Easy Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Imagine the tender sweetness of banana bread swirling through soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls — that’s exactly what you get with these Easy Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. The aroma alone is enough to draw everyone into the kitchen, where warm notes of ripe banana, brown sugar, and cinnamon fill the air. Each roll is pillowy on the inside, golden on the edges, and glazed with a delicate vanilla icing that melts into every swirl. Whether it’s brunch, dessert, or an afternoon treat, these rolls deliver comfort in every bite.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was inspired by one of those lazy weekend mornings where indecision between baking banana bread and cinnamon rolls turned into a stroke of brilliance. Overripe bananas on the counter practically begged to be transformed, and rather than sticking to the usual loaf, I let the dough do a little twist — literally. The result was a recipe that brings together the nostalgic flavor of banana bread with the indulgent layers of cinnamon rolls, creating something that’s both familiar and surprisingly new.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Banana bread, with its roots in American baking during the Great Depression, became a staple for using up overripe fruit. Cinnamon rolls trace their origins to Northern Europe, especially Sweden’s “kanelbullar.” This recipe brings together the best of both worlds, fusing that warm, spiced roll with the tropical sweetness of bananas for a hybrid treat that’s both easy and irresistible. It’s like brunch and dessert fell in love — and baked something beautiful together.

Why You’ll Love Easy Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Once you smell them baking, you’ll know why this one’s a keeper. Here’s what makes it special:

Versatile: Great for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a sweet snack with coffee.

Budget-Friendly: Uses everyday ingredients, especially those overripe bananas you were about to toss.

Quick and Easy: No stand mixer needed — just mix, roll, and bake.

Customizable: Add chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, or a cream cheese glaze for variety.

Crowd-Pleasing: Soft, gooey, and sweet — a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the night before and bake fresh in the morning.

Great for Leftovers: Reheat beautifully for a few days — if they last that long!

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Want to nail it on the first try? Here’s how to bring bakery-level bliss into your kitchen:

• Use very ripe bananas: The darker the peel, the sweeter and more flavorful the dough.
• Don’t over-knead: A gentle hand keeps the dough tender and soft.
• Roll tight, not too tight: Too loose and they unravel, too tight and they won’t rise well.
• Use dental floss to cut rolls: It keeps your swirls neat and clean.
• Warm the glaze before drizzling: It sinks into the rolls just enough for a melty finish.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy equipment, just some good kitchen staples:

Mixing Bowls: For mixing dough and fillings.

Whisk & Spatula: To mix the wet and dry ingredients gently and evenly.

Rolling Pin: Helps flatten the dough to an even thickness.

Sharp Knife or Floss: To slice clean, beautiful rolls.

Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch pan is ideal for holding and baking the rolls together.

Wire Rack: For cooling before glazing.

Ingredients in Easy Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

This recipe is all about cozy flavor and pillowy texture. Here’s what you’ll need to make the magic happen:

1. Ripe Bananas: 2 medium, mashed — bring natural sweetness and moisture to the dough.
2. All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups — gives structure while keeping the rolls soft.
3. Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons — provides rise without yeast for a quicker bake.
4. Salt: ½ teaspoon — balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
5. Non-Dairy Milk: ¾ cup, warmed — helps create a tender dough (use oat, almond, or soy milk).
6. Coconut Oil or Vegan Butter: ¼ cup, melted — adds richness and moisture.
7. Maple Syrup: ¼ cup — naturally sweetens the dough.
8. Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons — boosts the cozy flavor.
9. Brown Sugar: ½ cup — creates the gooey cinnamon-sugar filling.
10. Ground Cinnamon: 2 tablespoons — warm spice that defines the roll’s signature swirl.
11. Optional Nuts or Chocolate Chips: ½ cup — adds texture and extra indulgence.
12. Powdered Sugar: 1 cup — base for the glaze.
13. Non-Dairy Milk (for glaze): 2–3 tablespoons — thins the icing to perfect drizzling consistency.
14. Vanilla Extract (for glaze): ½ teaspoon — rounds out the flavor of the icing.

Ingredient Substitutions

Need to make a swap? Here are some easy alternatives:

Non-Dairy Milk: Regular milk if not vegan.

Coconut Oil: Melted vegan butter or neutral vegetable oil.

Maple Syrup: Agave or brown sugar.

Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar or white sugar.

All-Purpose Flour: Whole wheat flour (may be denser).

Bananas: Unsweetened applesauce (¾ cup per 2 bananas, though banana flavor will be missing).

Ingredient Spotlight

Bananas: These golden gems do double duty by sweetening and moistening the dough naturally, while also delivering that unmistakable banana bread flavor.

Cinnamon: Aromatic and earthy, cinnamon brings depth and warmth, creating that irresistible swirl that defines every good cinnamon roll.

Instructions for Making Easy Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

You’re just a few simple steps away from warm, fluffy rolls filling your kitchen with joy. Here’s how:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, mash the bananas. Add warm non-dairy milk, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry to wet and stir until a soft dough forms.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Spread a thin layer of melted coconut oil or butter over the dough. Sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon (plus optional nuts or chocolate chips). Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Slice the log into 12 even rolls using floss or a sharp knife. Place rolls into the greased baking dish. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden and puffed.
6. Finishing Touches:
   While rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and non-dairy milk to make glaze. Once rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle with glaze.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve warm and gooey. Pair with coffee or cold plant-based milk for the ultimate comfort treat.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

These rolls are soft and plush, with a slightly chewy bite thanks to banana-infused dough. The cinnamon sugar melts into caramelized swirls while the glaze adds a sweet finish that sinks into every crevice. Banana brings natural moisture, while the cinnamon adds cozy warmth. The result? A roll that’s part dessert, part breakfast, all joy.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Want a bakery-style finish? Here’s how to level up:

• Use parchment paper under the rolls for easy cleanup.
• For extra gooey centers, cover with foil halfway through baking.
• Let them rest 5 minutes before glazing for better absorption.
• Add crushed walnuts or pecans for a classic banana bread feel.

What to Avoid

Keep these pitfalls in mind to ensure sweet success:

• Overmixing the dough: Leads to tough rolls.
• Using underripe bananas: They lack the flavor and softness needed.
• Not sealing the roll log: Pinch the seam to keep them tight while baking.
• Glazing too soon: Let rolls cool slightly so glaze doesn’t completely melt away.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 260

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make the rolls and shape them the night before. Cover tightly and refrigerate. The next morning, let them sit at room temp for 20 minutes before baking. Store leftovers covered at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or a low oven. Note: Glaze fresh before serving for best texture.

How to Serve Easy Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Serve warm with a drizzle of extra glaze and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Pair with coffee, chai, or a banana smoothie for full flavor harmony. For brunch, serve alongside fruit salad and vegan sausage for a sweet-savory contrast.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Got extras? Turn them into something new:

• Dice and sauté in vegan butter for banana roll French toast bites.
• Layer into a parfait with yogurt and granola.
• Freeze slices and reheat for a quick weekday treat.

Additional Tips

Want your rolls to really shine? Try these:

• Add a dash of nutmeg to the filling for spice complexity.
• Top with crushed banana chips for crunch.
• Swap the glaze for vegan cream cheese frosting if you want a richer finish.

Make It a Showstopper

Top your glazed rolls with chopped toasted walnuts and a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve on a rustic wooden board or a pastel cake stand for that “wow” factor. Add sliced bananas or edible flowers for extra flair.

Variations to Try

• Peanut Butter Swirl: Spread peanut butter before adding cinnamon sugar.
• Chocolate Banana Rolls: Mix mini chocolate chips into the filling.
• Caramel Banana Rolls: Drizzle with vegan caramel sauce instead of glaze.
• Tropical Vibe: Add shredded coconut and pineapple to the filling.
• Nutty Banana Rolls: Add toasted pecans and a maple glaze.

FAQ’s

Q1. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though texture may vary slightly.

Q2. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, freeze before baking. Thaw in fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Q3. Do I need yeast?

No, baking powder provides the rise for this quick bread version.

Q4. Can I skip the glaze?

Absolutely. They’re still sweet and flavorful on their own.

Q5. Are they good the next day?

Yes! Reheat gently and enjoy with a fresh drizzle of glaze.

Q6. Can I add raisins?

Sure, about ¼ cup sprinkled with the cinnamon sugar.

Q7. What if I don’t have coconut oil?

Use melted vegan butter or any neutral vegetable oil.

Q8. Can I use a stand mixer?

Yes, though the dough is soft enough to mix by hand.

Q9. Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?

Yes, if not strictly vegan.

Q10. How do I know when they’re done baking?

They’ll be golden on top and firm in the center when gently pressed.

Conclusion

Easy Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the best of two comfort classics in one pan. They’re soft, sweet, and packed with cozy banana-cinnamon flavor — perfect for lazy weekends, special mornings, or anytime you need a warm, homemade treat. Trust me, these rolls are worth every single swirl.

Print