Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Craving warm, gooey cinnamon rolls but want something that fits your clean eating goals? These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are your answer. They combine the comforting flavor of banana bread with the indulgence of cinnamon rolls—minus the refined sugar, dairy, or guilt.
Perfect for breakfast, a pre-workout boost, or a weekend brunch treat, this recipe uses wholesome ingredients like ripe bananas, oat flour, and Greek yogurt to give you a roll that’s soft, fluffy, and satisfying.
Let’s roll up our sleeves and get baking.
Why You’ll Love These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Most cinnamon rolls pack in tons of butter, sugar, and white flour. That’s fine for a cheat day—but not if you want to fuel your body with clean carbs and healthy fats. These rolls keep everything macro-friendly and naturally sweetened while still delivering rich, cinnamon-swirled flavor.
You won’t need a mixer or complicated proofing steps either. Just basic ingredients, a little elbow grease, and about an hour.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 ripe bananas (medium-large, very spotty)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (non-fat or 2%)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 ¾ cups oat flour
- ¼ cup vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 2 tablespoons almond butter or coconut oil (melted)
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Glaze (Optional but recommended):
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch round or square baking dish with parchment paper. You can also lightly spray it with cooking oil. This prevents the rolls from sticking and keeps cleanup simple.
Step 2: Mash and Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash your bananas until smooth. Add in the egg, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Whisk until everything comes together. The bananas act as both a sweetener and a binder here, so make sure they’re fully mashed.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir in the oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Use a spatula to fold the mixture into a soft dough. If the dough feels sticky, add a bit more oat flour—about a tablespoon at a time. You want it pliable but not dry.
Once it holds together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface (you can use more oat flour here) and knead for 30–60 seconds until smooth.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Aim for a shape around 10×8 inches. Try to keep the thickness even so the rolls bake uniformly.
Step 5: Make the Filling
In a small bowl, mix together your almond butter, coconut sugar, and cinnamon. Spread this mixture over the dough using a silicone brush or the back of a spoon. Make sure to leave a little space along one edge to help seal the roll.
Step 6: Roll and Slice
Start from the longer edge and carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss (unflavored) to slice the log into 8 equal pieces.
Place each roll cut-side up into your prepared baking dish. Leave a little space between them; they’ll puff up slightly during baking.
Step 7: Bake
Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. Keep an eye on them around the 20-minute mark. The tops should look golden and firm to the touch.
If you like them gooier, lean closer to 20 minutes. For firmer rolls, let them go the full 25.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
While the rolls are baking, whip up your glaze. Just stir together the Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth. Once the rolls come out and cool for about 5–10 minutes, drizzle the glaze over the top.
Serve warm and enjoy every clean, cinnamon-laced bite.
Nutrition Facts (Per Roll – Serves 8)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 185 kcal |
| Protein | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 23g |
| Sugars (Natural) | 7g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
Nutrition may vary based on protein powder and optional ingredients used.
Recipe Tips
- Use super ripe bananas: The browner the skin, the sweeter the banana. This reduces the need for added sugar.
- Choose the right protein powder: A clean vanilla-flavored whey or plant-based protein works best. Avoid overly sweetened varieties.
- Don’t overbake: Overcooked rolls dry out fast. Check early to keep them soft and moist.
- Make it vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg, use dairy-free yogurt, and plant-based protein.
- Freeze extras: Let the rolls cool, then freeze individually in airtight bags. Reheat in the microwave for a warm, healthy treat anytime.
Final Thoughts
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls deliver everything you love about cozy weekend baking—without throwing your macros off track. With protein, fiber, and healthy carbs in every bite, these are more than a treat—they’re a smart choice for active eaters.
So next time you want something sweet but wholesome, whip up a batch. Your tastebuds and your body will thank you.
