Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Introduction
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the comforting flavors of banana bread with classic cinnamon rolls. Soft, tender, and warmly spiced, they’re perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack any time of 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, 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 ripe bananas for the sweetest flavor and softest texture.
- For a nuttier twist, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on the filling before rolling.
- If you prefer a thicker icing, add less milk or let the glaze set longer before serving.
Storage
Store the banana bread cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or warm oven before serving.
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 less time for proofing, but be sure to adjust the rising time accordingly. Instant yeast can be mixed directly with flour without proofing in milk.
Can I make these rolls dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the butter and milk with dairy-free alternatives like margarine or coconut oil and almond or oat milk. Keep the rest of the recipe the same for delicious dairy-free rolls.
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Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 cinnamon rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully soft and sweet Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combining the flavors of ripe bananas, cinnamon, and sugar, baked to golden perfection and topped with a smooth icing glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a comforting snack.
Ingredients
Dough
- 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, yeast, and a pinch of granulated sugar. Let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes, to activate the yeast and ensure it’s alive.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add mashed bananas, melted butter, egg, granulated sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine all the wet ingredients uniformly.
- Make Dough: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until a smooth dough forms. Knead the dough by hand or using a stand mixer for 5 minutes until elastic and smooth, then cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Prepare Filling and Shape Rolls: Roll the risen dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the softened butter evenly on top. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over the buttered surface. Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log, then cut into 9 equal slices to form the cinnamon rolls.
- Second Rise and Bake: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let them rise for an additional 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) during this time. Bake the rolls for 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
- Make Icing and Serve: While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of milk until smooth and slightly pourable. Once the rolls are done and slightly cooled but still warm, drizzle the icing over the top generously before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm (about 110°F/43°C) to activate yeast properly but not hot enough to kill it.
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture in the dough.
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute the unsalted butter with browned butter in the dough and filling.
- Adjust the amount of milk in the icing to achieve your desired consistency—less for thicker icing, more for drizzle consistency.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: banana bread cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls, banana cinnamon rolls, breakfast rolls, sweet rolls, cinnamon sugar rolls

