These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate fusion of soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls and moist, flavorful banana bread. I take ripe bananas and transform them into a dough that's both rich and tender, filled with cinnamon-sugar goodness and topped with a creamy frosting. Whether it's breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls always hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love using up ripe bananas in a fun and unique way
I enjoy the comforting taste of banana bread paired with the gooey swirl of cinnamon rolls
I get to fill my kitchen with the smell of sweet cinnamon and baked bananas
I can make bakery-style rolls right at home
I like how easily the cream cheese frosting pulls it all together

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough:

1 cup warm milk
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup melted unsalted butter
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup mashed ripe bananas

For the Filling:

½ cup softened unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Icing:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup softened unsalted butter
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

I start by mixing warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl and let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
I stir in the melted butter, eggs, salt, and mashed bananas. I gradually add the flour until the dough forms.
I knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, then place it in a greased bowl to rise for 1 hour.
I mix together the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to make the filling.
I roll the dough into a rectangle, spread the filling over it, and sprinkle with walnuts if I'm using them.
I roll the dough up tightly and cut it into 12 equal rolls.
I place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
I bake them at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
While they bake, I make the icing by beating together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
Once the rolls have cooled slightly, I spread the icing on top and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 rolls
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours 20 minutes

Variations

I leave out the walnuts to keep it nut-free
I mix chocolate chips into the filling for a sweet twist
I swap in maple extract instead of vanilla for a cozy flavor
I use dairy-free and egg-free alternatives to make them vegan

Storage/Reheating

I keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days
I reheat individual rolls in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes

FAQs

How ripe should my bananas be?

I always use bananas that are heavily speckled or almost fully brown—they’re sweeter and mash easily.

Can I prepare the rolls the night before?

Yes, I often assemble the rolls the night before and let them do their second rise in the fridge overnight. I just let them sit at room temperature before baking.

What can I use instead of cream cheese in the frosting?

If I’m out of cream cheese, I make a simple glaze with powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk.

Can I freeze these rolls?

Absolutely. I freeze them after baking and cooling, then reheat and frost when ready to serve.

How do I get clean slices when cutting the rolls?

I use unflavored dental floss to cut the dough cleanly without squishing the rolls.

Conclusion

Making these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls is one of my favorite weekend baking projects. I love how they combine nostalgic banana bread flavors with the irresistible swirl and icing of cinnamon rolls. They’re warm, sweet, and perfect for sharing—or keeping all to myself.

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls
Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the comforting taste of banana bread with the gooey sweetness of cinnamon rolls, topped with creamy frosting for the perfect breakfast or dessert treat.

Instructions

Mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl and let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
Stir in melted butter, eggs, salt, and mashed bananas. Gradually add flour until dough forms.
Knead dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, then place in a greased bowl to rise for 1 hour.
Mix together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the filling.
Roll dough into a rectangle, spread filling over it, and sprinkle with walnuts if using.
Roll dough tightly and cut into 12 equal rolls.
Place rolls in a greased baking dish and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
While rolls bake, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla for the icing.
Spread icing on slightly cooled rolls and serve warm.