Indulge in the Sweetness of Banana Cinnamon Rolls
Banana cinnamon rolls are the perfect blend of warmth, comfort, and indulgence. Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy roll that fills your kitchen with the delightful aroma of cinnamon, sugar, and ripe bananas. These rolls make a fantastic treat for weekend brunch, special occasions, or a cozy morning at home. If you’ve ever savored the combination of bananas and cinnamon, you’ll instantly understand why this recipe stands out. They’re not just baked goods; they’re a hug in dessert form!
Why you’ll love this dish
These banana cinnamon rolls are not only a delicious treat but also surprisingly easy to make. The addition of mashed bananas gives the dough a moist texture and a subtle sweetness, making them irresistible. Perfect for a relaxed family brunch or a delightful dessert after dinner, they appeal to both kids and adults alike.
"These banana cinnamon rolls were the hit of our Sunday brunch! I loved how easy the recipe was, and the flavor was simply amazing." – A satisfied baker.
What makes this recipe special is its versatility. You can enjoy them fresh out of the oven, topped with a rich cream cheese glaze, or save some for later — if they last that long! Plus, they’re an excellent way to use up those ripe bananas lingering on your countertop.
Preparing Banana Cinnamon Rolls
Before diving into the joy of baking, let’s break down the process for making these delightful rolls. Just a few simple steps will lead you to that delicious, gooey goodness. You’ll mix, knead, roll, and bake your way to a batch of sweet cinnamon-infused rolls that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.
Gather these items
- 3/4 cup Milk (warmed to 110℉)
- 2 1/4 tsp Active dry yeast (11 grams or 1 packet)
- 1 Large egg (room temperature and lightly beaten)
- 2/3 cup Mashed bananas (about 2 ripe bananas)
- 5 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/4 cup White granulated sugar
- 10 TBSP Unsalted butter (room temperature and cubed)
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup Brown sugar (packed light or dark)
- 1 TBSP Ground cinnamon
- 2 Bananas (sliced thinly)
- 4 oz Cream cheese (room temperature)
- 4 TBSP Unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup Powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
Key note: Feel free to experiment with gluten-free flour or dairy-free butter if accommodating allergies or dietary preferences.
Step-by-step instructions
- Warm the milk in a saucepan until it reaches 110℉. Remove from heat and sprinkle the yeast over the milk to activate.
- In a large bowl, combine the milk mixture, beaten egg, and mashed bananas.
- Gradually incorporate the flour, salt, and sugar, mixing until a dough forms.
- Add the cubed butter, kneading until the dough is elastic and smooth.
- Cover the dough with a towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubles in size.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread it with softened butter and sprinkle with the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Layer the sliced bananas on top, then roll tightly into a log and cut into rolls.
- Place the rolls in a greased pan and let them rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350℉ and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, mix cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla to create a smooth icing.
- Drizzle the icing over the warm rolls and prepare to indulge!
Best ways to enjoy it
Serve these banana cinnamon rolls warm, drizzled with the luscious cream cheese icing. They are absolutely divine on their own, but consider pairing them with a steaming cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate breakfast experience. For a celebratory brunch, add fresh fruit or a side of crispy bacon for a balance of flavors.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your banana cinnamon rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you won’t finish them within that time frame, they freeze beautifully! Wrap each roll in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to indulge again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven at 350℉ for a few minutes until warm.
Helpful cooking tips
- Ensure your milk is warm but not hot when activating the yeast; temperatures over 120℉ can kill the yeast.
- If your dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour while kneading.
- For an extra cinnamon kick, feel free to increase the cinnamon quantity in the filling or even sprinkle some on top before baking.
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations you can try:
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the filling for a delightful crunch.
- Swap out the bananas for apples or pumpkin puree for a seasonal twist.
- Make a nutmeg icing instead by substituting some vanilla extract with freshly grated nutmeg.
Your questions answered
Q: How long does it take to make banana cinnamon rolls?
A: From start to finish, including rising time, expect about 2 hours. The actual hands-on time is around 45 minutes.
Q: Can I substitute the active dry yeast?
A: Yes! You can use instant yeast; just mix it with the dry ingredients instead of activating it in warm milk.
Q: How do I adjust for dietary restrictions?
A: For a dairy-free option, use almond milk and coconut oil, and replace the butter with a non-dairy alternative.
Now, roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress yourself with soft, gooey, and utterly delicious banana cinnamon rolls!
Banana Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Milk (warmed to 110℉)
- 2 1/4 tsp Active dry yeast (11 grams or 1 packet)
- 1 Large egg (room temperature and lightly beaten)
- 2/3 cup Mashed bananas (about 2 ripe bananas)
- 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
- 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
Instructions
Preparation
- Warm the milk in a saucepan until it reaches 110℉. Remove from heat and sprinkle the yeast over the milk to activate.
- In a large bowl, combine the milk mixture, beaten egg, and mashed bananas.
- Gradually incorporate the flour, salt, and sugar, mixing until a dough forms.
- Add the cubed butter, kneading until the dough is elastic and smooth.
- Cover the dough with a towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Assembly
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread it with softened butter and sprinkle with the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Layer the sliced bananas on top, then roll tightly into a log and cut into rolls.
- Place the rolls in a greased pan and let them rise again for 30 minutes.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350℉ and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, mix cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla to create a smooth icing.
- Drizzle the icing over the warm rolls and prepare to indulge!