If you love banana bread and you love cinnamon rolls, get ready for the ultimate mashup! These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are fluffy, gooey, and filled with comforting banana flavor and warm cinnamon swirls. Topped with a luscious cinnamon cream cheese frosting, this is what breakfast dreams are made of. Trust me, once you try these, store-bought rolls will never compare.
These rolls are the perfect way to use up those overripe bananas and turn them into something magical. Whether it’s a lazy weekend breakfast or a sweet surprise for brunch guests, this recipe is a must-bake!
Why You’ll Love These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
- They’re soft, fluffy, and full of banana flavor.
- That brown sugar cinnamon swirl? Absolute perfection.
- Made with simple pantry ingredients.
- The cream cheese frosting has a cinnamon twist that takes things to the next level.
- They smell like a hug from the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp Rapid Rise yeast
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup mashed overripe banana
Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (room temp)
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (room temp)
- 2 oz cream cheese (room temp)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of the flour, brown sugar, yeast, cinnamon, and salt.
Microwave milk and butter together for about 30 seconds, just until warm and butter is mostly melted. Let cool slightly if it’s too hot, then stir in the mashed banana.
Pour the wet mixture into the flour mix. Beat on low, increasing to high for about 2 minutes.
Add 1 more cup of flour and mix. Then gradually add the final cup until a soft dough forms and pulls from the sides.
Step 2: Knead and Rise
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Transfer to an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
Step 3: Make the Filling
Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Set aside.
Step 4: Roll, Fill, and Slice
Roll the risen dough into an 18×12 inch rectangle. Spread room-temp butter all over, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mix evenly.
Roll tightly from the long side and pinch the seam. Slice into 12 even rolls using floss or a sharp knife.
Place the rolls in a parchment-lined 9×13 pan. Cover and let rise again for 1 hour.
Step 5: Bake and Frost
Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly.
While they cool, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, cinnamon, milk, vanilla, and salt. Spread over warm rolls and serve!
Pro Tips from the Kitchen
- Use overripe bananas for best flavor and sweetness.
- Warm the milk to around 110°F too hot and it’ll kill your yeast!
- Don’t skip the second rise it gives the rolls that signature fluff.
- For extra gooey rolls, drizzle with a bit of cream before baking.
FAQ: Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare them the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bring to room temp and bake in the morning.
Can I freeze them?
Yes! Freeze baked (unfrosted) rolls, then thaw and frost when ready to eat.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
Mascarpone or a simple vanilla glaze works too!
How ripe should the bananas be?
Very ripe the spottier, the better. They add natural sweetness and moisture.
More Breakfast Favorites You’ll Love
- Easy Hot Fudge Brownie Bread
- White Chocolate Raspberry Dream Cake
- Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe – A Sweet and Moist Treat for Any Occasion
Final Thoughts
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the warm nostalgia of banana bread with the indulgent swirl of cinnamon rolls. They’re everything a cozy breakfast should be: soft, warm, comforting, and just a little indulgent. Whether you’re making them for family, friends, or just for yourself (you deserve it!), these rolls are guaranteed to impress.
