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Banana Cinnamon Rolls 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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