Name: Banana Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas, mashed; 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast; 3/4 cup warm milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 egg; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for filling); 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting); 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These banana cinnamon rolls bring a unique and delicious spin to traditional cinnamon rolls. The banana-infused dough is not only softer and richer but also gives the rolls a hint of natural sweetness without overpowering the classic cinnamon flavor. Whether you’re serving them fresh out of the oven or reheating for a quick snack, they remain irresistibly tender and satisfying.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ripe bananas
All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Active dry yeast
Warm milk
Unsalted butter
Egg
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Brown sugar
Cream cheese (for frosting)
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract

Directions

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, mash ripe bananas and combine with sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt.
Add the yeast mixture and gradually stir in the flour until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes, then place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Roll the dough into a rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon.
Roll the dough tightly and cut into equal-sized rolls. Place in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise again for 30 minutes.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
While baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by mixing cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Spread the frosting over warm rolls before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 12 rolls.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Rise time: 90 minutes
Bake time: 25 minutes
Total time: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes

Variations

Nutty twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar filling for extra texture.
Chocolate banana rolls: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips along with the cinnamon sugar for a sweet, indulgent twist.
Glaze alternative: Skip the cream cheese frosting and drizzle with a simple banana glaze made of mashed banana and powdered sugar.
Vegan version: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg in place of the traditional ingredients.
Spiced version: Add nutmeg or cardamom for deeper spice notes.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover banana cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat, microwave each roll for 15–20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes until soft and gooey again.
For freezing, wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

How ripe should the bananas be?

Use bananas that are heavily speckled or even blackened on the outside. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful the dough will be.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise, and store it covered in the fridge. In the morning, let it come to room temperature before rolling and shaping.

Do I need a stand mixer for this recipe?

No, while a stand mixer makes kneading easier, you can knead the dough by hand for about 7–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, instant yeast can be used without proofing it in milk first. Simply mix it directly with the flour and other dry ingredients.

What’s the best way to mash bananas for the dough?

Use a fork or potato masher to mash the bananas until smooth. You want minimal chunks so they incorporate evenly into the dough.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour, but note that texture may vary. Additional adjustments might be needed to achieve the right dough consistency.

How do I prevent the rolls from becoming dry?

Ensure you don’t overbake them, and always store them in an airtight container. The banana in the dough also helps keep them naturally moist.

Is there a substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?

You can use Greek yogurt or mascarpone as a substitute, though the flavor will differ slightly.

Can I add banana slices to the filling?

Yes, but keep them thin to prevent excess moisture. Layer banana slices with the cinnamon sugar for a stronger banana flavor.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

Add flour gradually, one tablespoon at a time, while kneading until the dough is soft but manageable and not overly sticky.

Conclusion

Banana cinnamon rolls combine the comfort of classic cinnamon rolls with the sweet, tender richness of ripe bananas. They’re perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or anytime you want to impress with a homemade baked treat. With their pillowy texture, sweet filling, and creamy frosting, these rolls are bound to become a household favorite.