Banana Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Introduction

These bread cinnamon rolls are soft, flavorful, and enriched with mashed bananas for extra moisture and sweetness. Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, they make a perfect breakfast treat or indulgent snack.

Ingredients

• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)
• 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 1/4 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt (for frosting)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Step 2: Add mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined.
3. Step 3: Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Step 4: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Step 5: Meanwhile, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to prepare the filling.
6. Step 6: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a 16 by 12 inch rectangle.
7. Step 7: Spread the filling evenly over the dough. Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a log and slice into 12 rolls.
8. Step 8: Place rolls into a greased 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
9. Step 9: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 22 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
10. Step 10: While rolls bake, prepare the frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, then mix well.
11. Step 11: Once the rolls have slightly cooled, spread the frosting generously over the tops and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the filling before rolling.
• You can substitute the mashed bananas with applesauce for a different fruity twist.
• Make sure your yeast is fresh and the milk is warm but not hot to ensure proper rising.
• For a dairy-free version, replace butter and cream cheese with vegan alternatives.

Storage

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving to restore softness. The frosting can also be refrigerated separately and spread on warm rolls before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely. After assembling and slicing the rolls, place them in a baking dish, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before the second rise and baking.

Banana Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 98 reviews

These homemade Banana Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with a warm cinnamon-sugar filling. The addition of ripe mashed bananas adds natural sweetness and moisture, making these rolls extra tender. Topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting, they are perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)
• 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 1/4 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Filling

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Mix Dough Ingredients: Add mashed bananas, granulated sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until all ingredients are combined well.
3. Add Flour and Knead: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, about 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition until a soft dough forms. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
5. Prepare Filling: While the dough is rising, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl until evenly combined.
6. Roll Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 16×12 inch rectangle.
7. Spread Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar filling over the rolled dough surface.
8. Form Rolls: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Slice the log into 12 equal rolls.
9. Second Rise: Place the rolls into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
10. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 22 to 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
11. Make Frosting: While the rolls bake, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, mixing until the frosting is creamy and well combined.
12. Frost and Serve: Once the cinnamon rolls have cooled slightly but are still warm, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the tops. Serve immediately for best flavor.

Notes

• Make sure the milk is warm (around 110°F) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
• If bananas are very ripe and soft, mash them well to achieve a smooth texture for the dough.
• Kneading the dough well develops gluten for a soft, elastic texture in the rolls.
• The second rise allows the rolls to become light and fluffy before baking.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.
• Rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.

Keywords: banana cinnamon rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, sweet rolls recipe, breakfast pastries, cream cheese frosting rolls