Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Imagine the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls wafting through your home on a lazy weekend morning. These pillowy-soft rolls combine two beloved classics – banana bread and cinnamon rolls – into one irresistible breakfast treat that will have everyone rushing to the kitchen. The caramelized banana filling melts into each spiral, creating pockets of moist, sweet goodness that perfectly complements the warm cinnamon spice. You’ll learn how to create these indulgent rolls with simple ingredients, including an overnight option that makes morning baking effortless.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are about to become your new favorite breakfast indulgence for so many reasons. First, they solve the eternal dilemma of what to do with those overripe bananas sitting on your counter – transforming them into something far more exciting than traditional banana bread. The contrasting textures are what make these rolls truly special: a soft, pillowy dough wrapped around a gooey, caramelized banana-cinnamon filling, all topped with a silky cream cheese glaze that melts tantalizingly into each warm spiral.

What makes this recipe particularly appealing is its flexibility. The overnight option means you can prepare everything the evening before and simply bake in the morning, filling your home with an irresistible aroma that’s guaranteed to rouse even the most reluctant early risers. Plus, these banana cinnamon rolls strike the perfect balance between familiarity and novelty – they’re comforting like traditional cinnamon rolls but with a tropical banana twist that makes them uniquely crave-worthy.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3¾ cups (470g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• ¾ cup (180ml) whole milk, warmed to 110°F
• ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 ripe banana, mashed (about ½ cup)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• ⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, softened
• ⅔ cup (135g) light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 2 ripe bananas, thinly sliced
• ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

The key to these banana breakfast rolls is using perfectly ripe bananas – those with brown spots provide the sweetest flavor and best consistency for both the dough and filling.

Pro Tips

Use the Right Bananas: For the best flavor in your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls, use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the dough, but slightly firmer bananas for the filling. The riper bananas in the dough provide natural sweetness and moisture, while the firmer slices in the filling maintain their structure during baking rather than dissolving completely.

Master the Dough Texture: The perfect dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s sticking to your hands excessively, add flour one tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right consistency. Conversely, if the dough feels too dry, add a teaspoon of milk at a time. This balanced texture ensures your rolls will be tender rather than dense or tough after baking.

Perfect Rolling Technique: For evenly-sized, beautiful Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls, roll the dough into a precise rectangle about 16×20 inches and ¼-inch thick. Use a ruler to measure and create straight edges for a professional look. When rolling up the dough, keep it tight but don’t compress it so much that the filling squeezes out. Cut the rolls with unflavored dental floss or a very sharp knife to maintain their round shape without flattening them.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, mashed banana, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Gradually add the remaining flour until you achieve a soft, slightly tacky dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 2: Knead and First Rise
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour until doubled in size. The banana in the dough helps create an exceptionally tender texture as it rises.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling
While the dough rises, mix the softened butter with brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl until it forms a spreadable paste. Slice your bananas thinly and set aside. If using walnuts, lightly toast them in a dry pan for enhanced flavor.

Step 4: Roll and Fill
Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle approximately 16×20 inches. Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across the surface, leaving a ½-inch border along one long edge. Arrange the banana slices in an even layer and sprinkle with chopped walnuts if using.

Step 5: Shape and Second Rise (or Refrigerate)
Starting with the long edge (without the border), tightly roll the dough into a log, pinching the seam to seal. Using unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife, cut into 12 equal rolls. Arrange in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, leaving space between each roll. For immediate baking, cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy. For overnight Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 12 hours.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If refrigerated overnight, remove the rolls and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before baking. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 190°F when tested with an instant-read thermometer.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese glaze by beating together cream cheese and butter until fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Spread the glaze over the warm (not hot) rolls, allowing it to melt slightly into the swirls. Serve your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls warm for the ultimate breakfast indulgence.

Variations

Tropical Banana Cinnamon Rolls: Transform these rolls into a vacation-worthy treat by adding ½ cup toasted coconut flakes to the filling and replacing 2 tablespoons of milk in the glaze with pineapple juice. Garnish with more toasted coconut for a banana bread roll with tropical flair that transports you to island time with every bite.

Chocolate Banana Bread Rolls: For chocolate lovers, sprinkle ½ cup mini chocolate chips over the cinnamon-sugar filling before rolling. The chocolate melts during baking, creating pockets of molten goodness throughout your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. For extra decadence, drizzle the finished rolls with melted chocolate alongside the cream cheese glaze.

Vegan Banana Cinnamon Rolls: Create a plant-based version by substituting the butter with coconut oil, the milk with almond or oat milk, and the eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water). For the glaze, use vegan cream cheese and vegan butter alternatives. These substitutions maintain the delicious banana bread flavor profile while accommodating dietary preferences.

Storage and Serving

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls stay fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days, though the texture is best when enjoyed within the first 48 hours. You can also freeze the baked and unglazed rolls for up to 2 months – simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes before adding fresh glaze.

For the most indulgent breakfast experience, serve these rolls warm with additional sliced bananas and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts on top. They pair beautifully with a strong cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a special brunch presentation, arrange the rolls on a large platter surrounded by fresh fruit, and provide a small pitcher of warm maple syrup or caramel sauce as an optional drizzle alongside the cream cheese glaze.

Transform these banana breakfast rolls into a decadent dessert by serving slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce – the contrast of warm roll and cold ice cream creates an irresistible texture experience.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls?
Yes! Thaw frozen bananas completely and drain excess liquid before mashing for the dough. For the filling, previously frozen bananas may be too soft for slicing, so consider mashing an additional banana into the cinnamon-sugar mixture instead.

Why didn’t my rolls rise properly?
This could be due to expired yeast, liquid that was too hot (killing the yeast), or a too-cold environment during rising. Ensure your milk is warm (110°F) but not hot, and let dough rise in a warm, draft-free area around 75-80°F.

Can I make these without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! While a stand mixer makes the process easier, you can mix the dough with a wooden spoon until combined, then knead by hand on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?
The rolls should be golden brown on top, and if you have an instant-read thermometer, the center should register 190°F. Another test is to gently pull apart two rolls in the center of the pan – they should be set and not doughy.

Can I prepare these entirely the night before?
Yes! Follow the recipe through arranging the cut rolls in the baking pan, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (up to 12 hours). In the morning, allow them to sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before baking as directed.

Conclusion

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are comfort food at its finest — a magical fusion that transforms ordinary ingredients into a breakfast worthy of celebration. The sweet banana aroma mingling with warm cinnamon creates a sensory experience that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s the kind of dish that turns ordinary mornings into memories, whether you’re sharing them with family on a lazy weekend or treating yourself to a well-deserved moment of indulgence. With their make-ahead convenience and irresistible flavor, these rolls aren’t just a recipe – they’re a new tradition in the making.

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