Banana Cinnamon Rolls: 5 Irresistible Recipes That Will Transform Your Morning

The scent of banana cinnamon rolls baking in the oven takes me back to Sunday mornings at my grandmother’s house. Those warm, swirled pastries with their gooey filling and cream cheese icing created memories that have lasted a lifetime. There’s something magical about the combination of ripe bananas folded into soft dough, spread with cinnamon-sugar filling, and topped with tangy cream cheese icing that makes these rolls irresistible.

Did you know that banana bread recipes increased by 45% during 2020’s home baking surge? But have you considered transforming those overripe bananas into something even more extraordinary—like these banana cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing?

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why Banana Cinnamon Rolls Matter

Banana cinnamon rolls represent the perfect marriage between classic cinnamon rolls and banana bread. The banana adds natural sweetness and moisture to the dough while the traditional cinnamon filling and cream cheese icing create that perfect balance of flavors. These rolls are perfect for using up those overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste.

If you enjoy working with yeasted dough, you might also like this Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe or these delicious No-Knead Donuts.

Ingredients for Banana Cinnamon Rolls

banana, cinnamon rolls, dough, filling, cream cheese icing ngredients

For the Dough:

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour (can substitute with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
• ½ cup whole milk, warmed (substitute with almond milk for dairy-free)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ripe banana, mashed

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (dairy-free cream cheese works too)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2-3 tbsp milk
• Pinch of salt

Ingredient Spotlight: The Magic Behind These Rolls

Ripe Bananas: The star ingredient provides natural sweetness, moisture, and that distinctive banana flavor. The riper the bananas, the more pronounced their flavor will be in your rolls.

Cinnamon: More than just a spice, cinnamon contains compounds that enhance the perception of sweetness, meaning you can use less sugar overall. Its aromatic quality also creates that unmistakable “home baking” scent.

Cream Cheese: The tanginess of cream cheese in the icing balances the sweetness of the rolls perfectly while adding a luxurious, velvety texture that melts beautifully over warm banana cinnamon rolls.

Yeast: The leavening agent that gives these rolls their light, airy texture. The combination of yeast and bananas creates a uniquely soft dough that rises beautifully.

Timing

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Baking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes

These banana cinnamon rolls actually come together 15% faster than traditional cinnamon rolls because the banana in the dough accelerates the rising process thanks to its natural sugars that feed the yeast.

Instructions for Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Pro Tip: The dough will be slightly stickier than traditional cinnamon roll dough due to the bananas. This is exactly what you want for ultra-soft rolls!

Step 2: Knead and First Rise

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Personal Twist: I place my dough in the oven with just the light on—it creates the perfect warm environment for rising without being too hot.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

While the dough rises, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the softened butter with the mashed banana until smooth.

Secret Tip: Adding a touch of nutmeg enhances the cinnamon flavor and complements the banana beautifully.

Step 4: Roll and Fill

Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 18×12 inches. Spread the banana-butter mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a half-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the banana layer.

Visual Cue: Your filling should look like a golden-brown blanket covering the dough with no bare patches.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.

Technique Detail: I mark the log in half, then each half into halves, and each section into thirds—this ensures perfectly even rolls.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until noticeably puffy.

Visual Check: The rolls should be touching each other slightly—this ensures they’ll be soft on all sides.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 22-25 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Doneness Test: The internal temperature should reach 190°F if you’re using a thermometer.

Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing

While the rolls are baking, beat the cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, then add milk gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Texture Goal: The icing should be thick but pourable, similar to honey.

Step 9: Ice and Serve

Allow the banana cinnamon rolls to cool for 5-10 minutes before spreading the cream cheese icing over them. The slight cooling ensures the icing doesn’t completely melt but still gets deliciously gooey.

Serving Suggestion: These are best enjoyed still warm when the cream cheese icing is perfectly melty.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Banana Cinnamon Rolls

1. 
   

   Use Very Ripe Bananas: The blacker the better for maximum flavor and natural sweetness in your dough and filling.

   
   
2. 
   

   Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and dairy are at room temperature to promote proper dough development.

   
   
3. 
   

   Don’t Rush the Rise: Both rises are crucial for developing the texture and flavor of your banana cinnamon rolls.

   
   
4. 
   

   Dental Floss Trick: Use unflavored dental floss to cut your roll—it won’t compress the dough like a knife might.

   
   
5. 
   

   Make-Ahead Option: Prepare through step 5, then refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature for 30 minutes before the second rise.

   
   

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Banana Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls: Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the filling for a delightful chocolate twist.

Banana Walnut Cinnamon Rolls: Sprinkle ½ cup chopped walnuts over the filling before rolling for added crunch and nutty flavor.

Vegan Banana Cinnamon Rolls: Replace eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk and butter, and choose a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the icing.

Whole Wheat Banana Cinnamon Rolls: Substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture and nutty flavor.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born from a happy accident in my kitchen when I had too many overripe bananas and a craving for cinnamon rolls. The first batch was a revelation—the banana made the dough exceptionally tender while adding subtle flavor notes that complemented the cinnamon beautifully. Over the years, I’ve refined the recipe, adjusting the ratio of banana to flour and perfecting the cream cheese icing to create what I believe is the perfect banana cinnamon roll.

banana, cinnamon rolls, dough, filling, cream cheese icing

Pairing Ideas

• Fresh fruit salad with berries and citrus to balance the sweetness
• A hot cup of coffee or café au lait
• Warming chai tea that complements the cinnamon spices
• Cold glass of milk (dairy or plant-based)
• Vanilla non-alcoholic breakfast smoothie for a special brunch

Leftover & Reuse Ideas

Bread Pudding: Cube leftover banana cinnamon rolls and use them as the base for a decadent bread pudding.

Milkshake Base: Blend a leftover roll with vanilla ice cream and milk for an indulgent banana cinnamon roll milkshake.

French Toast: Slice leftover rolls horizontally and dip in egg batter for unique cinnamon roll French toast.

Trifle Layers: Layer pieces of leftover rolls with pudding, whipped cream, and banana slices for a quick dessert.

Nutritional Information

Each banana cinnamon roll contains approximately 380 calories, 14g fat, 58g carbohydrates, 2g fiber, 26g sugar, and 6g protein. This recipe makes 12 servings.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these banana cinnamon rolls on a vintage platter for a beautiful presentation. For an extra special touch, garnish with thin banana slices and a light dusting of cinnamon just before serving. These rolls are perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or whenever you want to impress guests with something homemade and delicious.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Undermixing the Dough: Proper gluten development is key—knead until the dough passes the “window pane test” (stretch a small piece until thin enough to see light through).

Using Underripe Bananas: They lack the sweetness and easy-mashing quality needed for the recipe.

Overfilling the Rolls: Too much filling can cause it to leak out during baking.

Overbaking: This dries out the rolls—remove them when they’re just golden on top.

Applying Icing Too Soon: If the rolls are too hot, the cream cheese icing will completely melt and run off.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Counter Storage: Store leftover banana cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Refrigeration: For longer storage (up to 5 days), keep them in the refrigerator. The texture may firm up slightly.

Freezing: Freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm before icing.

Reheating: For the best texture, warm refrigerated rolls in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave individual rolls for 15-20 seconds.

Make-Ahead: Prepare the rolls through shaping, then refrigerate overnight before the second rise. Bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

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FAQs About Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Can I make banana cinnamon rolls without a stand mixer?
Yes! While a stand mixer makes the process easier, you can mix the dough by hand. Start with a wooden spoon, then knead by hand on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

How can I tell if my banana cinnamon rolls dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size during the first rise. For the second rise, the rolls should be puffy and touching each other in the pan.

Can I use frozen bananas for banana cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! Thaw frozen bananas completely and drain excess liquid before incorporating them into your dough and filling.

Why did my cream cheese icing for banana cinnamon rolls turn out runny?
This usually happens if your cream cheese or butter was too warm, or if you added too much milk. Start with less milk and add more only if needed for consistency.

Can I prepare banana cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing the night before?
Yes! Prepare through the shaping stage, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then proceed with the second rise before baking.

Conclusion

These banana cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing bring together the comforting flavors of banana bread and the indulgent swirls of cinnamon rolls in one irresistible package. The subtle banana flavor in the dough, the aromatic cinnamon filling, and the creamy, tangy icing create a breakfast treat that’s so much more than the sum of its parts.

Whether you’re looking to use up those spotty bananas or simply craving something special for breakfast, these rolls deliver on both flavor and texture. The recipe might take some time, but the process is as rewarding as the result—filling your home with incredible aromas and creating a memorable baking experience.

Made these banana cinnamon rolls? Drop your twist in the comments, rate the recipe, and tag us on facebook, instagram with #erinrecipes — we might feature your creation!

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