Banana Bread Cinnamon Swirl Rolls

by

Sweet banana bread dough, rich cinnamon filling, gooey centers, buttery glaze, cozy aroma, easy bake, brunch favorite, irresistible treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These rolls are a cozy mash-up of two favorites: the comforting flavor of banana bread and the gooey goodness of a cinnamon roll. They rise beautifully, bake to golden perfection, and are finished with a creamy icing that melts into the warm swirls. Perfect for holiday mornings, weekend baking, or anytime you’ve got overripe bananas to use up, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup mashed banana (about 2–3 medium bananas)

For the Filling:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Icing:

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, stir together warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add melted butter, eggs, salt, and mashed banana. Mix until smooth.
  3. Gradually mix in the flour to form a soft dough. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until elastic.
  4. Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  5. For the filling, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
  6. Roll dough into a 20×14-inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly over the dough and sprinkle with walnuts, if using.
  7. Roll dough up from the long side into a tight log. Slice into 12 equal pieces and place in a greased 9×13-inch pan.
  8. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes while preheating oven to 350°F (175°C).
  9. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
  10. While baking, make the icing by beating together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
  11. Spread icing over warm rolls and serve immediately.

Servings And Timing

  • Servings: 12
  • Prep Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per roll

Variations

  • Chocolate Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for a banana-chocolate combo.
  • Fruit Add-In: Toss in raisins, chopped dates, or dried cranberries.
  • Nut-Free: Skip the walnuts or use sunflower seeds for crunch without the allergens.
  • Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives.
  • Maple Icing: Replace vanilla extract with maple syrup for a fall-inspired glaze.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheating: Microwave individual rolls for 15–20 seconds or reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
  • Freezing: Freeze baked rolls (without icing) tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat, then ice before serving.

FAQs

Can I Make The Dough Ahead Of Time?

Yes, prepare the dough and refrigerate overnight after the first rise. Let come to room temperature before shaping.

Do I Have To Use Overripe Bananas?

Yes, for the best flavor and sweetness, use very ripe or overripe bananas.

Can I Skip The Second Rise?

No, the second rise ensures the rolls are fluffy and bake evenly.

Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead?

Yes, but reduce rise times slightly and skip blooming in milk—mix directly with the dry ingredients.

What If My Dough Is Too Sticky?

Add extra flour 1 tablespoon at a time while kneading until the dough is smooth and workable.

How Do I Know When The Rolls Are Fully Baked?

They should be golden brown on top and firm in the center. You can also check that the internal temp reaches about 190°F.

Can I Make Mini Rolls Instead?

Yes, slice thinner rolls and reduce the baking time to about 18–20 minutes.

Is It Okay To Use Bread Flour?

Yes, bread flour will give a slightly chewier texture but works well.

What If I Don’t Have Cream Cheese?

You can make a basic glaze with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla as an alternative.

Can I Make This Without Eggs?

Yes, use egg replacers like flax eggs or a commercial egg substitute for similar results.

Conclusion

Banana bread cinnamon swirl rolls are a warm, gooey, and comforting treat that blends two classics into one irresistible recipe. With their banana-rich dough, spiced filling, and creamy icing, they’re the perfect bake for brunches, gatherings, or simply enjoying a quiet morning at home. Once you try them, they’ll become a favorite in your baking rotation.

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Banana Bread Cinnamon Swirl Rolls

  • Author: Chef Clara
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls with the cozy sweetness of banana bread, filled with buttery cinnamon sugar and topped with rich cream cheese icing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Dough:
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup mashed banana (about 2–3 medium bananas)
  • For the Filling:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  • For the Icing:
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add the melted butter, eggs, salt, and mashed banana. Mix until smooth.
  3. Gradually stir in the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  5. For the filling, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
  6. Roll the dough into a 20×14-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the filling evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with walnuts if using.
  7. Starting from the long edge, roll up the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 12 equal rolls and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  8. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  9. Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
  10. While the rolls bake, prepare the icing by beating cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until creamy and smooth.
  11. Spread the icing over the warm rolls and serve.

Notes

  • Use very ripe bananas for the sweetest flavor and smoothest texture.
  • To save time, prep the night before and refrigerate overnight before the second rise.
  • These rolls freeze well after baking—just reheat and frost before serving.
  • Prep Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 26g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 62g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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