Name: Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cashew milk, or your choice of milk; 2.25 teaspoons rapid rise yeast (1 packet); 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 medium bananas, mashed (about 3/4 cup); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter or vegan butter, melted; 3.5 – 4 cups Bob’s Red Mill Artisan Bread Flour*; 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter or vegan butter, softened; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional); 1 medium banana, thinly sliced (about 30 slices); 5 ounces cream cheese, softened (substitute dairy-free if needed); 2 tablespoons milk or Greek yogurt, to thin as needed; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup confectioners sugar

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 2 reviews

If you are looking for a delightful twist on two beloved classics, this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is what you need. Imagine the soft, tender fluffiness of cinnamon rolls infused with the natural sweetness and moistness of ripe bananas right in the dough. Each bite delivers a perfect swirl of brown sugar and cinnamon, complemented by thin banana slices and a tangy cream cheese glaze that’s simply to die for. Whether you’re preparing a comforting weekend breakfast or a special treat, these rolls bring warmth and joy to your kitchen in the most delicious way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image of a single ball of pale beige dough resting inside a gray metal mixing bowl with a white dough hook partially visible on the left side. The dough looks soft with small air bubbles and a slightly uneven surface texture. The inside of the bowl shows signs of use with some worn or scratched spots on the side. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t be intimidated by the list because these ingredients are all straightforward and super important—they work together to create that perfectly soft texture, natural banana sweetness, and the heavenly cinnamon aroma that you’ll fall in love with.

1 cup cashew milk (or your choice of milk): Provides a creamy base for activating the yeast and hydrating the dough without overpowering flavors.
2.25 teaspoons rapid rise yeast (1 packet): The magic behind the beautiful rise and airy fluffiness.
2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds sweetness that feeds the yeast and enhances flavor complexity.
2 medium bananas (3/4 cup mashed): The star ingredient that lends moisture, natural sweetness, and a lovely banana aroma.
3 tablespoons unsalted or vegan butter: Enriches the dough with softness and a buttery finish.
3.5 – 4 cups artisan bread flour: Provides the right gluten structure for chewy, tender rolls.
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
1/4 cup softened butter (for filling): Creates a luscious base for the cinnamon sugar mixture to melt into the dough.
1/4 cup brown sugar (for filling): Layers in rich caramel-like flavors.
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Gives the rolls that classic spicy warmth that pairs perfectly with bananas.
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional): Adds a subtle depth of spice and warmth.
1 medium banana, thinly sliced (about 30 slices): Adds a fresh banana layer inside each roll for bursts of flavor and texture.
5 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creates a tangy, creamy frosting that marries beautifully with the sweet rolls.
2 tablespoons milk or Greek yogurt: Thins the frosting for easy spreading while adding richness.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the cream cheese glaze with warm, sweet notes.
1 cup confectioners sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting into a silky gloss.

How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

First things first, warm your milk to just about 110ºF or lukewarm—this temperature is crucial so you don’t kill the yeast. Mix your yeast and brown sugar into a large bowl and gently add the warm milk. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until the top becomes foamy, signaling that your yeast is alive and ready to give your rolls that fluffy lift.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Once your yeast mixture is foamy, add melted butter and the mashed bananas, blending on low speed until smooth. Then, start adding the flour and sea salt in increments—about half a cup at a time. Keep mixing until the dough is elastic and pulls away from the bowl. Switch to a dough hook if you have one and knead on low for about five minutes. Your dough should be soft but not sticky. If needed, add a little more flour incrementally.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Lightly oil a large bowl and place your dough ball inside, covering it with a clean towel. Find a warm, draft-free environment (tip: a turned-off oven preheated to 200°F works wonders) and let it rise until doubled in size, which usually takes about 45 minutes. This resting time develops flavors and makes the dough tender and airy.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and lightly flour your rolling surface and pin. Gently roll out the dough into a 15×9 inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg on top, pressing slightly so the sugar melds with the butter. Lay the thin banana slices in three neat rows across your dough.

Carefully roll the dough from one long edge using your hands, sealing the seam underneath. Slice the roll into 12 even pieces using the floss or serrated knife method. Arrange the rolls in your greased pan, leaving some space to rise again. Place the pan somewhere warm to rest for another 15 minutes while you prep the oven.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Once heated, bake the rolls uncovered for 20 minutes until they turn a delicate golden brown. If the tops brown too quickly, cover with foil for the final 5 minutes to prevent overbaking while ensuring they cook through fully.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls bake, whip the softened cream cheese with your choice of milk or Greek yogurt until light and smooth. Add the vanilla and confectioners sugar and mix on low until fully combined. As soon as the rolls come out and cool slightly, spread the frosting evenly for that creamy, luscious finish that makes these rolls utterly irresistible.

How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

A close-up view of nine cinnamon rolls arranged tightly in a white baking tray lined with light brown parchment paper. Each roll has one visible swirl layer with a light golden dough and dark brown cinnamon filling, speckled with chunks of walnuts that add texture inside the rolls. The dough looks soft and slightly risen with a smooth matte surface. The background shows a soft focus white marbled texture and a blurred white cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of cinnamon or a few extra banana slices on top of the frosting adds a fresh visual pop and enhances the overall aroma. If you want to kick it up a notch, a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts complements the sweetness with a satisfying crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair these cinnamon rolls with a cup of rich coffee or a frothy chai latte for the perfect breakfast harmony. For a brunch spread, fresh fruit salad or dairy-free yogurt with granola on the side balances the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving warm banana bread cinnamon rolls in a rustic wooden basket lined with a soft linen napkin for a cozy feel. You can also create mini versions for bite-sized indulgence or cut the roll in half, toast lightly, and drizzle leftover cream cheese glaze for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft and fresh. Refrigeration can be used if your kitchen is very warm, but it may slightly dry out the dough.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully! Wrap each one individually with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or pop them in a preheated 350ºF oven for about 10 minutes. Reheating brings back that freshly-baked softness and makes the cream cheese frosting deliciously melty again.

FAQs

Can I make this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use plant-based butter alternatives and dairy-free cream cheese and milk substitutes to keep it completely dairy-free without sacrificing taste or texture.

How ripe should the bananas be?

For best results, use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots. They are sweeter and softer, which enhances the flavor and moistness in the dough beautifully.

Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Yes! After shaping the rolls, cover and refrigerate them overnight. The slow rise will deepen the flavor, and you can bake fresh in the morning for an effortless and impressive breakfast.

What kind of flour works best?

Artisan bread flour is ideal here because it has higher protein content to develop gluten, helping create that chewy-yet-tender texture. You can experiment with all-purpose flour but expect a slightly softer roll.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Definitely. Just swap the butter and cream cheese with vegan options, and use a plant-based milk. You’ll still get all the delicious flavors and tender texture vegan-friendly.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe enough if you crave a cozy, sweet treat filled with homemade warmth and affection. It’s one of those recipes where the smell alone will bring everyone running into the kitchen. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime snack, these rolls are guaranteed to be a new favorite. So roll up your sleeves, grab those bananas, and make some magic happen in your kitchen!