If you love a mashup between two classic favorites, these One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls will absolutely hit the spot. Imagine the sweet, cozy flavors of homemade banana bread swirled into the soft, gooey layers of a cinnamon roll, all made easier by mixing everything in a single bowl. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat with coffee, these rolls are fluffy, irresistibly moist, and finished with a vanilla glaze that brings everything together. If you have ripe bananas on your counter, all you need are a few baking staples, a little time, and you’re on your way to warm, bakery-inspired bliss at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls come together with basic pantry staples, but each ingredient has a special role to play. From bananas for natural sweetness and tenderness to brown sugar and real butter in the filling, you’ll find these flavors and textures truly shine through in every bite.
- Instant yeast: Gives your rolls their luscious, fluffy rise—be sure your packet is still fresh for best results!
- Warm milk (110°F): Brings moisture and help activate the yeast; use whole or 2% milk for extra richness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps feed the yeast for a tender crumb.
- Unsalted butter (melted & softened): Infuses the bread and filling with velvety flavor—use unsalted so you control the salt level.
- Mashed ripe banana: About one large banana gives natural sweetness, extra moisture, and that irresistible banana bread flavor.
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness and makes every other ingredient pop.
- Large egg: Binds the dough so your cinnamon rolls are light and rich, never dry.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your rolls—add it gradually for the perfect soft dough consistency.
- Brown sugar (packed): Used in the filling, it gives a deep, caramel-like sweetness alongside the cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon: The signature spice for our swirls, bringing warmth and classic roll aroma.
- Powdered sugar: For a smooth silky glaze that coats each roll with just the right touch of sweetness.
- Milk (for glaze): Just a splash brings the powdered sugar together for easy drizzling.
- Vanilla extract: The finishing touch in the glaze, giving extra depth and a lovely scent.
How to Make One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the warm milk, instant yeast, and granulated sugar. Let this mixture rest for about five minutes, until it turns foamy on top. This step is the secret to extra-fluffy, foolproof One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls—if it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old, so it’s best to start again for that perfect, pillowy rise.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
Stir in the melted butter, mashed ripe banana, salt, and egg into the yeast mixture. This is where the banana bread magic begins! The bananas bring a naturally sweet, subtle banana flavor and incredible tenderness, making these cinnamon rolls stand out from any basic batch.
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour
Add the all-purpose flour gradually, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. It should pull away from the sides of the bowl but remain slightly tacky. Knead it right in the bowl (or on a lightly floured counter) for 5 to 7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. This part is surprisingly therapeutic and sets the tone for beautifully formed One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls.
Step 4: First Rise
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about one hour, or until it’s doubled in size. This patient pause lets the yeast work its magic, giving your rolls that irresistible fluffy softness.
Step 5: Make the Filling
While the dough is rising, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This simple combination is the backbone of that classic cinnamon roll swirl, and it pairs perfectly with the banana-scented dough. Have your room-temperature butter ready for the next step.
Step 6: Shape and Fill the Rolls
Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 14 by 9 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the entire batch of cinnamon-sugar filling on top. Now, roll it up tightly from the long side and slice into 12 even rolls. Each section holds its own swirl of gooey cinnamon-banana goodness!
Step 7: Second Rise
Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish with just a bit of room between each one. Cover and let them rise for another 30 to 40 minutes, until puffy and touching. This second rise ensures your One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls have that soft, bakery-style texture.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, until they’re lightly golden on top and your kitchen smells absolutely delightful. The hardest part is letting them cool just enough before you can glaze and dig in!
Step 9: Glaze and Serve
While the rolls are finishing up, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you have a pourable, silky glaze. Drizzle over the warm rolls so it melts perfectly into the crevices. Revel in the glossy finish and that mouthwatering aroma—you’ve just made the best One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls!
How to Serve One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
For an extra-special finish, top your One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with a sprinkle of toasted walnuts or pecans, a pinch of cinnamon, or even a light dusting of extra powdered sugar. A few fresh banana slices or a handful of blueberries make a beautiful (and tasty) garnish if you’re feeling fancy!
Side Dishes
Balance your sweet rolls with savory options like crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or a platter of fresh fruit. If you’re serving these for brunch, a big bowl of Greek yogurt or a creamy smoothie adds a touch of freshness that complements the richness of your cinnamon rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring your banana bread cinnamon rolls to the table on a pretty cake stand or a rustic wooden board for brunch. Or, make a stack for breakfast-in-bed. For special occasions, arrange the rolls in a circle and pile fresh berries in the center, or drizzle each roll individually for a bakery-style platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and prevents them from drying out, so you can enjoy one anytime you need a quick treat.
Freezing
These cinnamon rolls are freezer-friendly! Wrap them individually or the entire pan (sans glaze) in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature or gently heat in the oven—add the glaze just before serving for that fresh-from-the-bakery feel.
Reheating
For the best flavor and texture, reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm the entire batch in a low oven (300°F) for about 10 minutes. The rolls soften up beautifully, and the aroma will once again fill your kitchen with all that homemade goodness.
FAQs
Can I make One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the recipe right up to the second rise, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let the rolls come to room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed for a fresh-from-the-oven breakfast treat.
Can I add nuts or chocolate to the filling?
Yes, chopped toasted pecans, walnuts, or mini chocolate chips are all delicious additions. Sprinkle them right over the cinnamon-sugar layer before rolling up for extra flavor and crunch.
How do I get a stronger banana flavor?
To really boost that banana bread vibe, add half a teaspoon of banana extract to the dough along with the mashed banana. Using super-ripe, spotty bananas also brings out a deeper banana note.
What if I don’t have instant yeast?
You can use active dry yeast instead—just dissolve it in the warm milk with the sugar and let it sit for about 10 minutes until super foamy before proceeding. The rise times might be slightly longer, so keep an eye on the dough.
Can I make these One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls vegan?
Definitely! Swap regular milk for a plant-based alternative, use vegan butter, and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax mixed with 3 tablespoons water, set for 5 minutes). They’ll still be incredibly soft and just as tasty.
Final Thoughts
Isn’t it amazing how a bowl of simple, everyday ingredients turns into these warm, gooey One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls? Whether you’re baking for a celebration, a cozy morning in, or just because, this recipe is sure to put a smile on your face and plenty of sweetness on your table. Give it a try soon, and enjoy every cinnamon-swirled, banana-kissed bite!
Print
One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of banana bread and cinnamon rolls with this easy-to-make one-bowl recipe. These soft and flavorful rolls are perfect for breakfast or dessert!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 3 1/4 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Filling:
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Add melted butter, mashed banana, salt, and egg. Mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes. Let rise for 1 hour.
- Filling: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll out dough, spread with butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Roll up and cut into rolls.
- Rising and Baking: Place rolls in a baking dish. Let rise for 30–40 minutes. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
- Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over warm rolls.
Notes
- Enhance the banana flavor with 1/2 teaspoon banana extract.
- Best when served warm; reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
