I have to tell you, making this Banana Bread Batter Cinnamon Buns Recipe was a total game-changer for me. From the moment I mixed the dough to the first warm bite with that brown butter cream cheese glaze, I was hooked.
The combination of fluffy cinnamon rolls with sweet banana bread batter inside felt like dessert heaven. Honestly, these buns are indulgent but surprisingly easy to make.
Let me walk you through exactly how I made them and how you can too! You can also enjoy a twist on sweets like the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe for extra indulgence.
Ingredients for Banana Bread Batter Cinnamon Buns
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these buns perfectly soft and flavorful. I’ve included tips based on my experience for the best results:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour – gives structure to the dough
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – added later to help form a manageable dough
- 1 tbsp baking powder – ensures lightness
- 1 tsp baking soda – balances the banana’s acidity
- 1 tsp instant yeast – helps the dough rise beautifully
- ½ cup sugar – adds just enough sweetness
- ½ tsp salt – enhances all the flavors
- 1 cup mashed ripe banana – naturally sweet and moist
- ½ cup vegetable oil – keeps the dough soft
- 1 cup milk (warm) – activates the yeast
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice – optional, for a cozy flavor
- ½ cup brown butter – for the cinnamon filling, adds depth
- ½ cup brown sugar – blends perfectly with cinnamon
- 2 tbsp cinnamon powder – classic cinnamon flavor
- Pinch of salt – balances the sweetness
- 2 sliced bananas – layered inside
- 1 egg – for the banana bread batter
- ¼ cup yogurt – adds moisture to the batter
- ¼ cup butter – richness for the batter
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil – keeps batter soft
- ½ cup brown sugar – sweetens banana batter
- 1 tsp vanilla – enhances aroma
- 1 ½ cups flour – for banana bread batter
- ½ tsp baking powder – lifts the batter
- ¼ tsp baking soda – balances batter acidity
- Pinch of salt – rounds out flavors
- ¼ tsp cinnamon – optional for extra warmth
- 2 oz cream cheese – for glaze
- 2 tbsp brown butter – adds nutty flavor to glaze
- 2 tbsp heavy cream – makes glaze silky
- ½ cup icing sugar – sweetens glaze
- ½ tsp vanilla – fragrance for glaze
Note: several
Variations
You can easily adjust this recipe to suit dietary needs or enhance flavors:
- Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese for a vegan-friendly version
- Swap sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute for a lower-sugar option
- Add chocolate chips or walnuts in the banana bread batter for extra texture
- Sprinkle nutmeg or cardamom in the filling for a spiced twist
- You might also love a savory twist like Easy Pepper Jack Crack Chicken Recipe for dinner after enjoying these buns.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus dough rising time)
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Large mixing bowl – to combine dough and batter
- Rubber spatula – for mixing ingredients efficiently
- Whisk – for blending the banana bread batter and glaze
- Baking tray 9×13 – to bake buns evenly
- Rolling pin – to shape the dough into a rectangle
- Plastic wrap – to cover dough during rising
How to Make Banana Bread Batter Cinnamon Buns
Preparing the Dough
I started by mixing warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl until foamy. Then I added vegetable oil and mashed banana, followed by 4 cups of flour. The dough was sticky, but that’s okay—it will rise beautifully.
Making the Filling
Next, I browned the butter and let it cool. I mixed in brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Then I layered sliced bananas on top for that perfect banana-cinnamon combo.
Preparing the Banana Bread Batter
I blended mashed bananas, egg, yogurt, butter, oil, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. I then folded in flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to make a silky banana bread batter ready to layer.
Assembling the Buns
I rolled the dough into a large rectangle and spread the cinnamon filling first. Then, I layered banana bread batter and sliced bananas evenly. After cutting into 12 strips, I rolled each into a bun and placed them in a greased tray.
Baking the Buns
I preheated the oven to 180℃, let the buns rise for 30 minutes, then baked for 25 minutes until golden brown. The aroma alone was irresistible!
Making the Glaze
While baking, I mixed cream cheese, brown butter, heavy cream, icing sugar, and vanilla until smooth. I drizzled the glaze over the buns right out of the oven for a soft, decadent finish.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
- I always use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture
- I lightly flour the rolling surface to prevent sticking but avoid over-flouring
- I let the buns cool slightly before adding glaze to prevent it from melting too much
- I sometimes toast walnuts and sprinkle on top for an added crunch
How to Serve Banana Bread Batter Cinnamon Buns
I love serving these buns warm with extra glaze on top. They look gorgeous on a white platter, and a few fresh banana slices add a nice touch. Pair with coffee or milk for a perfect brunch or dessert treat.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 320 kcal – a delightful indulgence for breakfast or dessert
- Protein: 5g – thanks to eggs and yogurt
- Carbohydrates: 45g – mainly from bananas and flour
- Fat: 15g – from butter, oil, and cream cheese glaze
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. They stay soft and moist.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked rolls for up to 2 weeks. Thaw at room temperature before baking for fresh results.
Reheating
I warm refrigerated buns in the microwave for 30 seconds. The glaze softens, and the buns taste freshly baked.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a winner for many reasons:
- The flavor is irresistible – bananas and cinnamon perfectly balance each other
- Easy to make – no kneading required, perfect for beginners
- Customizable – vegan, sugar-free, or extra toppings work beautifully
- Perfect for any occasion – brunch, dessert, or a cozy snack
- Soft, fluffy texture – melts in your mouth with every bite
These Banana Bread Batter Cinnamon Buns are now my go-to treat. Every bite is soft, sweet, and cozy—a real crowd-pleaser that’s easier to make than it looks.
Banana Bread Batter Cinnamon Buns Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- I started by mixing warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl until foamy. Then I added vegetable oil and mashed banana, followed by 4 cups of flour. The dough was sticky, but that’s okay—it will rise beautifully.
- Next, I browned the butter and let it cool. I mixed in brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Then I layered sliced bananas on top for that perfect banana-cinnamon combo.
- I blended mashed bananas, egg, yogurt, butter, oil, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. I then folded in flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to make a silky banana bread batter ready to layer.
- I rolled the dough into a large rectangle and spread the cinnamon filling first. Then, I layered banana bread batter and sliced bananas evenly. After cutting into 12 strips, I rolled each into a bun and placed them in a greased tray.
- I preheated the oven to 180℃, let the buns rise for 30 minutes, then baked for 25 minutes until golden brown. The aroma alone was irresistible!
- While baking, I mixed cream cheese, brown butter, heavy cream, icing sugar, and vanilla until smooth. I drizzled the glaze over the buns right out of the oven for a soft, decadent finish.
Notes
- I always use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture
- I lightly flour the rolling surface to prevent sticking but avoid over-flouring
- I let the buns cool slightly before adding glaze to prevent it from melting too much
- I sometimes toast walnuts and sprinkle on top for an added crunch