Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Introduction
Experience the delightful fusion of classic cinnamon rolls and moist banana bread with these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. They are soft, flavorful, and perfect for a special breakfast or a cozy snack any time of the day.

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
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Add mashed bananas, melted butter, egg, granulated sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
- Step 3: Mix in flour gradually until a smooth dough forms. Knead for 5 minutes, then cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Step 4: Roll dough into a rectangle. Spread softened butter on top, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll up tightly and slice into 9 rolls.
- Step 5: 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.
- Step 6: Whisk together powdered sugar and milk for icing. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- For a richer filling, add chopped nuts or raisins along with the cinnamon and sugar.
- Brush the rolls with melted butter right after baking for extra softness and shine.
- Substitute milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
Storage
Store cooled banana bread cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven until warm before serving. Add a little extra icing or butter after reheating if desired.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast using about 25% less than the amount of active dry yeast called for. No need to proof it in warm milk first, just add it directly to the dry ingredients.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking. This allows the flavors to develop even more.
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Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 cinnamon rolls 1x
Description
Delightfully soft and flavorful Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the sweet warmth of cinnamon rolls with the moist texture of banana bread. Perfect as a comforting breakfast or a sweet snack, these rolls are swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a simple powdered sugar icing.
Ingredients
Dough 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
Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a bowl, whisk together warm milk, active dry yeast, and a pinch of granulated sugar. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes or until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the mashed ripe bananas, melted unsalted butter, large egg, granulated sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir well to combine all the wet ingredients evenly.
- Mix and Knead Dough: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture, stirring continuously until a smooth dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for approximately 5 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Prepare Filling and Shape Rolls: Roll the risen dough into a large rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough’s surface. Mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture generously on top of the buttered dough. Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log and cut it into 9 equal rolls.
- Second Rise and Bake: Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each. Cover and let them rise again for 20 minutes. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top.
- Make Icing and Serve: While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to create a smooth icing. Once the rolls are out of the oven and still warm, drizzle the icing over them generously. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- If bananas are very ripe, they will add more sweetness and moisture, enhancing the flavor.
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but texture will be denser.
- For a dairy-free version, use a vegan butter substitute and plant-based milk.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: banana bread cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls, banana bread rolls, breakfast rolls, sweet rolls, cinnamon sugar rolls

