These banana bread cinnamon rolls bring together two timeless favorites: the comforting flavor of banana bread and the tender, spiraled delight of cinnamon rolls. Each bite is filled with soft, banana-rich dough, warm cinnamon sugar, and topped with smooth cream cheese frosting. Whether served for brunch, dessert, or an afternoon snack, these rolls are sure to bring joy to any table.
Why You’ll Love These Rolls
Banana bread is known for its naturally moist texture and deep flavor. When combined with the cozy layers of a cinnamon roll, it creates a soft, gooey treat that’s satisfying yet simple to prepare. These rolls are ideal for using overripe bananas and make a warm, welcoming addition to weekend mornings, potlucks, or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a larger mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter, mashed bananas, and sugar until well blended. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky—this is normal. Avoid overmixing to keep the rolls tender.
Step 2: Shape and Fill
Place the dough on a lightly floured surface. Pat and gently shape it into a rectangle approximately ¼-inch thick.
Evenly spread the softened butter across the surface, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly on top of the butter.
Step 3: Roll and Cut
Starting from the long edge, gently roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the edge to seal. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal slices.
Arrange the slices, cut side up, in your prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll to allow for expansion during baking.
Step 4: Bake the Rolls
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of a roll comes out clean. The tops should be lightly browned and the edges set.
Remove from the oven and allow the rolls to cool slightly in the pan before frosting.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls cool, make the frosting. Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Slowly add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating between additions. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Spread the frosting generously over the slightly warm rolls so it melts into the layers but doesn’t completely liquefy.
Step 6: Serve and Store
Serve the rolls warm for the best texture and flavor. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness. Reheat gently before serving.
Helpful Tips for Success
- Use Overripe Bananas: Dark, heavily speckled bananas offer the richest banana flavor and sweetness.
- Softened Butter for Filling: Make sure your butter is soft (not melted) to spread evenly and prevent tearing the dough.
- Even Slicing: For uniform rolls, mark the dough log into 12 sections before slicing.
- Cooling Before Frosting: Don’t rush the frosting step—let the rolls cool just enough so the frosting melts slightly without turning runny.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs, cream cheese, and butter are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
Variations to Try
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon sugar layer before rolling for a nutty crunch.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a layer of melted chocolate chips over the filling or drizzle on top after baking.
- Caramel Glaze: Swap the cream cheese frosting for a homemade caramel sauce for a rich, toffee-like finish.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if you’re avoiding gluten—results will be slightly more delicate but still delicious.
Approximate Nutrition per Serving (Makes 12 Rolls)
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 4g
Note: Nutrition may vary slightly depending on ingredient brands used and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature while the oven preheats before baking as usual.
Do I need a stand mixer to make the dough?
No mixer is required. The dough is soft and can easily be mixed by hand using a spoon or spatula.
Can I freeze the banana cinnamon rolls?
Yes. Freeze baked and cooled rolls (without frosting) for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat, then add fresh frosting before serving.
Can I use a different type of frosting?
Absolutely. While cream cheese frosting complements the banana flavor beautifully, you can also try vanilla glaze, whipped cream, or caramel drizzle.
Why is my dough too sticky?
Banana-based doughs are naturally moist. If it’s overly sticky, lightly flour your hands and surface—avoid adding too much flour or it will toughen the rolls.
How ripe should my bananas be?
The best bananas for baking have brown, heavily speckled skins. They should mash easily and have a strong banana aroma.
Final Thoughts
These banana bread cinnamon rolls combine everything you love about a soft, moist banana loaf and a buttery cinnamon roll. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a tray full of rich, swirled rolls ready to enjoy warm from the oven. Whether you’re baking for family, brunch guests, or just yourself, this recipe is an easy favorite that never fails to impress.