Gooey Sweet Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Who doesn’t love a warm, gooey cinnamon roll? Now imagine combining that with the soft, moist magic of banana bread. Yep, it’s a match made in DESSERT HEAVEN. These banana bread cinnamon rolls are a game-changer perfect for breakfast , a brunch, or honestly, just whenever you’re craving something DELISH.

The best part? They’re surprisingly simple to make. My husband whipped these up for our Saturday brunch last weekend, and let me tell you, they didn’t last long.

By the time we sat down with our coffee ( Coffee Loophole ) , the tray was almost EMPTY. And If I’m in the mood for something just as delicious, I’ll go for these Pecan Rolls too!

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WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE ROLLS

• THE BANANA FLAVOR: If you’re already a fan of banana bread, these rolls bring all that comforting flavor to the table.
• CINNAMON SWIRL GOODNESS: That classic cinnamon-sugar filling takes things to the next level.
• SOFT AND FLUFFY TEXTURE: These rolls are tender, with just the right amount of chewiness.
• NO WASTED BANANAS: Got overripe bananas? BOOM, now you’ve got the perfect excuse to use them.

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INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED FOR BANANA BREAD CINNAMON ROLLS

Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need to make these rolls. Most of these are pantry staples, so no fancy shopping trips required.

For the Dough:

• 2 medium ripe bananas (mashed)
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¼ cup warm milk (around 110°F)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 large egg
• ½ tsp salt
• 3 cups all-purpose flour

The Filling:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

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HOW TO MAKE BANANA BREAD CINNAMON ROLLS

ACTIVATE THE YEAST

In a small bowl, you mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp sugar. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until it’s nice and frothy. (If it doesn’t foam up, your yeast might be inactive—try again with a new packet!)

MAKE THE DOUGH

In a mixing bowl, you combine the mashed bananas, sugar, softened butter, egg, and salt. Add the yeast mixture then stir until smooth. Gradually you start adding flour, 1 cup at a time, until the dough starts to come together. It should be soft but not sticky.

PRO TIP: Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes on a floured surface. This step is CRUCIAL for that fluffy texture. (Or use a stand mixer with a dough hook—thank me later.)

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, let it rise for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

PREP THE FILLING

While the dough is rising, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Keep the softened butter handy—it’s going to help stick that cinnamon-sugar mix to the dough.

ROLL AND FILL

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Spread the softened butter evenly over your dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.

Roll up the dough tightly from the long side, and slice it into 12 even pieces. Place them your greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.

SECOND RISE

Cover the dish and let the rolls rise again for about 30 minutes. They’ll puff up nicely and fill in the gaps.

BAKE

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Your kitchen will smell like absolute HEAVEN by now.

MAKE THE GLAZE

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the warm rolls. (Be generous—you deserve it!)

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TIPS FOR THE PERFECT BANANA BREAD CINNAMON ROLLS

• USE RIPE BANANAS: The riper, the better! Brown spots = more sweetness and flavor.
• DON’T SKIP THE SECOND RISE: This ensures your rolls are light and fluffy.
• CUSTOMIZE YOUR FILLING: Want more than cinnamon? Try adding chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips to the filling.

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BANANA BREAD CINNAMON ROLLS: THE SWEETEST FUSION EVER

If you’re like me, banana bread is a household favorite—it’s easy, comforting, and perfect for using those overripe bananas. But sometimes, you want something a little EXTRA. That’s where banana bread cinnamon rolls come in. They’re a creative spin on two classics that combine the soft texture of banana bread with the gooey sweetness of cinnamon rolls. It’s like dessert and breakfast had the PERFECT BABY.

Imagine pulling these warm rolls out of the oven: soft spirals packed with a cinnamon-sugar filling, with the sweet banana aroma filling the room. My sister-in-law came over last Sunday, and these were a TOTAL SHOWSTOPPER. Even she, the self-proclaimed “non-baker,” couldn’t stop eating them. Trust me, once you try banana bread cinnamon rolls, plain banana bread will feel like yesterday’s news.

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WHY BANANA BREAD CINNAMON ROLLS ARE TRENDING

Banana bread cinnamon rolls aren’t just a delicious treat—they’re also an awesome way to make use of leftover bananas in a fun, exciting way. Overripe bananas are practically MADE for baking, and the natural sweetness they add means you don’t need as much sugar in the dough. It’s a win-win for flavor and reducing food waste!

Another reason these rolls are catching on? They’re versatile. You can dress them up with fancy toppings like cream cheese frosting, crushed nuts, or even a caramel drizzle. Or, keep it classic with a simple glaze—perfect for letting that banana flavor shine. These rolls feel like a gourmet bakery treat, but they’re totally do-able at home.

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BANANA BREAD CINNAMON ROLLS FOR ANY OCCASION

One thing I LOVE about banana bread cinnamon rolls is how they fit into any occasion. Lazy weekend morning? Make these rolls and pair them with a hot cup of coffee. Hosting brunch? BAM—your guests will rave about how you “totally outdid yourself.” They’re also a great treat to whip up for holidays like Easter or Christmas when everyone is craving something warm, cozy, and homemade.

Plus, they make an AMAZING gift. Who wouldn’t be thrilled to receive a tray of fresh-baked banana bread cinnamon rolls? Wrap them up in a cute dish towel with a bow, and you’ve got the ultimate thoughtful present. (My mom still talks about the time I surprised her with these on her birthday!)

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HEALTHIER TWISTS ON BANANA BREAD CINNAMON ROLLS

While these banana bread cinnamon rolls are an indulgence, you can totally tweak the recipe to fit your lifestyle. Want a lighter version? Swap out some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup in the dough.

For an extra dose of nutrition, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling. Not only do they add crunch, but they also pack in healthy fats. I even tried adding a handful of dark chocolate chips once—let’s just say, NO REGRETS.

And for those with dietary restrictions, don’t worry! You can make these rolls dairy-free by using plant-based milk and vegan butter. (I tested this with almond milk and coconut oil, and they still turned out AH-MAZING.)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Perfect Pairings for Your Next Breakfast

If you’re loving these recipes, I’ve got a few more that’ll make your mornings (and snacks) even better.

Craving something warm and cozy? Check out this Brioche French Toast Casserole. It’s rich, sweet, and perfect for weekend brunch with the family!

For a fun breakfast twist, these Mini Pancakes are adorable, easy to make, and great for little hands—or big ones craving bite-sized goodness.

And if you’re all about fall vibes (or just LOVE cookies), you’ve got to try these Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with pumpkin spice flavor.

Bookmark these for your next cooking adventure—you’ll thank me later!