Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Tired of dry, boring cinnamon rolls that leave you wanting more? Banana Cinnamon Rolls are a luscious upgrade that combine the sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas with the classic cinnamon-sugar spiral and cream cheese frosting.

At dishfoody.com, crafting comforting recipes with a fresh twist is a joy. This recipe will help you create soft, tender rolls bursting with banana flavor that melt in your mouth.

Whether for a cozy weekend brunch or a special occasion, these rolls deliver memorable delight. In this guide, you’ll find tips on ingredient choices, step-by-step preparation, creative variations, and troubleshooting FAQs.

Why This Banana Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Works

• Moist bananas naturally sweeten and tenderize the dough, eliminating dryness.
• Combines the best flavors of banana bread and cinnamon rolls for an irresistible aroma.
• No complicated steps simple mixing, rolling, and baking for great results every time.

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Best Cuts for This Recipe

Use overripe, soft bananas to maximize sweet flavor and moisture. For flour, unbleached all-purpose provides structure with soft texture.

Buying Tips

Select bananas speckled with brown spots for maximum ripeness. Buy fresh baking ingredients and check yeast freshness for the best rise.

Substitutions

Gluten-free flour blends and dairy-free substitutes for butter and cream cheese work well to make allergy-friendly versions.

Ingredients & Prep for Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Dough Essentials

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) instant yeast
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup whole milk, warm
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs

Filling

• ½ cup softened butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Prep Steps

Warm milk and proof yeast briefly for best dough rise. Mash bananas well, and mix with eggs and melted butter before incorporating dry ingredients.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Pre-Cooking Prep for Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Mix yeast, warm milk, and sugar. Let bloom for 5 minutes. Stir in mashed bananas, eggs, butter, salt, and flour to form dough.

Cooking Method for Banana Cinnamon Rolls

1. Knead the dough on a floured surface or mixer until elastic and smooth, about 8–10 minutes.
2. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, approximately 1 hour.
3. Roll dough into a 15×10 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter on top. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts, then sprinkle evenly.
4. Roll tightly and cut into 12 even pieces using dental floss or a serrated knife.
5. Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan spaced slightly apart, cover, and let rise for 45 minutes.
6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden.

Doneness Check for Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Rolls should be evenly risen and golden brown with a slightly soft center when touched.

Resting for Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Let cool for 10 minutes before frosting to avoid melting the cream cheese glaze.

Pro Tips for Perfect Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Avoiding Dry Rolls

Use ripe bananas and do not overbake. Check with a toothpick for clean exit but remove rolls before they brown excessively.

Tool Recommendations

A stand mixer with a dough hook simplifies kneading. Dental floss ensures clean cuts without squashing rolls.

Storage & Reheating

Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

Flavor Variations for Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Spicy Twist

Add nutmeg or cardamom to the filling or frosting for a warming depth.

Keto/Paleo

Use almond flour with erythritol and coconut milk; substitute cream cheese with coconut-based versions.

Global Flavors

• Indian: Use cardamom and saffron with pistachio nuts.
• Mexican: Add a sprinkle of chili powder and replace nuts with toasted pepitas.
• Scandinavian: Mix in chopped dried fruits and a pinch of allspice.

Serving Suggestions for Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Serve with a glass of milk, a cup of chai tea, or coffee for a hearty breakfast. Perfect for brunch gatherings, holiday mornings, or dessert.

FAQs for Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Can I prepare dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate dough overnight after first kneading and shape in the morning.

What if I don’t have a mixer?
Knead by hand with a large spoon till a shaggy dough forms, then turn out to knead on a surface.

Can I freeze unbaked rolls?
Yes, cover and freeze after shaping; thaw second rise and bake fresh.

Conclusion

Banana Cinnamon Rolls blend the homely warmth of banana bread and the nostalgic comfort of cinnamon rolls into one delightful bite. Perfect for elevating any occasion or adding cozy charm to your breakfasts. For more creative baking adventures, visit dishfoody.com and try our Blue Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls next for your next party or cozy night in.

Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Print Recipe

These Banana Cinnamon Rolls are soft, gooey, and packed with warm cinnamon-sugar flavor and sweet mashed bananas. Perfect for breakfast or brunch and they make your kitchen smell amazing!

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 2 hrs
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• For the dough:
• 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg + 1 egg yolk
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 large banana)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• For the filling:
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup mashed banana
• 1/4 cup softened butter
• For the icing:
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 tbsp milk (as needed)

Instructions

• 1. In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
• 2. Add remaining sugar, eggs, melted butter, mashed banana, and salt. Stir until combined.
• 3. Gradually add flour and knead until dough is soft and elastic (about 8–10 minutes).
• 4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.
• 5. Roll dough into a 14×9-inch rectangle.
• 6. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, mashed banana, and butter to form the filling.
• 7. Spread filling evenly over dough and roll tightly from the long side.
• 8. Cut into 12 rolls and place in a greased baking dish.
• 9. Cover and let rise another 30–45 minutes.
• 10. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
• 11. Whisk together icing ingredients and spread over warm rolls before serving.

Notes

• You can prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate overnight — just bake in the morning.
• Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture.
• Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 17g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: banana cinnamon rolls, sweet breakfast, banana dessert, brunch recipe