Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls (Soft, Sweet & Fruity)
Imagine the soft, pillowy texture of cinnamon rolls infused with the rich, comforting flavor of banana bread—that’s exactly what these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls deliver. Each roll is packed with mashed bananas, swirled with cinnamon and brown sugar, and topped with a luscious glaze or cream cheese frosting.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy weekend treat, these rolls combine the best of two classics into one irresistible pastry.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Soft, fluffy, and moist
✔️ Sweet banana flavor with a cinnamon swirl
✔️ Easy to make from scratch
✔️ Perfect for brunch or dessert
✔️ Can be frozen for later
Ingredients
For the Dough:
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 packet (7g / 2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
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½ teaspoon salt
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¾ cup warm milk
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¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 large egg
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1 ripe banana, mashed
For the Cinnamon Filling:
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½ cup brown sugar
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2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
For the Glaze or Frosting:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
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Optional: 2 tablespoons cream cheese for a richer frosting
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Dough
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In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
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In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
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Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and mashed banana. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
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Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Place in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Keep the softened butter aside.
3. Shape the Rolls
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Roll the risen dough into a rectangle, about 12×8 inches.
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Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
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Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
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Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.
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Cut the log into 9–12 equal pieces.
4. Second Rise
Place the rolls in a greased baking pan, leaving a little space between each.
Cover and let rise for another 30–40 minutes until puffy.
5. Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
6. Glaze or Frost
While the rolls are still warm, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for a simple glaze. Drizzle over the rolls.
For cream cheese frosting, mix powdered sugar, vanilla, milk, and cream cheese until smooth, then spread generously over warm rolls.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve warm with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
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Add chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) to the filling for extra crunch.
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Pair with fresh fruit for a brunch spread.
Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
✔️ Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture.
✔️ Don’t overbake—rolls should be soft and slightly gooey.
✔️ Let the glaze set slightly before slicing for cleaner servings.
✔️ You can make the dough ahead and refrigerate overnight for convenience.
Variations
Chocolate Chip Banana Rolls
Sprinkle mini chocolate chips along with the cinnamon filling.
Tropical Twist
Add shredded coconut to the filling for a piña colada-inspired flavor.
Vegan Option
Replace butter with coconut oil, milk with plant-based milk, and egg with a flax egg.
Storage
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
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Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
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Freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months; thaw and warm before serving.
Final Thoughts
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the tender sweetness of banana bread with the classic cinnamon roll swirl for a breakfast treat that feels indulgent yet comforting. Soft, fruity, and rich with cinnamon, these rolls are guaranteed to become a family favorite.