Gooey Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting and Cinnamon Caramel Sauce

These banana bread cinnamon rolls are the ultimate fusion of two beloved comfort foods—classic cinnamon rolls and moist banana bread. Every bite is pure indulgence: fluffy banana-infused dough, a rich brown sugar cinnamon filling studded with ripe banana bits, and a sticky, decadent brown sugar cinnamon caramel sauce pooled at the bottom of the pan. As if that weren’t enough, they’re finished with a luscious brown butter cream cheese frosting that melts right into every swirl.

These rolls are not just cinnamon rolls with bananas—they’re something entirely new. The banana in the dough keeps it incredibly soft and fragrant, while the addition of banana pieces in the filling gives bursts of fruity sweetness throughout. The caramelized base adds richness and depth, creating that bakery-style gooey bottom that you scoop up with every forkful.

Perfect for cozy weekends, holiday brunch, or any day that needs a little extra love, these rolls are a warm, sticky, sweet masterpiece. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, you’ll fall in love with every layer.

Why You’ll Love These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

• Soft, Fluffy Dough: The bananas keep the dough tender and moist, just like your favorite banana bread.
• Incredibly Gooey Filling: The cinnamon brown sugar center is sweet, rich, and oozes into every swirl.
• Caramel Sauce Base: As these rolls bake, the brown sugar and cinnamon sauce forms a sticky, buttery bottom.
• Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting: A nutty, rich twist on traditional cream cheese frosting that ties everything together.
• Unforgettable Flavor Combo: Banana + cinnamon + brown sugar + brown butter = heaven.
• Perfect Make-Ahead Brunch Treat: Prep the night before, bake fresh in the morning, and impress your guests (or just yourself!).

Ingredients You’ll Need (and Why)

For the Banana Dough:

• Ripe bananas – These not only flavor the dough but also make it extra moist and tender, much like banana bread.
• Whole milk – Warmed slightly to activate the yeast and provide richness to the dough.
• Active dry yeast – Helps the dough rise into fluffy, pillowy rolls.
• Granulated sugar – Feeds the yeast and adds light sweetness to the dough.
• Eggs – Bind the dough and add structure, while also making it richer.
• Unsalted butter – Melted into the dough for a soft, tender crumb.
• Vanilla extract – Deepens the flavor and enhances the banana and spice.
• All-purpose flour – Gives the rolls their shape and structure without making them too dense.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and strengthens the dough.

For the Cinnamon Banana Filling:

• Unsalted butter – Softened and spread over the dough to help the filling stick and create a gooey swirl.
• Brown sugar – Melts into a caramel-like texture in the oven and adds that deep, molasses-rich sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon – The star spice that gives the rolls their warm, classic flavor.
• Chopped ripe banana pieces – Add little pops of banana flavor in every bite.

For the Cinnamon Caramel Sauce (for the bottom):

• Brown sugar – Melts into a sticky, syrupy caramel layer under the rolls.
• Unsalted butter – Combines with the sugar to create a rich, decadent base.
• Heavy cream – Adds silkiness and helps loosen the sauce as it bakes.
• Ground cinnamon – Infuses the caramel with cozy spice.

For the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Unsalted butter – Browned until golden and nutty, adding a deep, rich flavor to the frosting.
• Cream cheese – Adds tangy creaminess that balances the sweet caramel and filling.
• Powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting and gives it a smooth, spreadable texture.
• Vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor and adds warmth.
• Salt – Just a pinch to balance the richness.

How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Brown the Butter for the Frosting
Start by browning your butter for the frosting. Melt butter in a saucepan until golden and nutty. Let it cool completely so it’s ready when it’s time to whip up the frosting later.

Step 2: Make the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it bloom until foamy. Add mashed ripe bananas, eggs, vanilla, melted butter, and salt. Mix in flour gradually and knead until a soft dough forms. It should be slightly tacky but not sticky.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise until doubled in size. This may take about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Sauce
Melt brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and heavy cream together in a small saucepan. Pour the sauce into a greased 9×13-inch pan to create the sticky caramel base.

Step 5: Make the Filling
Stir together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mash or finely chop ripe banana and set aside. Roll out the dough, spread the cinnamon mixture, and sprinkle with banana bits.

Step 6: Roll and Slice
Roll the dough tightly into a log, then slice into 12 even rolls using a serrated knife or dental floss.

Step 7: Second Rise
Place the rolls over the caramel in the pan. Cover and let them rise until puffy—about 30–45 minutes. You can also refrigerate overnight at this point.

Step 8: Bake
Bake the rolls until golden on top and bubbling with caramel underneath. Let cool slightly in the pan.

Step 9: Make the Frosting
Beat the browned butter and cream cheese together until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy.

Step 10: Frost and Serve
Spread frosting over warm rolls so it melts into every swirl. Serve immediately with extra caramel from the bottom spooned over top.

Tips for Success

• Use very ripe bananas—the riper, the better. They should be heavily speckled or nearly black.
• Don’t overfill—even spacing ensures even baking and prevents soggy centers.
• Brown your butter early so it has time to cool before making the frosting.
• Use bread flour for slightly chewier rolls (optional).
• Add pecans or walnuts to the filling if you want a nutty crunch.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a warm oven until soft and gooey again.

To freeze: wrap cooled rolls individually in plastic wrap, then place in a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Enjoy!

These banana bread cinnamon rolls are the coziest, gooiest, most comforting treat you can pull out of your oven. They’re packed with sweet banana flavor, drenched in sticky caramel, and topped with a nutty, tangy frosting you’ll want to spread on everything. It’s everything you love about banana bread, cinnamon rolls, and sticky buns—all rolled into one.