Name: Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas (mashed); 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet); 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C); 1/4 cup sugar; 1/4 cup melted butter; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 eggs; 1/2 cup softened butter; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tbsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (nutty twist); Mini chocolate chips (chocolate banana rolls); Maple syrup (for glaze topping); Plant-based milk, vegan butter, and flax egg (for vegan adaptation); Gluten-free baking blend with xanthan gum (for gluten-free option)

Wake up to warm Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls, bursting with cinnamon spice and moist banana flavor, delivering a perfect blend of softness and sweetness in every bite. These rolls combine the comforting essence of traditional cinnamon rolls with the rich, natural sweetness of ripe bananas, making them a unique and irresistible treat for breakfast or brunch. Soft, fluffy, and fragrant, Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on classic baked goodness that will elevate your mornings and impress anyone lucky enough to share them with you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting aroma: Freshly baked rolls fill your kitchen with irresistible cinnamon and banana scents that instantly boost your mood.
Soft and fluffy texture: A perfect rise and tender crumb create melt-in-your-mouth rolls every time.
Moist banana flavor: Ripe bananas ensure each bite is naturally sweet and moist without added extra sugars.
Easy to customize: The recipe allows for simple variations to suit gluten-free, vegan, or nutty preferences.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls impress with their unique banana bread twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and fluffiness. Each component has a specific role, making sure the dough rises beautifully and the filling bursts with cinnamon goodness.

Ripe bananas: Provide natural sweetness and moisture, the star of the banana bread flavor.
All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, offering structure and softness.
Active dry yeast: Essential for a light, risen dough with fluffy texture.
Warm milk: Activates the yeast and helps create a tender dough.
Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps with browning.
Butter: Keeps the rolls rich and moist, both in dough and filling.
Ground cinnamon: Adds classic spice flavor to the filling.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
Eggs: Bind the dough and add richness.
Brown sugar: Gives the filling its caramel-like sweetness and moisture.

Variations for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Feel free to personalize your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with these easy and delicious variations. Whether adjusting for dietary needs or embracing your favorite flavors, this recipe adapts beautifully without losing its signature softness.

Nutty twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans into the cinnamon filling for extra crunch and flavor.
Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a safe alternative.
Vegan adaptation: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg to keep these rolls vegan-friendly.
Chocolate banana rolls: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips in the cinnamon filling for a sweet surprise.
Maple glaze topping: Replace traditional icing with a maple syrup glaze for a rich, natural sweetness.

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Fresh and Fluffy

How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the dough

Start by activating the active dry yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar, letting it bubble up within 5–10 minutes. Mix the mashed ripe bananas with sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt, then gradually add in the flour and yeast mixture. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then cover and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1–1.5 hours, until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the filling

Prepare the cinnamon filling by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon to create a spreadable, fragrant paste that will infuse the rolls with warmth and sweetness.

Step 3: Roll out and fill

Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, ensuring every bite will have that signature swirl of cinnamon and brown sugar goodness.

Step 4: Shape the rolls

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, then slice it into even pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Place the slices into a greased baking pan, leaving space for further rising.

Step 5: Final rise and bake

Allow the cinnamon rolls to proof for another 30–45 minutes until puffy. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: Glaze and serve

While warm, drizzle your favorite icing or glaze over the rolls to enhance sweetness and presentation. Let cool slightly before serving for perfect banana bread cinnamon rolls that are irresistibly fresh and fluffy.

Pro Tips for Making Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Use very ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the more natural sweetness and moisture they add to the dough.
Don’t skip the kneading: Proper gluten development ensures soft, fluffy rolls with perfect rise.
Warm liquids carefully: Milk and melted butter should be warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
Even thickness matters: Roll your dough evenly to ensure consistent baking and swirl distribution.
Allow for proper rising: Letting dough rise fully results in tender, airy rolls instead of dense ones.

How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top of the glazed rolls to add an extra layer of texture and visual appeal that complements the banana and cinnamon flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside fresh fruit like berries or citrus slices to cut through the sweetness, or pair with a cup of hot coffee or spiced chai tea to enhance the comforting experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the rolls in a circular bundt pan for a beautiful pull-apart presentation, or serve individually wrapped in parchment paper tied with a ribbon, perfect for gifting or grab-and-go breakfasts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness; refrigerate for up to a week but expect a slight firmness that reheating can fix.

Freezing

Wrap individual or whole batches tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Frozen rolls keep beautifully for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Rewarm rolls in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave for 20–30 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven feel that revives their softness and warms the cinnamon aroma.

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls?

Yes! Overripe bananas are ideal because they bring maximum sweetness and moisture, which is essential for that moist, flavorful dough.

Do I have to use yeast?

Yes, yeast is critical for the dough to rise properly and achieve the soft, fluffy texture that defines Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls.

Can I make these rolls gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a high-quality gluten-free baking flour blend with added xanthan gum for the best texture and rise.

How long do Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls keep fresh?

Freshly baked rolls stay soft at room temperature for about 2 days, but refrigeration extends freshness up to a week with slight texture changes.

What’s the best way to freeze these rolls?

Freeze wrapped tightly in plastic and foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight, then reheat for best taste and texture.

Final Thoughts

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the best of two world-class baked treats into one unforgettable experience. With their soft, fluffy texture and the perfect balance of banana sweetness and warm cinnamon spice, these rolls are sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Sampling them fresh from the oven is a simple joy guaranteed to brighten your day or delight guests. Give this recipe a try, and get ready to enjoy mornings like never before!

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Author: Anna
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian (can be adapted to Vegan or Gluten-Free)

Print Recipe

Description

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful fusion of classic cinnamon rolls and the rich, natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Soft, fluffy, and moist, these rolls are bursting with cinnamon spice and banana flavor, making them an irresistible treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Their comforting aroma and tender crumb will elevate your mornings and impress anyone lucky enough to share them.

Instructions

Prepare the dough: Activate the active dry yeast by mixing it with warm milk and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until bubbly. In a large bowl, combine the mashed ripe bananas, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually add the flour and the yeast mixture, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Make the filling: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until you achieve a spreadable paste. This filling will infuse the rolls with warm cinnamon flavor and caramel-like sweetness.
Roll out and fill: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, roughly 16×12 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along the edges to prevent overflow.
Shape the rolls: Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 1 to 1.5 inch-thick even pieces. Place these slices cut-side up into a greased baking pan, ensuring enough space between each for final rising.
Final rise and bake: Cover the rolls and allow them to proof for another 30 to 45 minutes until puffy. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Glaze and serve: While still warm, drizzle your preferred icing or maple glaze over the rolls. Let them cool slightly before serving to enjoy fresh, soft, and fluffy Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls.

Notes

Use very ripe bananas for maximum natural sweetness and moisture.
Do not skip kneading to ensure proper gluten development for fluffy rolls.
Warm liquids (milk and butter) should be warm, not hot, to preserve yeast activity.
Roll dough to an even thickness for consistent baking and swirl distribution.
Allow the dough to fully rise for tender, airy rolls instead of dense texture.