Imagine the warm, comforting flavors of banana bread swirled into gooey cinnamon rolls. Sounds dreamy, right? These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine two classic favorites into one irresistible treat. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert, this recipe is moist, fluffy, and packed with the sweet, spiced goodness of bananas and cinnamon. Plus, the cream cheese glaze takes it over the top! Let’s get baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Two-in-One Delight: Combines the flavors of banana bread with the soft, indulgent texture of cinnamon rolls.
• Perfectly Sweetened: Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and a touch of brown sugar.
• Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or lazy Sunday mornings.
• Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or even a caramel drizzle for extra flair.

The Flavor of Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Think of the classic warm, nutty flavor of banana bread, combined with the sticky, cinnamon-sugar swirl of a traditional cinnamon roll. Each bite is soft, slightly caramelized, and utterly addictive.

Ingredients for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

For the Dough:

• 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 small banana)
• 1 large egg

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup mashed ripe banana

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional: Chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.

Tools You’ll Need

• Stand mixer with a dough hook (optional but helpful)
• Large mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Plastic wrap or kitchen towel for proofing

How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine melted butter, mashed banana, egg, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
3. Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8-10 minutes by hand or 5-7 minutes in a stand mixer until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and mashed banana until smooth and spreadable.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 16×12 inches).
2. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Slice into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.

Step 4: Proof and Bake

1. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving space for them to expand. Cover and let them rise for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

1. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy.
2. Spread the glaze over warm rolls and serve immediately.

Tips for the Perfect Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the more natural sweetness and flavor they’ll add.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the rolls to avoid drying them out.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the rolls the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and bake.
• Add a Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts or even chocolate chips over the filling for extra texture.

What to Serve with Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

• Coffee or Tea: A hot cup of your favorite beverage pairs perfectly with these rolls.
• Fresh Fruit: A side of berries or sliced oranges adds a refreshing balance.
• Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: For a dessert twist, top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How to Store and Reheat

• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Reheat: Microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.
• Freeze: Freeze unglazed rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before glazing.

FAQs

Q: Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes! Swap up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.

Q: Can I make these vegan?
Absolutely! Use plant-based butter, a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water), and non-dairy milk and cream cheese.

Q: Can I skip the cream cheese glaze?
Of course! You can dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk.

Why You’ll Love Making These Again

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate combination of comfort and indulgence. Whether you’re a banana bread lover, a cinnamon roll fanatic, or both, this recipe hits all the right notes. Soft, sweet, and packed with flavor, they’re the kind of treat you’ll crave again and again.

If you try this recipe, leave a comment below or tag me in your photos on Pinterest—I’d love to see how they turned out!

Nutritional Info (per roll):

Approx. 280 calories, 10g fat, 42g carbs, 6g protein.

Looking for more breakfast treats? Try my Maple Pecan Sticky Buns or Blueberry Lemon Sweet Rolls—your mornings will never be the same! 🍌✨