Easy Soft Banana Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: Sweet Morning Magic

Warm, gooey soft banana cinnamon rolls fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone closer.

Sweet bananas meld perfectly with rich cinnamon in this delectable pastry.

Each roll promises a tender, moist bite that melts in your mouth.

The recipe combines classic comfort with a fruity twist that elevates traditional breakfast treats.

soft, pillowy dough wraps around a luscious cinnamon-banana filling that will make mornings magical.

Weekend baking reaches new heights with these irresistible rolls that transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Prepare to savor every delicious, comforting bite of this crowd-pleasing breakfast delight.

Why Banana Cinnamon Rolls Are a Hit

• No complicated techniques needed, making these banana cinnamon rolls perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Brilliantly repurpose overripe bananas into a deliciously moist and flavorful breakfast treat that reduces food waste.
• Guaranteed to bring smiles around the table with its irresistible combination of sweet banana, warm cinnamon, and creamy icing that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Ideal for leisurely weekend mornings, brunch gatherings, or a special family breakfast that feels like a homemade celebration.

Banana Cinnamon Roll Ingredients

• Flour: The essential ingredient that provides structure and texture to the soft banana cinnamon rolls.
• Milk: Helps activate the yeast and adds moisture to the dough.
• Yeast: Crucial for making the dough rise and creating a light, fluffy texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the rolls.
• Banana: Provides natural sweetness and moisture to the dough.

• Butter: Adds flavor and helps create a tender, soft texture in both the dough and filling.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the rolls.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps feed the yeast during rising.

• Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Create a classic sweet and spicy filling for the rolls.
• Nuts: Optional ingredient that adds crunch and extra flavor to the rolls.

• Cream Cheese, Butter, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla: Combine to make a smooth, creamy topping that complements the warm rolls.

Tools for Banana Cinnamon Rolls

• Stand Mixer or Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining ingredients and kneading dough smoothly.
• Rolling Pin: Perfect for rolling out the dough into a smooth, even rectangle.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurately measuring ingredients like flour, sugar, and spices.
• 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: Ideal for holding and baking your cinnamon rolls evenly.
• Sharp Knife or Bench Scraper: Great for cutting the rolled dough into 12 even pieces.
• Spatula: Handy for spreading filling and mixing icing.
• Whisk: Helps blend ingredients like yeast mixture and icing smoothly.
• Pastry Brush (optional): Useful for greasing the bowl and baking dish with butter.

How to Bake Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Awaken the Yeast

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine warm milk with yeast and sugar.

Let the mixture sit and get bubbly for about 5 minutes until it looks frothy and alive.

Step 2: Create the Dough

• Melted butter
• Eggs
• Salt
• Mashed banana

Stir everything together thoroughly.

Gradually incorporate flour until you have a soft, pliable dough ready for kneading.

Step 3: First Dough Rise

Knead the dough on a flour-dusted surface for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Transfer to a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest in a warm spot for an hour.

The dough should puff up and double in size.

Step 4: Craft the Filling

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Mix until you have a creamy, aromatic filling.

Step 5: Roll and Shape

Stretch the dough into a 20×14-inch rectangle.

Generously spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture across the surface.

Sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.

Carefully roll the dough from the long side and slice into 12 equal portions.

Step 6: Second Rise and Baking

Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish.

Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350F.

Bake until the rolls turn a beautiful golden brown, approximately 25-30 minutes.

Step 7: Create Dreamy Icing

• Cream cheese
• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Beat until smooth and creamy.

Drizzle the luscious icing over warm rolls, letting it seep into every delightful crevice.

Banana Cinnamon Roll Pro Tips

• Ensure milk is warm (not hot) around 110°F to keep yeast alive and thriving without killing it.
• Use overripe, soft bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture in your rolls.
• Add flour gradually and knead gently to avoid dense, tough rolls that lack softness.
• Cover rolls with foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning while ensuring even cooking.
• Let cream cheese and butter reach room temperature for smoother, lump-free icing that spreads easily.

Fun Banana Cinnamon Roll Variations

• Gluten-Free Banana Rolls: Swap wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version. Use xanthan gum to help bind the dough and maintain soft texture.
• Vegan Banana Cinnamon Rolls: Replace eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs. Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter alternative. Swap cream cheese frosting with coconut cream-based icing.
• Low-Sugar Banana Rolls: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use less sugar in filling and opt for sugar-free cream cheese frosting. Add extra cinnamon for natural sweetness.
• Whole Wheat Banana Rolls: Incorporate whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added nutrition. Use half whole wheat and half white flour to maintain soft texture. Reduce sugar slightly to balance whole grain flavor.

Serving Banana Cinnamon Rolls

• Brunch Bliss: Serve these warm rolls as the star of a weekend morning gathering with friends and family.
• Dessert Delight: Transform these rolls into a sweet ending by pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
• Coffee Companion: Enjoy these rolls alongside a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte for the ultimate comfort experience.
• Breakfast Boost: Pack these rolls in lunch boxes or grab them on-the-go for a quick and satisfying morning meal that will keep you energized.

Banana Cinnamon Roll Storage

• Store leftover banana cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and freshness.
• Carefully place rolls in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Warm individual rolls for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Add a small damp paper towel to prevent drying out and restore softness.
• Preheat oven to 300F. Wrap rolls in aluminum foil to lock in moisture. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Optional: Drizzle extra icing on top for a fresh-baked taste.

FAQs

• Why does the recipe use mashed banana?

Mashed banana adds moisture, natural sweetness, and helps create a softer texture in the cinnamon rolls while providing a subtle fruity flavor.

• Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Just reduce the rising time slightly and skip the activation step, mixing it directly with dry ingredients.

• How do I know if my dough has risen correctly?

The dough should double in size and when you gently press it with a finger, the indentation should slowly spring back but not completely disappear.

• What if my dough isn't rising?

Check that your yeast is fresh, your liquid isn’t too hot or cold, and you’re letting the dough rise in a warm, draft-free environment around 75-80°F.

Soft Banana Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Gooey banana cinnamon rolls blend Caribbean sweetness with classic pastry comfort. Warm spices and caramelized fruit create an irresistible breakfast treat you’ll savor with pure morning delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup mashed banana (2–3 medium bananas)
• 2 large eggs

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm milk
• 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Dry and Flavor Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 teaspoon salt

Filling Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Icing Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) softened cream cheese
• 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Awaken the yeast by whisking warm milk with active dry yeast and sugar in a spacious mixing bowl. Allow the mixture to become frothy and bubbly for approximately 5 minutes, signaling the yeast’s vitality.
2. Incorporate melted butter, eggs, salt, and mashed banana into the yeast mixture. Gradually fold in flour, creating a supple, cohesive dough that’s ready for kneading.
3. Transfer the dough to a flour-dusted surface and knead vigorously for 10 minutes until achieving a smooth, elastic texture. Nestle the dough in a greased container, drape with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a draft-free environment for 60 minutes until it doubles in volume.
4. Craft the filling by blending softened butter with brown sugar and ground cinnamon until achieving a uniform, spreadable consistency.
5. Gently roll the risen dough into a rectangular canvas measuring 20×14 inches. Lavishly spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture, optionally scattering chopped nuts across the surface. Carefully roll the dough from the elongated edge, then slice into 12 uniform segments.
6. Arrange the rolled sections in a greased baking vessel, cover, and permit a secondary rise for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake for 25-30 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown complexion.
7. Whip cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract into a silky, luxurious glaze. Generously drizzle the icing over warm rolls, allowing it to cascade into every delectable crevice.

Notes

• Swap out regular milk with non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk for a lactose-free version that’s just as delicious and fluffy.
• Replace some wheat flour with whole wheat or gluten-free flour blend to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising the soft texture.
• Toast nuts like pecans or walnuts before adding to the filling to enhance their rich, nutty flavor and provide an extra layer of crunch.
• For a less sweet option, reduce the brown sugar in the filling and use a sprinkle of cinnamon-monk fruit sweetener as a low-calorie alternative.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg