Banana Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

The Coziest Banana Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for Sweet Mornings

Warm, gooey banana cinnamon rolls bring comfort straight to your kitchen with their irresistible aroma.

Sweet bananas intertwine perfectly with rich, fragrant spices in this delightful pastry.

Soft dough wraps around caramelized fruit and speckled cinnamon, creating layers of pure indulgence.

Breakfast suddenly becomes an extraordinary experience when these rolls emerge from the oven.

Weekend mornings transform into magical moments with each tender, golden-brown spiral.

Crisp edges and soft centers promise a delectable treat that will make you smile.

Bake these rolls and watch everyone gather around, eager to savor every delicious bite.

Banana Cinnamon Rolls: Banana Bread’s Swirly Cousin

  • Enjoy Quick Comfort: Whip up a batch of these rolls for a speedy, soul-warming treat that combines the best of banana bread and cinnamon rolls.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Fusion: Impress family and friends with this unique twist on classic breakfast pastries, blending familiar flavors in an exciting new way.
  • Beginner-Friendly Baking: Perfect for home bakers of all skill levels, this recipe offers simple steps and forgiving techniques that guarantee delicious results every time.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Great for weekend brunches, potlucks, or as a special breakfast surprise that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Must-Have Ingredients for Banana Rolls

Dough Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides the base structure for the soft and fluffy rolls.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Essential for helping the dough rise and creating a light, airy texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Milk: Provides moisture and helps activate the yeast.
  • Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Mashed Bananas: Brings natural sweetness and moisture to the rolls.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender dough texture.
Filling and Topping Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Create a classic sweet and warm filling for the rolls.
  • Cream Cheese, Butter, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Combine to make a creamy, smooth icing.
  • Fresh Bananas: Provide extra banana flavor and texture to the filling.

How to Swirl Up Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Awaken The Yeast

Gently warm milk until it reaches a cozy 110F.

Sprinkle yeast over the surface and let it dance and bubble for 10 minutes until wonderfully frothy.

Step 2: Create Magical Dough

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine:
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Salt

Toss in cubed butter and mix until the mixture looks crumbly.

Pour in the awakened yeast, a beaten egg, and mashed bananas.

Knead the dough with love for 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and stretchy like a soft pillow.

Step 3: Let Dough Rest And Rise

Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it relax in a warm spot.

Watch it grow and double in size over the next hour.

Step 4: Craft Delicious Filling

In a separate bowl, whip together:
  • Softened butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Set this magical mixture aside.

Step 5: Roll And Spread Flavor

Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangular canvas.

Spread the cinnamon-banana filling generously.

Layer thin banana slices across the surface for extra yumminess.

Step 6: Shape Delightful Rolls

Roll the dough into a tight log, then slice into 12 beautiful rolls.

Nestle these rolls into a greased baking dish and let them rise for another 20 minutes.

Step 7: Bake To Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 375F.

Bake the rolls for 28-33 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Step 8: Whip Up Creamy Icing

While the rolls bake, create a dreamy topping by beating:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Blend until silky smooth.

Step 9: Serve And Enjoy

Generously spread the cream cheese icing over warm rolls.

Invite friends and family to indulge in this incredible banana-cinnamon creation!

Tips for Super Soft Swirl Rolls

  • Ensure milk temperature is exactly 110F to help yeast bloom perfectly without killing it.
  • Use overripe, soft bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture in the rolls.
  • Knead dough until smooth and elastic to develop proper gluten structure for soft, fluffy rolls.
  • Let rolls cool slightly before adding cream cheese icing to prevent melting and maintain a creamy consistency.
  • Use dental floss or a sharp knife to cut rolls evenly for consistent baking and professional presentation.

Remix Rolls with New Flavors

  • Gluten-Free Banana Cinnamon Rolls: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour, ensuring a tender texture for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Banana Rolls: Swap eggs and dairy with coconut milk, flax eggs, and plant-based butter to create a compassionate version that maintains rich flavor.
  • Low-Sugar Banana Rolls: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar and reduce overall sugar content, perfect for diabetic-friendly options.
  • Tropical Banana Variation: Add shredded coconut and chopped macadamia nuts to the filling for a Hawaiian-inspired rendition that brings exotic flair to classic rolls.

Ways to Serve Banana Cinnamon Swirls

  • Cozy Breakfast Companion: Pair these rolls with a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a comforting morning treat.
  • Weekend Brunch Star: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a delightful weekend gathering with family and friends.
  • Sweet Dessert Option: Enjoy these rolls as a decadent after-dinner dessert, warmed slightly and topped with extra cream cheese frosting.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the rolls the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning for an easy, stress-free breakfast experience.

Store Rolls for Cozy Mornings

  • Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintain freshness.
  • Place rolls in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Warm rolls at 325F for 10-12 minutes, wrapped in foil to retain moisture. Uncover the last 2 minutes to restore crispy edges.
  • Heat individual rolls for 15-20 seconds. Add a damp paper towel over the roll to prevent toughening and maintain softness.

FAQs

  • Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can. Just reduce the amount by about 25% and skip the activation step. Mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

  • How ripe should the bananas be?

Use very ripe bananas with brown spots. They’re sweeter and will provide more flavor and moisture to the rolls.

  • Is it possible to make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough, let it rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let it come to room temperature before rolling and filling.

  • Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?

Yes, you can freeze them before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

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Banana Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Banana Cinnamon Rolls Recipe


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4.7 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Warm, gooey banana cinnamon rolls elevate breakfast comfort with a tropical twist. Rich, caramelized banana swirls and delicate cinnamon promise pure morning bliss you can savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 5 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup mashed bananas
  • 1 large egg
  • 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)

Filling Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 bananas, sliced thin

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Awaken the yeast by dissolving it in warm milk at 110F, allowing it to bloom and become frothy for 10 minutes.
  2. Craft the dough by blending flour, sugar, and salt. Incorporate cubed butter until crumbly, then introduce yeast mixture, egg, and mashed bananas. Knead thoroughly for 5 minutes until achieving a smooth, elastic consistency.
  3. Nestle the dough in a warm environment, draping with a clean cloth, and permit it to rise for 1 hour or until volume doubles.
  4. Whip the filling by combining softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a luscious mixture.
  5. Transform the risen dough into a rectangular canvas, lavishly spreading the cinnamon-banana filling. Artfully arrange thinly sliced bananas across the surface.
  6. Tightly roll the dough into a cylindrical form, then slice into 12 uniform segments. Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish and allow a 20-minute final proofing.
  7. Heat the oven to 375F (190C). Bake the rolls for 28-33 minutes until they achieve a golden, enticing hue and are thoroughly cooked.
  8. Simultaneously prepare the cream cheese icing by whipping softened cream cheese and butter. Gradually fold in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until achieving a silky-smooth texture.
  9. Generously drape the warm rolls with cream cheese icing, creating an irresistible finale to this banana-cinnamon masterpiece.

Notes

  • Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure milk is exactly 110F for optimal yeast activation, preventing under or over-proofing.
  • Select overripe, soft bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and deeper banana flavor in the rolls.
  • Lightly dust work surface with flour and use a bench scraper to manage sticky banana-enriched dough without adding excess flour.
  • Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to maintain roll structure and texture.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 259 kcal
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 144 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 41 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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