Soft Banana Cinnamon Treats

This hearty banana cinnamon roll recipe transforms ordinary cinnamon rolls into something extraordinary with the addition of sweet, ripe bananas. The banana adds moisture and a subtle tropical flavor that perfectly complements the warm cinnamon filling, making these rolls a delightful breakfast treat or afternoon indulgence.

I discovered this recipe when looking for creative ways to use overripe bananas beyond the usual banana bread. After one batch, my Sunday morning breakfast tradition was forever changed as my family now requests these banana infused rolls almost weekly.

Ingredients

• Warm milk: Activates the yeast and creates the perfect environment for a pillowy soft dough
• Active dry yeast: Provides the rise needed for fluffy, airy rolls
• Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a balanced sweetness to the dough
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and tenderness to both dough and filling
• Large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the dough
• All purpose flour: Creates the perfect foundation for soft yet structured rolls
• Mashed banana: Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and a subtle tropical flavor
• Brown sugar: Creates a caramelized filling with deep molasses notes
• Ground cinnamon: Provides the classic warm, spicy flavor essential to any cinnamon roll
• Chopped walnuts: Add a pleasant crunch and nutty contrast to the soft dough
• Cream cheese: Gives the frosting a tangy dimension that balances the sweetness
• Powdered sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet frosting that melts beautifully on warm rolls
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its aromatic depth

Step-by-Step Instructions

Activate the Yeast:

Combine warm milk with yeast and sugar in a large mixing bowl and allow to rest for 5 minutes until foamy and fragrant. The milk should be warm but not hot, approximately 110°F to 115°F. If the mixture doesn't foam, your yeast may be old or your milk too hot.

Create the Banana Dough:

Add the melted butter, eggs, salt, and mashed banana to the yeast mixture, stirring until thoroughly combined. The bananas should be very ripe with brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor. Gradually incorporate the flour one cup at a time, mixing until you have a soft, slightly sticky dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Knead to Perfection:

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for a full 10 minutes. This develops the gluten structure for perfect texture. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and spring back when lightly pressed. Place in a greased bowl, turn once to coat, and cover with a clean kitchen towel.

First Rise:

Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about an hour until doubled in size. The ideal temperature is around 75°F to 85°F. You can create a perfect rising environment by placing the bowl in an oven with just the light on.

Prepare the Filling:

While the dough rises, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until thoroughly combined into a spreadable paste. Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted, for the best spreading consistency. The filling should be uniform in color with no sugar lumps.

Roll and Fill:

After the first rise, punch down the dough to release air bubbles and roll out on a floured surface to a 20x14 inch rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the entire surface, leaving a 1/2 inch border along one long edge. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts, if using.

Shape the Rolls:

Starting from the long edge without the border, roll the dough tightly into a log, pinching the seam to seal. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut into 12 equal pieces about 1.5 inches thick. Place the rolls cut side up in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.

Second Rise and Bake:

Cover the rolls and let rise for another 30 minutes, until puffy and touching each other. Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the centers reach 190°F when tested with a thermometer.

Create Cream Cheese Icing:

While the rolls bake, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. The cream cheese and butter must be properly softened for a lump-free frosting. Beat for at least 3 minutes for the airiest texture.

Apply the Finishing Touch:

Spread the cream cheese icing generously over the rolls while still warm. The heat will slightly melt the frosting, allowing it to seep into the swirls and crevices. Reserve some frosting for serving if you prefer to add more later.

Pin it

The first time I made these rolls I was skeptical about adding banana to a classic cinnamon roll recipe but the result was absolutely magical. The subtle banana flavor paired with warm cinnamon creates a combination that reminds me of banana bread and cinnamon rolls having a delicious baby. My grandmother now requests these for every holiday breakfast.

Make Ahead Options

These banana cinnamon rolls work beautifully as an overnight recipe. Prepare everything through the shaping step, then cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove from the refrigerator and allow the rolls to come to room temperature and complete their second rise for about 1 hour before baking. This makes them perfect for holiday mornings when you want something special without the early morning prep work.

Perfect Banana Selection

The ripeness of your bananas significantly impacts the flavor of these rolls. For the best results, use bananas that are heavily speckled with brown spots or even completely brown; these provide the most flavor and natural sweetness. Bananas that are still yellow with green tips will lack the depth of flavor and may make your dough more dry. If your bananas aren't quite ripe enough, place them in a paper bag with an apple for a day to speed up the ripening process.

Serving Suggestions

While these banana cinnamon rolls are divine on their own, they pair wonderfully with brunch favorites. Serve alongside a fruit salad of fresh berries and citrus for a bright contrast to the rich rolls. For a complete breakfast experience, offer them with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage; the savory saltiness balances the sweet rolls perfectly. And of course, a good cup of coffee, particularly one with caramel or hazelnut notes, enhances the banana and cinnamon flavors beautifully.

Pin it

Flavor Variations

The basic banana cinnamon roll recipe is incredibly versatile. Try adding 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the filling for a banana chocolate version that tastes like a warm chocolate chip banana bread. You can also incorporate 1/2 cup of shredded coconut into the filling for a tropical twist. For a bananas foster inspired roll, add 2 tablespoons of dark rum to the cream cheese frosting and sprinkle the filling with 1/4 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can the dough be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it overnight after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

→ Can I substitute the bananas with another fruit?

Bananas are key to the texture and flavor, but you can experiment with apple or pumpkin puree for a different twist.

→ Do I need to include walnuts in the filling?

No, walnuts are optional. You can omit them or replace them with other nuts like pecans or leave the rolls nut-free.

→ How do I store leftover rolls?

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat for best results.

→ Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes, you can freeze baked rolls without icing. Thaw at room temperature and warm them up before adding the icing.