Banana bread and cinnamon rolls are two of the most beloved comfort bakes of all time — so what happens when you combine them? Magic. These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are pillowy soft, full of sweet banana flavor, and swirled with gooey cinnamon sugar. Topped with a silky vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting, they make the ultimate cozy morning treat or show-stopping brunch centerpiece.
Why I Love This Recipe
It’s everything I love about banana bread — the warm banana flavor, the moisture, the nostalgic vibes — plus the indulgent swirl and melt-in-your-mouth texture of a cinnamon roll. They’re tender and soft thanks to the banana, slightly sticky from the cinnamon sugar, and totally crave-worthy. Also? They’re a great way to use up those overripe bananas that always seem to multiply overnight.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 ripe banana, mashed (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup softened butter
Glaze (or Frosting):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
OR - Use a cream cheese frosting for extra richness
Ingredient Swaps & Notes
- Banana: Use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots — they’ll be sweeter and easier to mash.
- Filling Add-ins: Try chopped pecans, walnuts, or mini chocolate chips for a twist.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter to make it dairy-free.
- Overripe Banana Backup: If your banana isn’t ripe enough, roast it in the oven at 300°F for 15–20 minutes (in the peel) until soft.
Instructions
1. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, mix warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add sugar, melted butter, mashed banana, egg, and salt. Mix to combine.
Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Roll & Fill
Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread with softened butter, then sprinkle evenly with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
4. Roll & Slice
Roll the dough up tightly, starting from the long edge. Slice into 9–12 rolls. Place in a greased 9×13-inch pan or baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes.
5. Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until lightly golden and cooked through.
6. Glaze
While warm, drizzle with glaze or slather with cream cheese frosting. Serve warm and get ready for banana cinnamon bliss.
Tips for Success
- Use Warm Milk: Not too hot, or it’ll kill the yeast. Around 110°F is ideal.
- Don’t Over-Flour: The dough should be soft and slightly tacky, not dry.
- Rise in a Warm Spot: Your oven with the light on or a warm corner of your kitchen works well.
- Bake Just Until Done: Don’t overbake — you want soft, tender rolls, not dry ones.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- With coffee or chai for the perfect brunch
- Pair with These Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins for a cozy seasonal spread
- Serve alongside These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites for a full bake-off experience
- Add This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread to the table for a banana-themed morning
- Finish brunch with These Caramel Apple Pie Cookies for a touch of fall sweetness
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for 2 days.
- Fridge: Keep for up to 5 days and reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.
- Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped rolls (unfrosted) for up to 2 months. Reheat and frost just before serving.
More Recipes You Will Love
- This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way to Use Up Overripe Bananas
- These Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins Are My Favorite Fall Treat to Bake on Repeat
- These Caramel Apple Pie Cookies Are My Favorite Fall Treat in Bite-Sized Form
- These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites Are My Favorite Little Treat to Bake Anytime
- These Cake Mix Cookies Are My Go-To Shortcut for Easy Foolproof Treats
Final Thoughts
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls bring the best of both worlds into one dreamy dish. Whether you’re baking for a holiday brunch, a weekend breakfast, or just to treat yourself, they deliver big flavor with a soft, cozy texture that’s hard to beat.
Give them a try and tag @ChefManiac with your creation! And don’t forget to follow along for more sweet treats and baking magic.
