Banana Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- Mix Dough Ingredients: Add mashed bananas, granulated sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until all ingredients are combined well.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare Filling: While the dough is rising, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl until evenly combined.
- 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.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar filling over the rolled dough surface.
- Form Rolls: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Slice the log into 12 equal rolls.
- 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.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 22 to 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- 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.
- 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