I’m absolutely smitten with these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls, and I think you will be too. They’re the perfect marriage of two beloved classics—fluffy cinnamon rolls with that unmistakable banana bread flavor we all crave.
The ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, while the cream cheese glaze takes everything to new heights.
Ever wondered what happens when banana bread and cinnamon rolls have a delicious baby? Well, let me tell you about this game-changing breakfast treat that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are about to become your new favorite breakfast treat.
I’m talking about the perfect marriage of two classic comfort foods – banana bread and cinnamon rolls – coming together in one irresistible package.
Can you imagine biting into a soft, fluffy roll that tastes like your favorite banana bread but swirled with cinnamon-sugar goodness?
The ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, while that cream cheese glaze takes everything to the next level.
Plus, they’ll make your kitchen smell absolutely heavenly.
No fancy techniques required, just straightforward baking that yields impressive results.
What Ingredients are in Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls?
You’ll need just a handful of pantry staples to create these magical banana bread cinnamon rolls that combine two comfort classics into one amazing breakfast treat.
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ripe bananas (the spottier, the better for sweetness)
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, plus extra for filling
- 1 egg
- 2¼ teaspoons yeast (about one standard packet)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar (for the filling)
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped nuts (completely optional, but walnuts or pecans work beautifully)
Remember that the ripeness of your bananas matters tremendously here—those nearly black, super-ripe ones might look questionable for snacking, but they’re absolute gold for baking, providing the perfect natural sweetness and intense banana flavor that makes these rolls so special.
How to Make these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2¼ cups flour, 2¼ teaspoons yeast, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. This creates the foundation for our dough, and mixing the dry ingredients first helps guarantee everything gets evenly distributed.
Step 2: Prepare the Banana Mixture
Warm ¼ cup milk slightly (just until lukewarm, not hot), then add 2 mashed ripe bananas and 2 tablespoons butter. The warmth activates the yeast while the bananas bring that signature flavor that makes these rolls so special.
Step 3: Mix and Knead the Dough
Combine your wet banana mixture with the dry ingredients, add 1 egg, and knead until you have a smooth, elastic dough.
This might take about 5-7 minutes by hand or 3-4 minutes in a stand mixer—you want that perfect, slightly tacky texture that pulls away from the bowl.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour.
The dough should roughly double in size, looking puffy and full of life—this is the magic of yeast at work!
Step 5: Create the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling
While the dough rises, mix ⅓ cup brown sugar with 2 tablespoons cinnamon in a small bowl.
This simple combination creates that warm, aromatic filling that makes cinnamon rolls so irresistible.
Step 6: Roll and Fill the Dough
Roll your risen dough into a large rectangle (about 12×14 inches), spread with softened butter, then sprinkle evenly with your cinnamon-sugar mixture and ½ cup chopped nuts if using.
The thinner you roll the dough, the more beautiful swirls you’ll get in the final product.
Step 7: Shape and Slice the Rolls
Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log, then slice into 12 even pieces using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.
Arranging these spirals in a greased baking dish with a little space between them allows room for that final rise.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your rolls at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until they’re gorgeously golden brown and cooked through.
For consistently perfect results, consider investing in a premium brownie set that includes quality baking pans that work beautifully for these cinnamon rolls too.
While they’re still warm, drizzle with cream cheese glaze for that classic cinnamon roll finish that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
What to Serve with Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
These banana bread cinnamon rolls make a delightful breakfast or brunch centerpiece, but what to pair with them? A strong cup of coffee balances the sweetness perfectly, while cold brew offers a rejuvenating contrast on warmer mornings.
For a more substantial breakfast spread, crispy bacon or breakfast sausage adds that savory element that makes sweet rolls even more satisfying.
Fresh fruit, particularly berries or sliced oranges, brings a welcome brightness to the plate.
And if you’re feeling indulgent, consider serving these rolls with an extra side of cream cheese glaze or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
These rolls truly shine as the star of weekend breakfasts, but they’re equally at home alongside afternoon tea or as a special after-dinner treat.
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Substitutions and Variations
- Fruit Boost: Add 1/4 cup of diced dried fruit like raisins or dates to the filling.
- Spice It Up: Mix cardamom or nutmeg with the cinnamon, or add a teaspoon of vanilla to the dough.
- Topping Twists: Try a maple glaze, caramel drizzle, or chocolate sauce instead of cream cheese frosting.
- Nutty Ideas: Pecans or walnuts in the filling add wonderful texture, but pistachios or almonds offer delightful alternatives.
Leftovers and Storage for these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
These delicious rolls keep remarkably well, though I must admit they rarely last long in my house!
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze unfrosted rolls individually wrapped in plastic, then sealed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
To reheat, warm rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes covered with foil to prevent drying out.
A quick zap brings back that fresh-baked softness, especially with a tiny pat of butter on top!
While delicious fresh from the oven, many swear these rolls taste even better the next day when the banana flavor deepens.
Final Thoughts
These banana bread cinnamon rolls represent the perfect marriage between two beloved classics. The ripe bananas infuse the dough with natural sweetness and moisture, while the cinnamon-sugar swirl creates those irresistible, gooey layers we all crave.
They make a spectacular weekend breakfast when you have a bit more time in the kitchen, but also work beautifully for holiday brunches or special occasions when you want to impress without exhausting yourself.
The versatility of this recipe—from the optional nuts to the make-ahead potential—means it can adapt to your family’s preferences and schedule.
In a world of complicated recipes, there’s something deeply satisfying about transforming simple ingredients into something so extraordinarily comforting.
