Introduction
There’s something magical about waking up to the smell of cinnamon and warm bananas drifting from the kitchen. It’s the kind of aroma that makes you slow down, breathe deeply, and smile without even realizing it. These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls have that effect — soft, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth rolls with a swirl of gooey cinnamon filling and the cozy flavor of homemade banana bread.
The moment you pull them apart, the warm layers practically sigh open, releasing all that buttery, banana-cinnamon goodness. They’re the kind of treat that makes a quiet morning feel special, a brunch table feel festive, and a simple day feel like a celebration. One bite in, and you’ll understand why these rolls disappear faster than you expect.
What Are Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls?
Banana bread cinnamon rolls are exactly what they sound like — the best parts of banana bread and cinnamon rolls brought together into one unbelievably soft, sweet, cloud-like pastry. They take all the comfort of banana bread (thanks to those spotty bananas we all have on the counter) and wrap it into a classic cinnamon roll swirl.
The bananas make the dough extra tender and naturally sweet, while the cinnamon filling melts into a gooey ribbon throughout the roll. They’re simple, homey, and just different enough from regular cinnamon rolls to feel exciting. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or any morning when you want something that feels like a warm hug.
Bonus Tip: Let your dough rise somewhere warm — bananas help with softness but a good rise makes them unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love These Rolls
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Your whole home will smell like a bakery
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They’re extra soft, extra fluffy, extra gooey
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No special skills needed — very beginner friendly
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A fun twist on a classic recipe
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Amazing for sharing (or not sharing…)
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Stay soft even the next day
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A great excuse to use overripe bananas
Extra Idea: Add chocolate chips or nuts to the filling for even more texture and flavor.
Ingredients You Will Need
Main Ingredients
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Ripe Bananas – The riper, the sweeter and softer your rolls will be.
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All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure without making the rolls heavy.
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Active Dry Yeast – The key to that fluffy, bakery-style rise.
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Milk – Warm milk wakes up the yeast and enriches the dough.
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Butter – Soft, buttery rolls = happiness.
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Egg – Makes the dough richer and softer.
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Cinnamon – The signature flavor that ties everything together.
Additional Ingredients
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Brown Sugar – Sweet, caramelly, perfect for the filling.
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Powdered Sugar – For that simple drizzle on top.
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Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and flavor to both dough and icing.
Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute |
|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | Whole Wheat Flour |
| Butter | Coconut Oil |
| Milk | Almond Milk |
| Egg | Flax Egg |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Mash the Bananas
Mash your bananas until creamy and smooth — this is what gives the rolls their banana bread soul.
Pro Tip: The more speckled the bananas, the better the flavor.
Step 2 – Activate the Yeast
Warm your milk until just cozy-warm (not hot), sprinkle in the yeast and a tiny pinch of sugar, and let it sit until it turns foamy.
Pro Tip: If it doesn’t foam, your yeast is tired — grab a fresh packet.
Step 3 – Mix the Wet Ingredients
Combine the mashed bananas, softened butter, egg, sugar, and vanilla. Stir until everything comes together into a smooth, fragrant mixture.
Step 4 – Bring It All Together
Add the yeast mixture, then slowly work in the flour until the dough forms. It should be soft and slightly sticky but not unmanageable.
Step 5 – Knead the Dough
Knead for a few minutes until the dough becomes smooth and stretchy.
Pro Tip: If you can stretch a small piece thin without tearing, you’re good.
Step 6 – First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl and let it rise until doubled — usually an hour or two.
Pro Tip: A warm oven (turned off!) makes a perfect rising spot.
Step 7 – Roll Out the Dough
Once risen, punch it down and roll it into a rectangle.
Step 8 – Add the Filling
Spread softened butter, then sprinkle a generous mix of brown sugar and cinnamon.
Pro Tip: Press the sugar gently so it sticks when you roll.
Step 9 – Roll It Up
Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into even pieces.
Step 10 – Second Rise
Place in a greased dish, cover, and let them puff up again.
Pro Tip: You can refrigerate the rolls overnight at this stage and bake in the morning.
Step 11 – Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20–25 minutes until beautifully golden.
Step 12 – Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla. Drizzle over warm rolls.
Bonus Flavor: Add a bit of maple syrup to the glaze — trust me, it’s perfect with bananas.
Chef Tips, Variations & Substitutions
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Use gluten-free flour for a GF version
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Add walnuts or pecans for crunch
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Swap glaze for cream cheese frosting
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Mix cream cheese into the filling for a richer swirl
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Prep the dough the night before for easy morning baking
Extra Variation: A little pumpkin spice in fall makes these irresistible.
What to Serve With These Rolls
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Fresh fruit salad
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Bacon or sausage for salty balance
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Greek yogurt for creaminess
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Coffee, chai, or hot chocolate — all perfect matches
More Inspiration: Try drizzling warm honey over the rolls right before serving.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
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Lasts 3 days in an airtight container
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Freeze (before icing) for up to 3 months
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Reheat in microwave (20 sec) or oven (10 min at 350°F)
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Store in glass or plastic to keep them soft
Meal Prep Bonus: Bake in muffin tins for portable breakfast rolls.
Nutrition Highlights
These rolls offer a cozy balance of carbs, healthy fats, and sweetness. Bananas add natural sugar, potassium, and moisture. Cinnamon brings antioxidants and warmth. If you want a lighter version, reduce added sugar — the bananas carry a lot of flavor on their own.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Yes — shape the rolls and refrigerate overnight.
2. How do I make them extra fluffy?
Fresh yeast, warm environment, and patience during rising.
3. Can I replace bananas?
Applesauce works, but the flavor won’t be the same.
4. Can they be made vegan?
Yes — use plant milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg.
5. What if my dough doesn’t rise?
The liquid may have been too hot or the yeast inactive.
Variants
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Chocolate Chip Banana Rolls
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Banana Nut Rolls
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Maple Banana Rolls
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Cream-Filled Banana Rolls
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Pumpkin Spice Banana Rolls
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Lemon-Glazed Rolls
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Coconut Banana Rolls
Conclusion
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls bring comfort, warmth, and joy with every bite. They’re soft, fluffy, gooey, and full of banana-cinnamon goodness — everything you want in a morning treat. Whether you’re baking for family or just treating yourself, these rolls make any day a little sweeter.
Bake a batch tonight — your kitchen will smell incredible, and everyone will want seconds.
