Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on two beloved treats. Combining the rich flavors of banana bread with the gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls, this recipe creates a warm and comforting dessert perfect for breakfast or any time you crave something sweet.

Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great for those who love bananas and cinnamon. It’s an easy way to use ripe bananas, and the combination of flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser. The soft, fluffy rolls topped with cream cheese icing make for a lovely treat that’s perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!).
How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Making Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls is simple and fun. Follow these easy steps to create a warm, sweet dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup mashed banana (about 2-3 medium bananas)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- In a large bowl, mix warm milk with yeast and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add melted butter, eggs, salt, and mashed banana. Mix well.
- Gradually add flour, stirring until the dough comes together.
- Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- For the filling, combine butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface into a 20×14-inch rectangle.
- Spread the filling over the dough and sprinkle with walnuts, if using.
- Roll up tightly from the long side.
- Cut into 12 rolls and place in a greased baking dish.
- Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- For the icing, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread over warm rolls.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
These delicious rolls are best served warm. You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a great dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
How to Store Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warm.
Tips to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
- Use overripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Don’t skip the rising times; this helps the dough become fluffy.
- Experiment with different fillings, like chocolate chips or dried fruit, for variety.
Variation (if any)
For a chocolate twist, add chocolate chips to the filling along with the cinnamon. You can also try different nuts or make them without nuts if you prefer.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise. After shaping the rolls, you can cover and refrigerate them before baking. Just let them come to room temperature before baking.
2. Can I freeze Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls?
Yes! You can freeze the baked rolls. Just make sure they cool completely, then wrap them well in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
3. What can I use instead of cream cheese for the icing?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use powdered sugar mixed with milk and vanilla for a simple glaze. It will still taste great on the rolls!

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup mashed banana (about 2-3 medium bananas)
Filling Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Icing Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparing the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix warm milk with yeast and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add melted butter, eggs, salt, and mashed banana. Mix well.
- Gradually add flour, stirring until the dough comes together.
- Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Creating and Baking the Rolls
- For the filling, combine butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface into a 20×14-inch rectangle.
- Spread the filling over the dough and sprinkle with walnuts, if using.
- Roll up tightly from the long side.
- Cut into 12 rolls and place in a greased baking dish.
- Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Making the Icing
- Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread over warm rolls.







