Name: Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup mashed banana (very ripe); 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup milk; Softened butter (for filling); Sugar (for filling); Extra cinnamon (for filling)

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When I can’t decide between banana bread and cinnamon rolls, I love making this hybrid recipe that combines the best of both worlds. These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and infused with sweet banana flavor, while the cinnamon-sugar swirl makes them irresistible. They’re the perfect weekend bake when I want something cozy and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like these rolls because they’re easier than traditional yeast cinnamon rolls but still have that warm, gooey center I crave. The mashed banana keeps the dough soft and moist, and the cinnamon swirl makes the kitchen smell amazing while they bake. They’re also versatile—I can keep them simple or dress them up with glaze or cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup mashed banana
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk

(Plus softened butter, sugar, and extra cinnamon for the filling.)

Directions

I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking dish.
In a large bowl, I mix the mashed banana, melted butter, and sugar until smooth.
I beat in the eggs until the mixture is creamy.
In a separate bowl, I whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
I add the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, alternating with milk, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
On a floured surface, I roll the dough into a large rectangle.
I spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle with extra sugar and cinnamon.
I roll the dough up tightly lengthwise and slice it into 1-inch thick rolls.
I arrange the rolls in the baking dish with space between them, cover, and let them rise for 30 minutes.
I bake them for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown.
I let them cool slightly before serving warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 rolls.

Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 30 minutes rising)
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls

Variations

Sometimes I drizzle cream cheese frosting or a simple vanilla glaze over the rolls for extra indulgence.
Adding chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips to the filling gives them extra texture.
I’ve swapped cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice in the filling for a fall twist.
For more banana flavor, I use slightly overripe bananas.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, I warm them in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. They also freeze well—either baked or unbaked—and I thaw them overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use yeast instead of baking powder?

Yes, I can make a yeast-based version by replacing baking powder with active dry yeast. It requires a longer rise, but gives the rolls extra fluffiness.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the rolls, cover them, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, I let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

Do these taste more like banana bread or cinnamon rolls?

They taste like a perfect mix—the texture is closer to a roll, but the flavor carries the sweetness and moisture of banana bread.

Can I add a glaze?

Absolutely. A simple glaze of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla makes them even better.

What’s the best type of banana to use?

I always use very ripe bananas with brown spots—they’re sweeter and mash more smoothly.

Conclusion

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a fun twist on two classic comfort foods. I love how the banana makes them moist and flavorful, while the cinnamon swirl keeps them indulgent. Whether I enjoy them plain, with glaze, or fresh from the oven with coffee, they’re always a hit in my kitchen.