Banana Cinnamon Cream Rolls

There are days when nothing but a tender gooey cinnamon roll will do and this banana cinnamon roll recipe brings the homey flavors of banana bread right into your favorite classic treat It is perfect for chilly mornings or a special brunch the banana enriched dough gets extra softness and flavor and there are plenty of tiny banana bits inside every swirl I started making these when my kids begged for something special using brown spotty bananas and now we turn to this recipe any time we want a cozy breakfast together

The first time I baked these my little ones declared them even better than regular cinnamon rolls We now save our overripe bananas just for this recipe

Ingredients

• Milk: warmed to 110F helps activate yeast for a light and fluffy dough Choose whole milk for extra richness
• Active dry yeast: gives the rolls their classic rise and soft crumb Look for yeast that is within its expiration date
• Large egg: binds the dough and tenderizes for a pillowy texture Room temperature eggs work best
• Mashed ripe bananas: add banana bread flavor and natural sweetness Use very spotted almost black bananas for maximum taste
• All purpose flour: provides structure Ensure you use the spoon and level method for accurate measuring
• Salt: balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors
• White granulated sugar: sweetens and powers yeast activity Look for fine baking sugar
• Unsalted butter: gives richness to both the dough and filling Always use room temperature butter so it blends smoothly
• Brown sugar: for the filling gives deep caramel tones Choose light or dark depending on how bold you prefer
• Ground cinnamon: adds that classic cinnamon roll warmth Use freshly ground if possible for stronger spice
• Bananas: sliced thinly for the filling provide little pops of true banana flavor Go for firm yet ripe bananas that hold their shape
• Cream cheese: for the icing delivers tang to balance out the sweetness Use full fat block style cream cheese not whipped
• Powdered sugar: ensures a silky smooth icing Sift before adding for best results
• Pure vanilla extract: gives the icing bakery style aroma and flavor Use real vanilla not imitation

Step by Step Instructions

Activate the Yeast:

Heat the milk until just warm to the touch Pour it into a bowl and sprinkle the yeast on top Let it sit undisturbed so it gets frothy about ten minutes The yeast should look creamy and bubbly which means it is alive and ready

Make the Dough Base:

In a large bowl whisk flour sugar and salt together Add the cubed room temperature butter and work it in with your hands or a pastry cutter Stop when you have butter bits roughly the size of peas This step makes for light layers throughout the rolls

Mix in Wet Ingredients:

Add the frothy yeasty milk beaten egg and mashed bananas to the dry ingredients Use a mixer fitted with a dough hook or your hands Mix first on low until a shaggy dough forms then increase speed and knead for about five minutes The dough should pull away from the bowl but remain sticky

First Rise:

Lightly grease a clean bowl and transfer the dough in Cover with a kitchen towel Place the bowl in a warm spot ideally inside a just warm oven with the door cracked Let it rise until doubled in size This usually takes about an hour thanks to all the moisture from bananas

Make the Cinnamon Banana Filling:

Beat the room temperature butter in a bowl until smooth Add brown sugar and cinnamon then mix for about one minute until creamy

Roll Out and Fill:

On a lightly floured surface roll the dough into a large rectangle about a quarter inch thick Spread the cinnamon butter mixture evenly over the dough Arrange the banana slices over the filling in a single layer

Shape and Cut:

Roll the dough up from the short side into a tight log Trim off uneven ends Gently slice into twelve even rolls using a serrated knife for clean cuts

Second Rise and Bake:

Place rolls into a greased nine by thirteen inch pan Cover and let rise for another twenty minutes until puffy Meanwhile heat your oven to three seventy five Fahrenheit Bake for twenty eight to thirty three minutes until the tops are golden brown

Make the Cream Cheese Icing:

Using a hand mixer beat cream cheese and butter on high until smooth Add sifted powdered sugar and vanilla Mix on low then increase to high and beat until fluffy

Ice and Serve:

While the rolls are still slightly warm dollop icing onto each roll and spread to the edges Serve fresh for the best gooey experience

Save

My kids love licking the icing bowl and sneaking extra banana slices while we bake I am always amazed at how the comforting scent of cinnamon and banana brings us all together

Storage Tips

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days For longer keeping refrigerate tightly wrapped and warm gently before eating For freezing wrap individual rolls and freeze for up to two months Thaw overnight in the fridge then rewarm

Ingredient Swaps

If you are out of cream cheese substitute with Greek yogurt or mascarpone for a tangy twist Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier roll just swap half of the all purpose Flour out You can use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a deeper flavor

Serving Suggestions

These banana cinnamon rolls are stellar with hot coffee or tea For brunch serve alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon For a dessert version top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

Cultural Context

Cinnamon rolls are a classic Northern European treat and beloved in many American kitchens Combining bananas with cinnamon rolls is a delicious way to make use of overripe fruit and turn a classic recipe into something comforting and new

Save

Recipe FAQs

→ Can overripe bananas be used?

Yes, overripe bananas add sweetness and moisture, enhancing both dough flavor and texture.

→ How soft should the dough be?

The dough will be somewhat sticky due to bananas, but should not overly cling to your hands after kneading.

→ Why does the dough rise in a warm oven?

The extra warmth helps activate yeast, especially with moist dough enriched by bananas and dairy.

→ Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the rolls, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh the next morning for convenience.

→ How do I prevent dense rolls?

Properly measure flour by spooning and leveling, and be sure to knead dough until elastic and smooth.

→ Is the icing essential?

Cream cheese icing adds creamy sweetness but rolls are flavorful on their own if you prefer less sweetness.