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Soft Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Featured in Sweet Treat Sensations.

Mix banana dough, fill with cinnamon sugar, bake until golden, and top with frosting.
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Ranah
Updated on Sat, 19 Apr 2025 20:58:42 GMT
Stacked banana cinnamon rolls covered in drizzled frosting with a hint of cinnamon topping. Pin it
Stacked banana cinnamon rolls covered in drizzled frosting with a hint of cinnamon topping. | chefemmakitchen.com

Upgrade your morning meal with these clever banana bread cinnamon rolls that blend two favorite treats into one mouthwatering delight. Mashed bananas run through the fluffy, yeasted base and sweet filling, building natural sweetness that works perfectly with the cozy cinnamon flavor. Finished with creamy cheese topping, these swirls give you total comfort with each mouthful.

When I first tried putting bananas in my cinnamon roll mix, I couldn't believe how they made everything so soft while adding natural sweetness. These days my family won't let me show up to breakfast gatherings without them.

Key Ingredients

  • Spotty bananas: Go for ones with dark spots for better sweetness and taste
  • Active yeast: New instant yeast makes sure your dough rises right
  • Full-fat milk: The extra fat helps make softer dough
  • Cultured butter: Gives you better taste and richness
  • New cinnamon: Grind it right before cooking for strongest smell

Making Your Treat

Nail The Foundation
  • Heat milk mix to just the right warmth for your yeast to wake up nicely.
Work The Mix
  • Mix until it feels smooth but slightly sticky, showing it's just right.
Let It Grow
  • Give enough time for dough to puff up twice its size for best softness.
Spread It Out
  • Make a flat, even shape so your spiral looks good throughout.
Add The Good Stuff
  • Spread butter, sugar, and fruit pieces evenly so flavor hits every bite.
Finish With Topping
  • Put cheese mix on while still hot so it melts down perfectly.

My grandma always told me taking your time with the rising step makes the fluffiest rolls. I've found she was right every single time I make these.

A delicious stack of banana bread cinnamon rolls, drizzled with icing and topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Pin it
A delicious stack of banana bread cinnamon rolls, drizzled with icing and topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon. | chefemmakitchen.com

Perfect Pairings

These rolls taste amazing with some berry sauce and hot coffee for a fancy morning meal. Throw in some sugar-coated nuts for extra crunch and flair.

Fun Variations

Try making them with maple-whiskey topping or mix in some toasted coconut flakes. You can even use chocolate-nut spread for a super rich taste.

Keeping Them Fresh

You can leave plain rolls out for a couple days. If you've added the topping, keep them cold and warm them up before eating.

Freshly baked banana bread cinnamon rolls, showcasing a warm, golden-brown exterior and a delightful cinnamon aroma. Pin it
Freshly baked banana bread cinnamon rolls, showcasing a warm, golden-brown exterior and a delightful cinnamon aroma. | chefemmakitchen.com

Final Thoughts

These banana bread cinnamon rolls have become what everyone expects me to bring to family breakfasts. Mixing these two popular treats creates something really special that makes any breakfast table better. Just remember, you'll need some patience during the process, but you'll end up with bakery-quality swirls that make mornings worth getting up for.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I switch all-purpose flour with bread flour?
Sure, but all-purpose flour keeps the rolls soft and tender.
→ What if I only have active dry yeast?
That works! Just tweak the milk temperature and let the dough rise longer.
→ How should leftovers be stored?
Keep them in the fridge for 5 days. Warm them up before eating.
→ Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Freeze either before or after baking for up to 3 months. Thaw and warm before eating.
→ Can this dish be made dairy-free?
Yes, use vegan butter, non-dairy milk, and a dairy-free frosting option.

Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Fluffy banana rolls topped with creamy frosting. Perfectly sweet and irresistible!

Prep Time
60 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
95 Minutes
By: emma

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 rolls)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Dough

01 4 ½–5 cups (540–600 g) of all-purpose flour, leveled with a spoon
02 6 Tablespoons (85 g) of unsalted butter
03 ½ cup (100 g) of plain sugar
04 ½ cup of banana puree (about a big banana)
05 1 ½ teaspoons of table salt
06 1 cup (240 ml) of warm milk (about 120-130°F)
07 2 ¼ teaspoons of quick-rise yeast

→ Filling and Assembly

08 2 ripe bananas, sliced thin
09 ½ cup (107 g) of packed light brown sugar
10 4 Tablespoons (57 g) of soft butter (half a stick)
11 ¼ cup (60 ml) of slightly warm heavy cream (to pour over rolls)
12 1 Tablespoon of ground cinnamon

→ Cream Cheese Frosting

13 4 ounces of cream cheese, brought to room temperature
14 1 teaspoon of vanilla flavoring
15 1 ½ cups (170 g) of powdered sugar
16 4 Tablespoons (57 g) of butter, softened

Instructions

Step 01

Warm the milk, butter, and sugar together in a saucepan until the butter’s melted and the temp hits 120–130°F (105–110°F for dry yeast). Take off heat and cool it a bit.

Step 02

Using a stand mixer’s paddle, blend 4 ½ cups of flour, yeast, and salt in the bowl. Pour the warm butter mixture in and add the banana mash, mixing until it becomes a rough dough.

Step 03

Switch to a dough hook on the mixer and knead at medium strength for 6–8 minutes. Add more flour while needed (up to 5 cups max). The dough should feel a bit sticky yet elastic. If not using a mixer, knead by hand on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes.

Step 04

Get a big bowl, grease it lightly, and put the dough in. Cover it up and place it in a cozy spot. Wait 1–1.5 hours till it doubles in size, longer if using dry yeast.

Step 05

Dust a work surface lightly with flour, take the dough out, and roll it into a big rectangle about 18×12 inches.

Step 06

Smear the butter all over the dough, leaving a small edge at the top untouched. Sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mix on top evenly. Add banana slices over it.

Step 07

Start rolling up the dough tightly from the longer edge. Seal the edge by pinching it. Cut into 12 pieces using floss, a serrated knife, or thread.

Step 08

Put the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish with the cut side facing up. Cover them and let them puff up for 45 minutes (or around 75 minutes for active dry yeast).

Step 09

Set your oven at 350°F (177°C). Pour the warmed heavy cream over the rolls. Bake for 30–35 minutes (until they’re golden). Let them cool for 20 minutes before icing.

Step 10

Mix cream cheese and butter till it’s smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar, blending as you go. Add the vanilla and beat until fluffy. Spread it on the warm rolls.

Notes

  1. To prep in advance, you can make the rolls and let them sit in the fridge overnight. Give them time to rise on the counter before baking.
  2. You can freeze the rolls baked or unbaked for 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake.
  3. A thermometer can help you double-check that your milk’s the right temp for the yeast.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixer with paddle and dough hook
  • Medium pan for heating
  • A rolling pin
  • Knife (serrated) or unflavored floss
  • Baking dish, size 9×13 inches

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Has dairy products (like butter, heavy cream, cream cheese).
  • Use gluten-free flour to make it celiac-friendly.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 511
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 78 g
  • Protein: 8 g