Subscribe to my newsletter!

Irresistible Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls That Taste Like Pure Comfort

No ratings yet

Irresistible Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls bring together two beloved classics into one unforgettable bake. These rolls have the soft, moist texture of banana bread paired with the warm cinnamon swirl and creamy frosting everyone loves in traditional cinnamon rolls. Each bite delivers sweet banana flavor, cozy spice, and rich frosting that melts into the rolls while they’re still warm.

This recipe is perfect when you want something familiar but a little different. Irresistible Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls work beautifully for brunch, dessert, or a slow weekend morning when baking feels like a treat instead of a chore. Even better, the dough comes together easily, without yeast or long rising times, making these rolls approachable for beginners and satisfying for experienced bakers alike.

The first time I made Irresistible Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls was on a morning when overripe bananas sat on the counter and inspiration struck. I wanted banana bread, but I also wanted something a little more indulgent. As the rolls baked, the kitchen filled with the smell of cinnamon, butter, and bananas, and it instantly felt comforting. When the frosting hit the warm rolls and started to melt, everyone gathered around early, waiting for the first bite. That moment turned this recipe into one I make whenever I want baking to feel joyful and cozy.

Soft banana bread–style cinnamon rolls swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with cream cheese frosting.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 460

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup mashed ripe bananas
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • mixing bowls
  • Rolling Pin
  • 9x13 inch baking dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Mix dry ingredients. In another bowl mix wet ingredients, then combine gently.
  3. Roll dough into rectangle, spread butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
  4. Roll up, slice, and arrange in baking dish. Bake 25–30 minutes.
  5. Beat frosting ingredients and spread over warm rolls before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 460kcalCarbohydrates: 64gProtein: 6gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 320mgPotassium: 260mgFiber: 2gSugar: 42gVitamin A: 12IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Do not overmix the dough to keep the rolls tender.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Why These Rolls Are Truly Irresistible

Banana Bread Meets Cinnamon Roll Magic

Irresistible Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls work so well because they balance two textures and flavors that naturally belong together. Banana bread brings moisture, sweetness, and richness, while the cinnamon roll swirl adds warmth and spice.

Instead of a dry or overly dense roll, these bake up soft and tender. The banana keeps the dough moist, while the cinnamon sugar creates that familiar swirl everyone expects. Together, they create a dessert that feels nostalgic and new at the same time.

No Yeast, No Waiting

One of the best things about Irresistible Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls is how easy they are to make. Because the dough uses baking soda instead of yeast, there’s no need to wait for rising or proofing.

This shortcut keeps the process relaxed and efficient. You can go from mixing bowl to oven quickly, which makes these rolls ideal for spontaneous baking or busy mornings when time matters.

Ingredients That Make These Rolls Shine

The Banana Bread-Style Dough

The dough for Irresistible Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls starts with simple pantry ingredients. All-purpose flour provides structure, while baking soda gives lift without yeast. Salt balances sweetness and enhances flavor.

Mashed ripe bananas are the star. They add natural sweetness, moisture, and that unmistakable banana flavor. Melted butter adds richness, while eggs help bind everything together. Vanilla rounds out the dough with warmth and depth.

Cinnamon Sugar Filling

The filling stays classic and comforting. Brown sugar brings a caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with bananas. Cinnamon adds warmth and spice, while softened butter helps the filling spread evenly.

As the rolls bake, the filling melts into the dough, creating gooey layers that define Irresistible Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls.

Cream Cheese Frosting

The frosting is smooth, rich, and lightly tangy. Cream cheese and butter blend into a silky base, while powdered sugar adds sweetness without graininess. A touch of vanilla and salt balances everything perfectly.

When spread over warm rolls, the frosting softens and seeps into the swirls, making each bite extra indulgent.

Making the Dough the Right Way

Mixing Without Overworking

When making Irresistible Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls, gentle mixing is key. Start by whisking the dry ingredients so the baking soda distributes evenly. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients until smooth.

Combine the wet and dry ingredients just until incorporated. Overmixing can make the rolls dense, so stop as soon as the dough comes together. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky, which is exactly what you want.

Handling the Dough Easily

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it gently into a rectangle. Avoid pressing too hard or adding too much flour, as this can dry the dough out.

Because the dough is banana-based, it stays pliable and easy to shape. This texture makes rolling and slicing simple, even for beginners.

Rolling, Filling, and Shaping

Spreading the Filling Evenly

Spread softened butter over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. This border helps seal the roll and keeps the filling from leaking out.

Sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar evenly so every slice gets a good balance of flavor. Lightly pressing the filling into the butter helps it stay in place while rolling.

Rolling and Slicing Cleanly

Roll the dough tightly from the long edge, keeping even pressure so the roll stays uniform. Pinch the seam closed gently.

Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into equal pieces. Wiping the blade between cuts helps keep the slices clean. Arrange the rolls cut-side up in the baking dish, leaving a little space between each one.

Baking to Soft, Golden Perfection

Oven Timing and Texture

Bake Irresistible Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls until the tops are lightly golden and the centers feel set. Because these rolls are moist, a toothpick may come out with a few soft crumbs, which is ideal.

Avoid overbaking, as that can dry out the rolls. Pulling them from the oven while they are still tender ensures the best texture.

Cooling Before Frosting

Let the rolls cool slightly before adding the frosting. This short rest allows the structure to set while still keeping them warm enough for the frosting to melt gently.

Frosting warm rolls creates that signature creamy finish that makes Irresistible Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls so appealing.

Serving Ideas and Variations

How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Serve these rolls warm for the best experience. They pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk. For brunch, add fresh fruit or yogurt on the side to balance the sweetness.

These rolls also work well as a dessert, especially when served slightly warm with extra frosting on top.

Easy Flavor Variations

You can customize Irresistible Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls easily. Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for crunch. A sprinkle of chocolate chips adds richness for chocolate lovers.

You can also add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar for extra warmth. Even with changes, the banana base keeps the rolls moist and flavorful.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to four days. Reheat gently to restore softness.

The banana-based dough helps these rolls stay moist longer than traditional cinnamon rolls.

Making Ahead

You can assemble the rolls, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh the next morning for an easy, impressive breakfast.

The frosting can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use very ripe bananas?
Yes. The riper the bananas, the better the flavor.

Do these taste like banana bread or cinnamon rolls more?
They taste like a perfect balance of both.

Can I freeze these rolls?
Yes. Freeze unfrosted rolls and frost after reheating.

Is yeast really not needed?
Correct. Baking soda provides lift.

Can I reduce the sugar?
You can slightly reduce it, but sweetness balances the banana flavor.

Conclusion

Irresistible Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls bring warmth, comfort, and indulgence together in one unforgettable recipe. With soft banana-infused dough, cinnamon-sugar swirls, and creamy frosting, they feel familiar yet exciting. Whether baked for brunch, dessert, or a cozy morning at home, these rolls always deliver smiles and satisfaction.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating