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Soft Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Featured in Crowd-Pleasing Recipes for All Ages.

Mix banana dough, spread cinnamon-sugar filling, bake, and smother with frosting for a sweet, cozy treat.
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Ranah
Updated on Sat, 26 Apr 2025 13:54:27 GMT
A cozy stack of banana-flavored cinnamon rolls drizzled with cream cheese glaze and snowy cinnamon. Pin it
A cozy stack of banana-flavored cinnamon rolls drizzled with cream cheese glaze and snowy cinnamon. | tastycoock.com

Step up your morning meal with these clever banana bread cinnamon buns that blend two favorite treats into one mouthwatering delight. Mashed bananas run through the fluffy, yeast-based dough and filling, building waves of natural sweetness that work beautifully with the cozy cinnamon flavor. Finished with creamy cheese icing, these rolls give you total comfort in each mouthful.

When I first tried adding bananas to my cinnamon roll mix, I couldn't believe how they made the dough so soft while adding natural sweetness. These rolls are now the most requested item at our family get-togethers.

Key Ingredients

  • Overripe bananas: Look for ones with dark spots for the best sweetness and flavor
  • Active yeast: New instant yeast helps your dough rise properly
  • Full-fat milk: The extra fat makes your dough extra soft
  • Cultured butter: Adds incredible richness and taste
  • Ground cinnamon: Freshly ground gives the strongest aroma

Making Your Creation

Start With The Foundation
  • Heat milk mix to the right warmth for best yeast growth.
Work The Mixture
  • Mix until it feels smooth and stretchy, aiming for slightly sticky feel.
Let It Grow
  • Give enough time for dough to puff up twice its size for the best softness.
Flatten Carefully
  • Shape into even rectangle so your swirls look uniform.
Add Your Goodies
  • Spread butter, sugar, and banana pieces evenly for balanced taste.
Finish With Topping
  • Spread cheese mix over hot rolls so it melts just right.

My grandma always told me that taking your time with the rising makes the softest rolls. I find this advice works every single time I bake this.

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. | tastycoock.com

Perfect Pairings

These rolls taste amazing with some fresh fruit sauce and hot coffee for a fancy morning meal. Try adding some sugar-coated pecans for extra crunch and style.

Fun Variations

Try making a maple-bourbon topping or mix in some toasted coconut flakes. You can also use chocolate-hazelnut spread for an extra rich flavor.

Keeping Them Fresh

You can leave plain rolls out for a couple days. If you've added the topping, keep them in the fridge 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. | tastycoock.com

Final Thoughts

These banana bread cinnamon rolls have become what I'm known for at family events. Mixing these two favorite treats creates something truly unique that brightens up any breakfast table. Just remember, while you'll need some patience during the process, you'll end up with bakery-quality treats that make any morning special.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is bread flour a good substitute here?
You can use it, but regular all-purpose flour gives just the right soft texture.
→ Can I swap instant yeast with active dry yeast?
Definitely! Just heat the milk carefully and allow a little extra rising time.
→ What’s the best way to store any leftovers?
Keep them refrigerated for up to 5 days. Just reheat before digging in!
→ Can I prepare these ahead and freeze them?
Yes! Either freeze before baking or after, for up to 3 months. Leave in the fridge overnight to thaw.
→ How do I adapt this if I’m avoiding dairy?
Switch to vegan butter, dairy-free milk, and a suitable alternative for the frosting.

Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Tender cinnamon rolls made with banana dough and creamy frosting for extra indulgence.

Prep Time
60 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
95 Minutes

Category: Family Favorites

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 rolls)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Dough

01 ½ cup mashed banana (roughly 1 big banana)
02 1½ teaspoons salt
03 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
04 4 ½ to 5 cups (540–600 g) all-purpose flour (ensure it's measured correctly)
05 ½ cup (100 g) regular white sugar
06 6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter
07 1 cup (240 ml) lukewarm milk (120–130°F)

→ Filling and Assembly

08 ¼ cup (60 ml) slightly warmed heavy cream (poured on top before they bake)
09 2 ripe bananas, sliced thinly
10 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder
11 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick, 57 g) very soft, unsalted butter
12 ½ cup (107 g) packed light brown sugar

→ Cream Cheese Frosting

13 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
14 1 ½ cups (170 g) powdered sugar
15 4 tablespoons (57 g) softened unsalted butter
16 4 ounces softened cream cheese

Instructions

Step 01

Pop milk, butter, and sugar into a small pot over medium heat. Stir until the butter melts and temp hits 120–130°F. If using active dry yeast, aim for just 105–110°F. Turn off heat and let it cool a little.

Step 02

In your stand mixer, add 4 ½ cups flour, yeast, and salt. Pour the warm butter mixture on top, toss in the mashed banana, and stir it together until a rough dough forms.

Step 03

Switch to the dough hook on your mixer. Let it knead at medium speed for 6-8 minutes. Sprinkle in extra flour (up to 5 cups total) if it feels too sticky. If using your hands, knead for about 8-10 minutes on a floured counter until it's stretchy and smooth.

Step 04

Coat a big bowl lightly with oil or butter. Drop the dough in, cover it up, and leave it somewhere warm and draft-free. Let it hang out there for an hour or so until it puffs up nicely.

Step 05

Grab the dough and roll it flat on a lightly floured counter. You’re aiming for a rectangle that's about 18×12 inches.

Step 06

Run a knife over your butter to spread it across the dough, leaving the top edge bare by about half an inch. Stir cinnamon and brown sugar in a small bowl, then dust that mixture evenly all over. Throw on sliced bananas next.

Step 07

Start rolling the dough from the longer side, making a tight, neat log. Use thread, unflavored floss, or a serrated knife to slice it into 12 even pieces.

Step 08

Grease a 9×13 inch pan and arrange the rolls inside, swirl side facing up. Cover them and let them sit for 45 minutes in a warm spot (or 75 minutes if your yeast is the slower kind).

Step 09

Turn your oven to 350°F (177°C). Pour that warmed heavy cream over the rolls just before they go in. Bake for 30–35 minutes until they’re golden on top. Let them cool for about 20 minutes before frosting.

Step 10

Whip cream cheese and butter together until they're smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar bit by bit, then mix in vanilla. Spread on the rolls while they're still a little warm.

Notes

  1. You can prep the rolls and pop them in the fridge overnight. Just let them sit at room temperature to rise before baking.
  2. Freeze baked or unbaked rolls for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw them in the fridge the night before reheating.
  3. Use a thermometer to double-check milk temperature so the yeast does its thing properly.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixer with dough hook and paddle
  • Small pot or saucepan
  • Rolling pin
  • Serrated knife or floss (plain, no flavoring)
  • 9×13 inch baking dish

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Has dairy (butter, cream cheese, and heavy cream).
  • Can be gluten-free if you swap in gluten-free flour.

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