Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Introduction
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the comforting flavors of classic banana bread with the gooey, spiced delight of cinnamon rolls. This recipe offers a delightful twist, perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack any time of day.

Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (or more for desired consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup brown sugar. Mix until well combined.
- Step 3: Add the melted butter to the banana mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
- Step 4: Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until the egg is fully blended.
- Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Step 7: In a small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix well.
- Step 8: Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough.
- Step 9: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Step 10: Roll the dough into a tight log from one end, keeping the filling inside.
- Step 11: Cut the log into 1-inch thick slices using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Step 12: Place the sliced rolls into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, leaving space between each roll.
- Step 13: Cover the baking dish with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.
- Step 14: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Step 15: Let the rolls cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Step 16: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Step 17: Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until you reach your desired consistency.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon sugar filling for extra crunch.
- If you prefer a sweeter topping, increase the powdered sugar in the cream cheese frosting.
- Use dental floss to slice the rolls cleanly without squishing the dough.
Storage
Store leftover banana bread cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving to restore softness.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Yes, overripe bananas are ideal because they are sweeter and softer, which helps achieve a moist, flavorful dough.
Do these cinnamon rolls need to rise like traditional yeast rolls?
No, this recipe uses baking powder and baking soda as leavening agents, so the dough does not require a long rise. The 30-minute rest helps the rolls relax and bake evenly.
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Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful fusion of classic cinnamon rolls and moist banana bread, offering a sweet, spiced treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Soft, fluffy rolls are filled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a creamy vanilla cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (or more for desired consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cinnamon rolls.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, granulated sugar, and brown sugar, stirring until well blended.
- Add Melted Butter: Pour in the melted unsalted butter and mix thoroughly to incorporate into the banana and sugar mixture.
- Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Crack in the egg and add vanilla extract, mixing until fully blended for the dough base.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the dough tender.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon, mixing well to create the cinnamon sugar filling.
- Spread Butter on Dough: Evenly spread the softened butter over the surface of the dough, creating a base for the cinnamon sugar filling to stick.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough for a sweet, spiced filling.
- Roll the Dough: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log from one end, keeping the filling inside and ensuring it’s compact.
- Slice Rolls: Cut the rolled log into 1-inch thick slices using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the cinnamon roll slices into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spacing them slightly apart to allow rising.
- Proof the Rolls: Cover the baking dish with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes until slightly puffed.
- Bake Rolls: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until rolls are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Rolls: Allow the rolls to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Frost Rolls: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve.
Notes
- Make sure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Don’t overmix the dough to avoid tough rolls.
- Use softened butter for easier spreading of filling.
- Letting the rolls rise until slightly puffed ensures a soft texture.
- Adjust milk in frosting for desired thickness.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat gently before serving for a fresh-baked taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: banana bread cinnamon rolls, banana cinnamon rolls, cinnamon roll recipe, banana bread dessert, cream cheese frosting, breakfast rolls

