Go Back
Fluffy banana bread cinnamon rolls drizzled with cream cheese icing on a white plate, sprinkled with cinnamon

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

These banana bread cinnamon rolls combine the moist sweetness of ripe bananas with the warm spices of cinnamon, making them the best homemade banana cinnamon roll recipe for fans of soft, fluffy rolls.
Prep Time 50 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 rolls

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup whole milk For activating the yeast
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups well-mashed over-ripe bananas For the rolls
  • 1 large egg + 1 large egg yolk
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 4 1/2 cups bread flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons table salt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar For the filling
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon cardamom optional
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter softened
  • 1 banana diced, optional
  • 2 oz cream cheese softened, For the icing
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract)
  • 1 tablespoon milk

Instructions
 

  • Heat the milk to 115°F (46°C) and pour it into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until it turns frothy.
  • Mix the mashed bananas, egg, yolk, sugar, and 3 cups of flour into the yeast mixture until combined. Add the salt and mix until smooth.
  • Gradually incorporate softened butter, one tablespoon at a time, until fully blended. Switch to a dough hook and knead, adding more flour as needed, until dough is soft yet tacky and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  • Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom (if using), and salt in a small bowl. Ensure the butter is soft enough for spreading. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Roll the dough into a 20x8-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly across the surface, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Sprinkle the filling evenly and add optional diced banana if desired.
  • Starting from a long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Use a sharp knife to cut into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.
  • Cover and let rolls rise again for about 30 minutes until they look puffy.
  • Bake rolls for 27-30 minutes or until light golden brown. The internal temperature should read 180°F (82°C).
  • While rolls cool slightly, whisk cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Spread generously over warm rolls before serving.