Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the kind of treat that instantly make your kitchen feel warm and welcoming. I made these on a quiet afternoon when I had two very ripe bananas sitting on the counter, and the aroma that filled the house was unbelievable.
Imagine the sweet scent of bananas blending with buttery cinnamon sugar as the rolls bake to golden perfection. When I pulled them out of the oven and drizzled the vanilla icing over the warm swirls, it melted into every crevice.
The first bite was soft, fluffy, and perfectly spiced, with a gentle banana flavor that makes these rolls stand out from classic cinnamon rolls.
If you love traditional banana bread but crave something extra special, Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are absolutely worth trying.
Key Ingredients in Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Ripe bananas: The mashed bananas are the heart of Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. They add natural sweetness, moisture, and that subtle banana flavor that makes these rolls unique.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure while still keeping the rolls soft and fluffy.
Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise and creates that light, airy texture.
Warm milk: Activates the yeast and adds richness to the dough.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter enriches the dough, while softened butter forms the base of the cinnamon filling.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough without overpowering the filling.
Brown sugar: Mixed with cinnamon for a deep, caramel-like sweetness in the swirl.
Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and classic cinnamon roll flavor.
Egg: Adds structure and tenderness.
Powdered sugar and milk: Combined to create a smooth, sweet icing that finishes the rolls perfectly.
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Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 9 rolls
Description
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe combines ripe mashed bananas, all-purpose flour, yeast, brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and a sweet powdered sugar icing to create soft, fluffy rolls packed with warm spice and rich banana flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup warm milk
1/2 tsp salt
1 large egg
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
2–3 tbsp milk (for icing)
Instructions
In a bowl, whisk together warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
Add mashed bananas, melted butter, egg, granulated sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
Mix in flour gradually until a smooth dough forms. Knead for 5 minutes, then cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
Roll dough into a rectangle. Spread softened butter on top, sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll up tightly and slice into 9 rolls.
Place rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for 20 minutes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes or until golden.
Whisk together powdered sugar and milk for icing. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
If you enjoy Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls, you might also like my 3 Ingredient Cake Mix Banana Bread for a quicker option, or even balance your baking days with savory dishes like Slow Cooker Italian Lemon Chicken and Melt In Your Mouth Caesar Chicken Recipe.
How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Step-by-Step
-In a mixing bowl, whisk together the warm milk, active dry yeast, and a small pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture turns foamy. This step ensures the yeast is active and ready.
-Stir in the mashed bananas, melted butter, egg, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.
-Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
-Roll the dough into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle with brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 9 even rolls.
-Place the rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for 20 minutes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
-Whisk together powdered sugar and milk to form a smooth icing. Drizzle over the warm rolls and serve immediately.
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount per Roll |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 52 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Sugar | 22 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
FAQs
Can I make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.
Can I freeze these rolls?
Absolutely. Bake and cool them completely, then freeze without icing. Thaw and warm slightly before adding fresh icing.
What if my dough does not rise?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and your milk is warm, not hot. Hot milk can kill the yeast and prevent rising.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes, chopped walnuts or mini chocolate chips make a delicious addition to the filling.
Conclusion
After making Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls, I can honestly say they bring together the best of two classic baked goods. They are soft, fragrant, and perfectly sweet with that comforting banana twist. Whether you serve them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they are guaranteed to make your kitchen smell amazing and your family ask for seconds.
Looking for inspiration? Visit Elise Chef on Pinterest to explore beautifully curated high-fiber recipes and discover your next healthy habit.