Get ready to meet your new breakfast obsession. These One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are what happens when two beloved classics combine: the sweet, plush comfort of banana bread and the gooey, cinnamon-swirled joy of a fresh-baked roll. With just one bowl, a handful of pantry staples, and zero need for yeast or complicated proofing, you’ll go from ripe bananas to warm, aromatic rolls in under an hour. Each bite bursts with cozy banana flavor, tender crumb, and swirls of cinnamon sugar, all topped with a vanilla glaze that takes them utterly over the top. If your mornings need a little extra sparkle (and your kitchen could use fewer dishes), this recipe is about to become your go-to.

One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in these One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls is there for a reason. From the natural sweetness of ripe bananas to the irresistible magic of a cinnamon swirl, each component pulls its weight in taste, texture, or that gorgeous golden finish.

Mashed Ripe Bananas (1 1/2 cups, about 3 medium): Super ripe bananas add moisture, natural sweetness, and that crave-worthy banana flavor.
Maple Syrup or Honey (1/4 cup): A touch of liquid sweetener boosts the softness and adds rich depth to every bite.
Unsweetened Applesauce (1/4 cup): This keeps the rolls extra moist and tender, with no need for eggs.
Melted Coconut Oil or Butter (1/4 cup): Adds richness and helps create a soft, delicate crumb.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Balances out the banana and brings warmth to the flavor profile.
Ground Cinnamon (2 teaspoons, divided): Essential for that classic cinnamon roll swirl—and for infusing the dough itself.
Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Gives our rolls some lift and helps them stay fluffy.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just the right amount to amplify all those sweet flavors.
All-Purpose Flour or Gluten-Free Flour (2 1/2 cups): Holds everything together and gives the rolls their signature structure.
Coconut Sugar or Brown Sugar (1/4 cup, for the dough): Adds a caramel-like sweetness and delicate color.
Chopped Walnuts (1/4 cup, optional): Sprinkle over the filling for added crunch and nutty flavor.
Coconut Sugar or Brown Sugar (1/4 cup, for the swirl): This, combined with cinnamon, creates the gooey ribbon inside every roll.
Ground Cinnamon (1 tablespoon, for the swirl): Makes the filling extra aromatic and irresistible.
Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup): For the simple glaze—you can’t skip it!
Almond Milk or Milk of Choice (1–2 tablespoons): Loosens the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.

How to Make One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go when your rolls are. Take an 8×8-inch (or similar size) baking dish and give it a good grease—this makes sure nothing sticks and your rolls bake up with perfect edges.

Step 2: Make the Banana Batter

In your biggest mixing bowl, use a fork or potato masher to transform those ripe bananas into a smooth mash. Add the maple syrup or honey, applesauce, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together with gusto—this is the foundation of flavor for your One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls.

Step 3: Build the Dough

Right into the same bowl (no need to wash a thing!), sprinkle in the baking soda, salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and your flour of choice. Gently stir and fold just until you’ve got a thick dough—something you can pat out in the next step. Resist over-mixing to keep the rolls tender!

Step 4: Stir Up the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling

In a separate small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. This simple swirl takes your banana bread dough to cinnamon roll heaven.

Step 5: Roll Out and Fill the Dough

Lightly flour a clean work surface. With your hands or a rolling pin, pat or roll the dough into a 1/4-inch thick rectangle. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the whole surface, then scatter on chopped walnuts if you’re feeling extra. Every bit should get a little love!

Step 6: Roll Up and Slice

Starting from the long edge, carefully roll up the dough into a snug log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice into 8-10 equal rolls. Arrange them, swirl-side up, in your prepared baking dish so they huddle together.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Pop your baking dish into the oven and let the rolls bake for 30-35 minutes. They’re ready when puffed, golden, and firm to the touch, with cinnamon-sugar bubbling in the seams.

Step 8: Whisk Up the Glaze

While the rolls do their thing in the oven, grab a small bowl and combine powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of almond milk. Whisk until it’s smooth enough to drizzle—add another splash if you like it thinner.

Step 9: Finish and Serve

Once your One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before liberally drizzling them with the sweet glaze. The glaze melts into the crevices, making each bite absolutely heavenly.

How to Serve One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

To take your One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls over the top, scatter a few extra chopped walnuts, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even thin banana slices on top after the glaze. For special occasions, a dusting of powdered sugar makes them look like a pastry shop dream.

Side Dishes

Pair these warm rolls with a strong cup of coffee, a frothy matcha latte, or even a tangy fruit salad to balance out the sweetness. For brunch, a simple Greek yogurt parfait makes the perfect creamy and tangy partner for these spiced, chewy rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

For a showstopping brunch, cut the rolls smaller and bake them touch-together in a round pan for a pull-apart effect. Or, stack two rolls and drizzle with extra glaze for a decadent dessert. You can even tuck them into lunchboxes for a sweet midday pick-me-up—kids and adults alike will be delighted!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Their moistness keeps them fresh, but if you plan to keep them longer, tuck them in the fridge to maintain their flavor.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully. Simply wrap each roll in plastic and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When craving strikes, just thaw the desired amount in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating

To refresh and enjoy that just-baked softness, warm your One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or cover with foil and heat in a low oven (300°F) until warm. Add a fresh drizzle of glaze to revive any extra magic!

FAQs

Can I make these rolls gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. The rolls will still be delightfully soft and flavorful—no one will guess they’re gluten-free.

What’s the best way to mash bananas for this recipe?

A fork works perfectly for mashing ripe bananas, but if you want extra smoothness, try using a potato masher. Aim for as few lumps as possible for the silkiest dough.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make and fill the dough, then arrange the sliced rolls in your baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake as directed. This makes lazy weekend breakfasts a snap!

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

Sticky dough is common with banana bread-style recipes. Simply sprinkle a bit more flour onto your work surface and hands as needed. The goal is a soft, not dry, dough that’s easy to handle.

Can I skip the glaze?

Of course! The rolls are naturally sweet and flavorful on their own, but the glaze adds that classic cinnamon roll finish. If you want to cut back on sugar or prefer a less sweet treat, feel free to leave it off or try a dollop of Greek yogurt instead.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about transforming a few ripe bananas into a pan of One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls—comfort food, upgraded! Don’t be surprised if these become a new family favorite or the most-requested recipe at your next brunch. Grab your mixing bowl and make a batch soon; your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!

One-Bowl Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 17 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Yield: 8–10 rolls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the delightful fusion of banana bread and cinnamon rolls with these one-bowl banana bread cinnamon rolls. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat any time of day!

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch (or similar size) baking dish.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas, then add maple syrup, applesauce, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
Add dry ingredients: Mix in baking soda, salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and flour until a thick dough forms.
Prepare swirl: Combine coconut sugar (or brown sugar) and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.
Roll out dough: Roll out the dough into a rectangle, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture, and walnuts if desired.
Form rolls: Roll up the dough into a log, slice into rolls, and place in the baking dish.
Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and firm.
Make glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and almond milk for the glaze.
Glaze rolls: Drizzle the glaze over the baked rolls.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 220
Sugar: 16g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: banana bread, cinnamon rolls, breakfast, brunch, dessert, baking, vegetarian