Banana Cinnamon Rolls

These Banana Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect blend of banana bread and cinnamon rolls. With a soft banana dough, delicious cinnamon filling, and creamy icing, they make an irresistible treat for breakfast or dessert. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or looking for a comforting snack, these rolls will surely delight everyone at the table.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Dough Ingredients
• Filling Ingredients
• Icing Ingredients
• How to Make Banana Cinnamon Rolls
• Step 1: Prepare the Dough
• Step 2: Knead the Dough
• Step 3: Prepare the Filling
• Step 4: Assemble the Rolls
• Step 5: Bake the Rolls
• Step 6: Make Cream Cheese Icing
• How to Serve Banana Cinnamon Rolls
• With Fresh Fruit
• Drizzled with Maple Syrup
• With Ice Cream
• Topped with Nuts
• How to Perfect Banana Cinnamon Rolls
• Best Side Dishes for Banana Cinnamon Rolls
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Banana Cinnamon Rolls
• Reheating Banana Cinnamon Rolls
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour in Banana Cinnamon Rolls?
• How do I know when my Banana Cinnamon Rolls are done baking?
• Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my Banana Cinnamon Rolls?
• What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise properly?
• Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of bananas and cinnamon creates a warm and inviting flavor that is hard to resist.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, even beginner bakers can whip up these delightful rolls without any hassle.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any special occasion; serve them warm or enjoy them later!
• Crowd-Pleaser: These rolls are sure to impress family and friends with their unique taste and beautiful presentation.
• Homemade Goodness: Enjoy the satisfaction of making fresh rolls from scratch in your own kitchen!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your banana cinnamon rolls, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes kneading the dough easier and ensures it becomes perfectly smooth and elastic.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spilling.
• Rolling pin: Helps in rolling out the dough evenly for better results.
• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking your delicious rolls.

Ingredients

To create these scrumptious banana cinnamon rolls, gather the following ingredients:

Dough Ingredients

• 3/4 cup Milk (warmed to 110℉)
• 2 1/4 tsp Active dry yeast (11 grams (1 whole packet))
• 1 Large egg (room temperature and lightly beaten)
• 2/3 cup Mashed bananas (mash 2 bananas and then measure)
• 5 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/4 cup White granulated sugar
• 10 TBSP Unsalted butter (room temperature and cubed)

Filling Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 3/4 cup Brown sugar (packed light or dark)
• 1 TBSP Ground cinnamon
• 2 Bananas (sliced thinly)

Icing Ingredients

• 4 oz Cream cheese (room temperature)
• 4 TBSP Unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 cup Powdered sugar (sifted)
• 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract

How to Make Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine warmed milk with active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly.
2. Add the beaten egg, mashed bananas, salt, white sugar, and cubed butter into the yeast mixture. Mix well.
3. Gradually add the all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

1. Transfer the dough to a floured surface.
2. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about 60 minutes or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. In another bowl, mix together brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Spread softened butter over the dough evenly, then sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

1. Evenly distribute sliced bananas over the filling.
2. Starting from one edge, roll up tightly into a log shape.
3. Slice into 12 equal pieces and place on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 5: Bake the Rolls

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cover rolls with a cloth again and let rise for about 30 minutes.
3. Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 6: Make Cream Cheese Icing

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Banana Cinnamon Rolls fresh out of the oven!

How to Serve Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Serving banana cinnamon rolls can enhance their delightful flavors and make for a memorable meal. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy these delicious treats.

With Fresh Fruit

• Sliced Strawberries – Add a refreshing touch with fresh strawberries that complement the sweetness of the rolls.
• Banana Slices – For an extra banana flavor, serve with additional sliced bananas on top or alongside.

Drizzled with Maple Syrup

• Maple Syrup – A drizzle of warm maple syrup adds an inviting sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and banana.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top creates a decadent dessert experience that’s hard to resist.
• Cinnamon Ice Cream – For a unique twist, try serving with cinnamon-flavored ice cream for added spice.

Topped with Nuts

• Chopped Walnuts – Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top for a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft rolls.
• Pecans – Toasted pecans can add a rich, nutty flavor and enhance the overall taste profile.

How to Perfect Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Achieving the perfect banana cinnamon rolls requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your rolls turn out wonderfully every time.

• Use Ripe Bananas – The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your dough will be.
• Warm Milk Carefully – Make sure the milk is warmed to about 110℉; too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold will not activate it properly.
• Knead Thoroughly – Knead your dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This helps create a fluffy texture.
• Let Dough Rise Properly – Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for soft rolls.
• Avoid Overbaking – Keep an eye on your rolls while they bake. They should be golden brown but not overly dark.
• Cool Before Icing – Let your cinnamon rolls cool slightly before adding icing. This prevents it from melting away completely.

Best Side Dishes for Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Pairing side dishes with banana cinnamon rolls can elevate your breakfast or brunch experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Scrambled Eggs – Light and fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein that balances out the sweetness of the rolls.
2. Bacon Strips – Crispy bacon adds a savory contrast that complements the flavors of the banana cinnamon rolls perfectly.
3. Yogurt Parfait – A yogurt parfait with granola and berries provides freshness and crunch alongside your sweet rolls.
4. Fruit Salad – A vibrant fruit salad can lighten up your meal and offer a variety of textures and flavors.
5. Breakfast Sausages – Savory breakfast sausages pair well with sweet cinnamon rolls for a hearty meal option.
6. Oatmeal – A bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts or fruits can be a comforting side that rounds out your breakfast spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making banana cinnamon rolls, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Incorrect Yeast Temperature: Using milk that is too hot can kill the yeast. Ensure your milk is warmed to 110℉ for optimal activation.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can make the dough tough. Mix until just combined for a soft and fluffy texture.
• Not Measuring Bananas Properly: Be sure to mash the bananas first before measuring. This ensures you have the right amount for flavor and moisture.
• Skipping Proofing Time: Allowing the dough to rise is crucial. Skipping this step will lead to dense rolls, so be patient!
• Underbaking or Overbaking: Keep an eye on your rolls as they bake. Underbaked rolls will be doughy, while overbaked ones will be dry.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Banana Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Banana Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350℉ and heat rolls for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individually on medium power for 20-30 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place rolls in a skillet with a lid on low heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about banana cinnamon rolls that many home bakers have.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour in Banana Cinnamon Rolls?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but expect a denser texture. Start with half whole wheat and half all-purpose for best results.

How do I know when my Banana Cinnamon Rolls are done baking?

The rolls should be golden brown on top and spring back when lightly pressed. An internal temperature of around 190℉ indicates they are fully cooked.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my Banana Cinnamon Rolls?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts or chocolate chips can add extra flavor and texture. Just fold them into the filling before rolling up the dough.

What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise properly?

If your dough doesn’t rise, check if your yeast is fresh and ensure the milk was at the right temperature. You may need a warmer spot for proofing.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare them up to the second rise, refrigerate overnight, and then bake them fresh in the morning.

Final Thoughts

These banana cinnamon rolls combine the comforting flavors of banana bread with fluffy cinnamon rolls, making them perfect for breakfast or dessert. Feel free to customize them with various fillings like nuts or chocolate chips. Give this delightful recipe a try!