butter until it becomes a spreadable paste.
Set aside while the dough rises.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen:
- Roll it into a rectangle about 12×9 inches on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread the banana-cinnamon filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 5: Roll and Slice
Starting from the long side:
- Tightly roll up the dough like a jelly roll.
- Pinch the seam to seal.
- Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the roll into 8–10 equal slices .
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased round baking dish or loaf pan .
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes , or until golden brown and bubbly.
Let cool slightly before glazing.
Step 7: Glaze and Enjoy!
In a small bowl:
- Whisk together powdered sugar , vanilla extract , and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle generously over the warm cinnamon rolls.
Optional: Use cream cheese glaze (mix 2 oz cream cheese + ½ cup powdered sugar + 1 tsp vanilla + 2–3 Tbsp milk) for extra decadence.
🍯 Serving Suggestions
- With a dollop of whipped ricotta or mascarpone on top.
- Alongside a mug of strong coffee or chai latte .
- Drizzled with honey or maple syrup for added sweetness.
- Try them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert vibes.
- Wrap extras for lunchboxes or gifting — they travel beautifully!
🥡 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 days .
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked rolls after slicing — thaw and bake when ready.
- Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate overnight for fresh rolls in the morning.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven or toaster oven for best texture — microwave only if necessary.
✅ Expert Tips for Success
- Use overripe bananas for deeper flavor and natural sweetness.
- Don’t skip resting the dough — rising gives it that classic cinnamon roll texture.
- Want extra gooeyness? Add a few chocolate chips or pecans into the filling.
- Try a spiced version with nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger in the filling.
- For a gluten-free version , use gluten-free flour blend and xanthan gum.
🧠 Nutritional Highlights
These rolls may be indulgent, but they still offer some wholesome benefits:
- Mashed banana adds natural sweetness and potassium.
- Butter and eggs deliver energy-rich fats and protein.
- Cinnamon supports digestion and blood sugar balance .
- Flour and yeast give structure and a light crumb.
Enjoy in moderation — especially with a cup of tea or a healthy side salad.
📝 Final Thoughts
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls prove that the best recipes come from combining the things we love most. With their soft banana-infused dough, gooey cinnamon-banana swirl, and dreamy glaze, they bring warmth, nostalgia, and pure joy to every bite.
Whether you’re making them for a special breakfast, holiday brunch, or just because you deserve something sweet, this recipe brings bold flavor and cozy comfort straight to your table.
So grab your rolling pin, mash those bananas, and get ready to fall in love with this irresistible fusion of banana bread and cinnamon rolls!
