Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a dreamy mash-up of two beloved classics: the soft, moist sweetness of banana bread and the gooey, swirled perfection of cinnamon rolls. Imagine waking up to the smell of warm bananas, cinnamon, and brown sugar filling your kitchen—it’s pure comfort in a pan. These rolls are not only indulgent but also a clever way to use up those ripe bananas sitting on your counter. They’re soft, fluffy, and packed with caramelized banana flavor, topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze that makes them completely irresistible. Perfect for weekend breakfasts, brunches, or holiday mornings, these rolls bring together the coziness of banana bread with the fun pull-apart experience of a cinnamon roll.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed

• 1 large egg

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2–3 tablespoons milk

Cooking Directions

1. Warm the milk until just lukewarm, then sprinkle yeast and sugar over it. Let it sit for 5–7 minutes until foamy.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, egg, melted butter, and yeast mixture. Mix until smooth.

3. Add flour and salt gradually, mixing until dough forms. Knead for 6–8 minutes until soft and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

4. Prepare the filling by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until a spreadable paste forms.

5. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread filling evenly over the dough.

6. Roll up tightly from the long side, then cut into 12 equal rolls. Place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

7. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

8. Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.

9. While baking, prepare glaze: beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.

10. Spread glaze over warm rolls and serve immediately.

Nutrients (Per Roll – based on 12 servings)

• Calories: ~340

• Protein: 6 g

• Fat: 12 g

• Saturated Fat: 7 g

• Carbohydrates: 52 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugars: 27 g

• Sodium: 280 mg

• Potassium: 180 mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the best of both worlds—comforting, nostalgic banana bread meets decadent, swirly cinnamon rolls. The ripe bananas not only add natural sweetness but also keep the dough extra tender and moist. Every bite is a balance of sweet banana flavor, spiced cinnamon sugar, and creamy glaze. They’re fun to bake, impressive to serve, and guaranteed to disappear quickly at any breakfast table.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

Banana bread became a household staple during the 20th century when home cooks found creative ways to use overripe bananas. Cinnamon rolls, on the other hand, trace back to European baking traditions and have long been a breakfast favorite in the U.S. Combining the two is a modern, inventive twist inspired by our love for hybrid comfort foods. It’s a recipe born out of creativity and practicality—making something truly special out of ingredients most of us already have.

Ingredient Spotlight

Bananas are the star of this recipe. Overripe bananas are ideal because they add moisture, sweetness, and that unmistakable banana aroma. Cinnamon provides warmth and spice, while brown sugar caramelizes beautifully inside the rolls. Cream cheese glaze adds tangy sweetness that cuts through the richness. The yeast dough ties it all together, giving structure while staying soft and pillowy.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes. For long-term storage, freeze baked (unglazed) rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and warm before glazing.

Common Variations to Try

• Nutty Banana Rolls: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for crunch.

• Chocolate Swirl: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cinnamon sugar layer.

• Caramel Glaze: Replace cream cheese frosting with salted caramel drizzle.

• Healthier Version: Swap half the flour for whole wheat and reduce sugar slightly.

• Tropical Twist: Add shredded coconut and a hint of pineapple to the filling.

Pairing Recommendations

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a cold glass of milk. For a brunch spread, serve them alongside fresh fruit salad, scrambled eggs, or a savory quiche to balance the sweetness. They also make a lovely treat for holiday mornings when paired with sparkling cider or mimosas.

Health Benefits

Though indulgent, these rolls do have some nutritional perks. Bananas provide potassium, fiber, and natural sweetness, reducing the need for extra sugar. Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and may help regulate blood sugar. Enjoyed in moderation, these rolls can be part of a balanced lifestyle, especially when paired with protein-rich sides.

Conclusion

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a brilliant twist on two beloved classics. They’re warm, gooey, sweet, and full of banana flavor, making them a treat that feels both familiar and exciting. Whether for a cozy family breakfast, a brunch with friends, or a festive holiday morning, these rolls bring joy to the table. Once you try them, you’ll want to make them part of your baking traditions.