Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Warm, soft, and full of banana bread flavor, these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect mix of banana bread and cinnamon rolls. They’re great for breakfast, brunch, or a snack with coffee. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become your favorite treat!

A frosted cinnamon roll topped with pecans on a white plate with a fork, next to a baking dish of more rolls and a bunch of bananas in the background.

If you love bananas and cinnamon rolls, this recipe is for you. It combines two delicious classics into one tasty dessert or breakfast. These rolls are especially popular in colder months, filling your home with the cozy smell of cinnamon and banana. They’re also perfect for holiday mornings or weekend brunches, bringing everyone together with their amazing aroma.

If you love cinnamon rolls, then you have to give these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls a try. If you are looking for something to hit that sweet tooth a bit harder, then try these Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls.

Ingredients

To simplify your next grocery store trip, we’ve broken down everything you’ll need. Full quantities are available in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

For the Dough:

Warm milk: The milk should be heated to a warm, comfortable temperature, similar to baby bath water, to activate the yeast effectively. If it’s too hot, it may kill the yeast, and if it’s too cold, the yeast won’t activate.
Active dry yeast: This is essential for making the dough rise, creating a light and fluffy texture. Be sure to use fresh yeast for the best results, as expired yeast may not work properly.
Granulated sugar: The sugar feeds the yeast to help it activate and adds a subtle sweetness to the dough. It also contributes to browning during baking.
Mashed ripe banana: This brings natural sweetness to the dough while also keeping it soft and tender. The banana flavor adds a unique twist and pairs beautifully with the cinnamon filling.
Unsalted butter, melted: The melted butter adds a rich, buttery flavor to the dough, making it moist and flavorful. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the recipe.
Vanilla or banana extract: These extracts enhance the overall flavor of the dough. Vanilla provides a classic, subtle sweetness, while banana extract intensifies the banana flavor for a tropical touch.
Salt: Salt is essential to balance the sweetness in the dough and enhance all the other flavors. Without it, the dough would taste flat.
All-purpose flour: This is the base of the dough and gives it structure. Sifting the flour results in a softer texture by removing any lumps and incorporating air.

For the Filling:

Softened unsalted butter: This is spreadable and ensures even coverage throughout the filling. It creates a rich, velvety base for the sugar and cinnamon to stick to as it melts during baking.
Brown sugar: It provides sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon spice. Its molasses content makes it richer than granulated sugar.
Ground cinnamon: This warm, aromatic spice is the star of the filling. It gives that classic, comforting flavor that makes cinnamon rolls so irresistible.
Chopped walnuts or pecans: While optional, these nuts add a satisfying crunch and nutty depth of flavor to the filling. They provide a nice contrast to the soft dough and gooey filling.

For the Glaze:

Powdered sugar: The fine texture of powdered sugar is perfect for creating a smooth glaze that coats the rolls beautifully. Sifting the sugar prevents lumps for a flawless finish.
Softened cream cheese: This adds a tangy, creamy element to the glaze that balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor. It also makes the glaze rich and velvety.
Milk: Used to thin the glaze, you can adjust the amount to achieve your preferred consistency, whether you want it thick and spreadable or thin and pourable.
Vanilla extract: This rounds out the glaze’s sweetness with a hint of warm, aromatic flavor, tying all the elements together for a perfect finish.

See the recipe card below for quantities.

Instructions

This is a quick overview of the steps needed to make this recipe. You can find the full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

A glass bowl with dough in the center, surrounded by small bowls containing brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts on a white surface.

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit until foamy. Add mashed banana, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead until smooth. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.

A glass bowl containing brown sugar and ground cinnamon with a spoon inside.

Step 2: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.

A hand sprinkles brown sugar onto a sheet of dough spread with butter.

Step 3: Roll out dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with the brown sugar mixture and nuts, if using.

A white baking dish filled with twelve cinnamon rolls sits on a white surface, surrounded by bananas, pecans, powdered sugar, butter, and a small bowl of milk.

Step 4: Roll up tightly from the long side and slice into 12 rolls. Place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and let rise.

A white baking dish filled with cinnamon rolls topped with white icing, next to ripe and unripe bananas on a white surface.

Step 5: Preheat oven & Bake until golden brown. Then whisk together powdered sugar, cream cheese, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.

A rectangular dish filled with cinnamon rolls topped with white icing and scattered pecan pieces, with bananas in the background.

Step 6: Garnish with additional nuts if desired.

Storage

Storage: Store rolls at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or keep them refrigerated after cooling for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Microwave for 15–20 seconds to bring back that freshly baked texture.

What to Serve With Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Classic Breakfast: Start with a refreshing glass of orange juice, then pair your banana bread cinnamon rolls with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a hearty morning meal.
Lunch Option: Kick off with a small bowl of Instant Pot Turkey Soup, then complement the sweetness of the rolls with a light spinach and goat cheese salad for a delightful midday treat.
Dessert Delight: Serve after a savory dinner like Instant Pot Whole Lemon and Garlic Chicken or grilled fish, then enjoy the rolls with a scoop of Black Forest Ice Cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an indulgent dessert.
Coffee Break: Pair your cinnamon rolls with a Caramel Brulee Latte or cappuccino, alongside a handful of nuts or a small piece of dark chocolate for a cozy, satisfying afternoon snack.

A frosted cinnamon roll with chopped pecans in a white baking dish, partially served, with bananas in the background.

Wendys Tips

Warm Setting for Dough Rising: Use an oven with the light on or a proofing drawer to speed things up.
Mashed Bananas Matter: Use very ripe bananas for extra flavor. Think those spotty brown ones you’ve been meaning to use!
Avoid Rush Baking: Allow the dough to rise fully for the fluffiest results.

FAQ

Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.

Can I Make These Gluten-Free?

Absolutely! Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Can I Skip the Cream Cheese in the Glaze?

Of course! A simple glaze made of powdered sugar, vanilla, and a bit of milk works just as well.