If you crave a cozy classic with a delicious twist, you’ll fall head over heels for these One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. Imagine everything you love about moist banana bread and gooey cinnamon rolls, swirling together in one dreamy, fragrant treat. These rolls come together easily (yes, truly in just one bowl!), so you can have a warm, homemade bake fresh from the oven without spending all day in the kitchen. Whether they’re served for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls will absolutely steal the show (and your heart).
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of pantry basics to make these memorable rolls, each playing a key role in flavor and texture. Gather the following ingredients and see how simple, thoughtful staples can transform into tender, beautifully spiced One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls.
- Bananas: Super ripe, spotty bananas bring moisture, natural sweetness, and that unmistakable banana bread flavor.
- Melted butter: Adds richness and helps the dough become soft and flavorful (use plant-based butter for a dairy-free option).
- Egg: Binds everything together and helps the dough rise fluffy.
- Brown sugar: Brings a lovely depth—earthy and caramel-like—perfect for both the dough and the filling.
- Milk: Helps create a tender crumb; use any milk you love (dairy or non-dairy works beautifully).
- Instant yeast: Makes the rolls rise quickly and reliably for that perfect pillowy bite.
- Salt: Just a touch brings out all the flavors and balances the sweet notes.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of these rolls; start with less and add as needed for a soft, slightly sticky dough.
- Ground cinnamon: The star of the filling—warm, spicy, and absolutely essential for true cinnamon roll magic.
- Softened butter (for filling): Helps the cinnamon-sugar swirl stay gooey and delicious.
- Powdered sugar: The base of that irresistible silky glaze for the grand finish.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and floral sweetness to the glaze (and makes your kitchen smell heavenly).
How to Make One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Mash Bananas and Mix Wet Ingredients
Start in your largest mixing bowl by mashing those overripe bananas until nearly smooth. Add the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, and milk. Give it all a good stir—no fancy mixer needed! This mash-up is the foundation for all the moisture, sweetness, and banana bread soul in your One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls.
Step 2: Activate the Yeast
Sprinkle in your instant yeast and let the bowl rest for about 5 minutes. This quick pause gives the yeast a head start, ensuring all your rolls turn out beautifully pillowy and doubly soft. Watch for tiny bubbles—that’s the go-ahead signal!
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Knead
Sprinkle in the salt, then gradually add flour a cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly tacky, but not overly sticky. Give it a gentle knead right in the bowl for three to five minutes. Add a drizzle more flour if needed—it’ll become smooth and elastic in your hands.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Cover your bowl with a clean towel and leave it somewhere warm. In about an hour, the dough will double in size, all puffy and ready for the next step. This is a great moment for a coffee break and a few minutes to imagine how amazing your kitchen will soon smell.
Step 5: Roll Out and Fill the Dough
Turn the risen dough onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle, about a quarter-inch thick. Spread the softened butter generously over the surface, then shower on an even layer of brown sugar and cinnamon. Take your time—this is where that iconic cinnamon-sugar swirl is born.
Step 6: Roll, Slice, and Second Rise
Gently roll up the dough from the long edge and slice into 10 to 12 even pieces. Snuggle the slices into a greased baking dish, cover, and let them puff up again for another 30 minutes. Watching them rise is almost as satisfying as eating them!
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Fragrant
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake your rolls for 20 to 25 minutes—peek at them at the 20-minute mark. When the tops are golden and your kitchen smells pure bliss, they’re done!
Step 8: Make and Drizzle the Glaze
While the rolls are still warm, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until silky smooth. Drizzle that beautiful glaze generously over the rolls—this glossy finish is what makes these One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls truly irresistible.
How to Serve One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
You can really make these sweet swirls look (and taste) extra special. Try dusting with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for a rustic look, scattering a few chopped toasted nuts for extra crunch, or even topping with a handful of mini chocolate chips as the glaze sets. For ultimate decadence, add a touch of flaky sea salt or a sprinkle of citrus zest to cut through the sweetness.
Side Dishes
Balance out the richness of your One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls by pairing with a fresh fruit salad, a tangy Greek yogurt parfait, or a simple mug of hot coffee or tea. For a brunch spread, set them alongside cheesy scrambled eggs or crispy oven bacon—the sweet and savory combo is pure magic.
Creative Ways to Present
These rolls love to shine at the center of your table! Serve them in a pretty round pan for a “tear and share” effect, or plate individually on small dessert plates drizzled with extra glaze. For a festive touch, nestle a few banana slices or edible flowers around the rolls. If you’re hosting, tie up boxes of rolls as take-home treats—your friends will thank you all week.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have a few One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls left, cover and keep them at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, store in the fridge, sealed well to keep them soft and lovely. A quick zap in the microwave will bring back their just-baked magic!
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then wrap individually or as a batch in plastic wrap and foil. Tuck them in the freezer for up to two months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or a few hours at room temp, then refresh with a quick reheat.
Reheating
For that straight-from-the-oven warmth, microwave individual rolls for 15–20 seconds. If reheating a whole pan, cover with foil and warm in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for 10–15 minutes. You can even add an extra drizzle of glaze before serving for ultimate gooeyness.
FAQs
Can I make these One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls the night before?
Absolutely! Prepare the rolls up to the point of the second rise and pop them, covered, into the fridge overnight. In the morning, let the pan sit at room temp while the oven preheats and bake as directed. Wake up to fresh-baked goodness with minimal effort.
What if I don’t have instant yeast?
If you only have active dry yeast, dissolve it in the warm milk first (let it get frothy, about 5–10 minutes) before proceeding with the recipe. Instant yeast is just a little faster and more convenient, but both will create delightfully fluffy results.
Can I add nuts, chocolate, or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a sprinkle of chocolate chips are fantastic in the filling. Just scatter them over the cinnamon-sugar layer before rolling up the dough for extra flavor and fun.
How ripe should my bananas be?
The riper, the better! Overripe bananas (brown and spotty) are sweeter, mash more easily, and give your One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls the richest banana flavor possible. Underripe bananas just won’t have the same magic.
Can I make these rolls dairy-free or vegan?
It’s very simple to adapt this recipe: swap in plant-based milk and dairy-free butter for the dough, filling, and glaze. For a vegan version, use your favorite egg substitute (like flax egg). The rolls will still be wonderfully moist and delicious.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try these One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. They’re fun to bake, even better to eat, and sure to bring a little extra joy to your table—any day of the week. So grab a bowl, mash those bananas, and get rolling: this is one recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect combination of banana bread and cinnamon rolls with these easy and delicious one-bowl treats. Made with ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and a sweet glaze, these rolls are ideal for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons softened butter
For the glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Mash bananas in a bowl, then add melted butter, egg, brown sugar, and milk. Stir and sprinkle in yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes. Add salt and gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.
- Rise and roll: Knead dough gently until smooth. Let rise until doubled. Roll out into a rectangle, spread with butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Roll tightly, slice, and place in a baking dish.
- Bake: Let rise, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Glaze and serve: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- You can add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
- Overripe bananas work best for flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and butter alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
