Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

These rolls are everything: moist from mashed banana, rich with brown sugar cinnamon filling, and finished with a luscious glaze. The banana adds natural sweetness and keeps the dough extra soft—kind of like a cinnamon roll crossed with banana bread in the best way possible.

You can make these the same day or let them rise overnight in the fridge for the ultimate lazy morning treat.

Why You’ll Love Them

• All the flavor of banana bread + all the gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls
• Soft, fluffy dough with a touch of banana sweetness
• Make ahead friendly—perfect for holidays and weekend brunches
• Naturally halal and kid-approved
• Your kitchen will smell like heaven. Promise.

Time & Servings

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Rise Time: 90 minutes total (or overnight option)
• Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: ~2.5 hours
• Servings: 12 rolls
• Calories per roll: ~340 (with glaze)

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
• 1/2 cup warm milk (not hot, about 110°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
• Optional: pinch of nutmeg or chopped pecans

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: 2 oz cream cheese, softened (for a creamier version)

How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

1. Activate the Yeast

• In a large bowl, whisk warm milk and sugar until combined. Sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be expired—start fresh for best results!

2. Make the Dough

• Stir in mashed banana, melted butter, egg, and salt.
• Add 3 ½ cups of flour, one cup at a time, mixing until dough forms.
• Knead on a floured surface (or with a mixer and dough hook) for 6–8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
• Add a bit more flour if too sticky, but keep it soft.

3. Let It Rise

• Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 60–75 minutes, or until doubled in size.

4. Make the Filling

• In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional nutmeg until spreadable.

5. Roll & Fill

• Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 10×16 inches).
• Spread cinnamon filling evenly across the dough.
• Roll up tightly from the long side into a log, then slice into 12 rolls.

6. Second Rise

• Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes (or refrigerate overnight).

⏰ Overnight option: Cover tightly and refrigerate after shaping. Let come to room temp and rise slightly before baking.

7. Bake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

8. Glaze It Up

• Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth and pourable.
• Drizzle over warm rolls (or slather generously if using cream cheese glaze).

How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

• Warm with a cup of coffee, chai, or oat milk
• Paired with fresh fruit or a savory egg dish for brunch
• Drizzled with extra caramel sauce or maple syrup
• With a dusting of cinnamon or chopped nuts on top

Variations

• Nutty twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling
• Chocolate version: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips with the cinnamon sugar
• Vegan version: Use plant-based milk, butter, and egg replacer
• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 GF baking flour with xanthan gum
• Mini rolls: Roll tighter and cut smaller for bite-size treats

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
• Freezer: Freeze rolls (baked or unbaked) for up to 2 months
• Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a low oven

FAQ

Can I use overripe bananas?
Yes, the riper the better—just like banana bread!

Can I skip the second rise?
Not recommended—the rolls need time to puff up for that classic texture.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?
No problem—just use the simple vanilla glaze or drizzle with maple syrup!

Can I use instant yeast?
Yep! No need to proof—just mix right into the flour and proceed.

Final Thoughts

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the softest, coziest, most banana-bready breakfast treat ever. They’re warm, gooey, spiced just right, and absolutely perfect for brunch, holidays, or those magical mornings when you just want something special.

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