Banana and Cinnamon Rolls: A Foolproof Recipe for Perfectly Soft and Sweet Homemade Treats

There’s something magical about the combination of bananas and cinnamon. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas paired with the warm, comforting spice of cinnamon creates a flavor duo that’s impossible to resist. When you roll them into soft, pillowy dough and bake them to golden perfection, you’ve got a treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

I love how these banana and cinnamon rolls bring a unique twist to the classic cinnamon roll. The bananas not only add a delightful flavor but also make the rolls incredibly moist and tender. Whether it’s for a cozy breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert, these rolls are always a hit in my home.

Banana And Cinnamon Rolls

As a long-time banana grower and lover, I’m always on the lookout for new ways to use my homegrown bananas. These banana and cinnamon rolls are a perfect example of how bananas can elevate a recipe, adding natural sweetness and the perfect moisture to every bite. I’ll guide you step-by-step to make these soft, pillowy rolls right in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Dough:

• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large banana, mashed (about ½ cup)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

Filling:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 medium banana, sliced into thin rounds

Topping:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 teaspoons milk (optional for thinning consistency)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until it looks foamy. This means the yeast is activated.
2. Stir in the sugar, melted butter, mashed banana, vanilla extract, and salt. The banana makes the dough naturally sweet and keeps it soft.
3. Gradually add the flour, mixing with a wooden spoon (or stand mixer with a dough hook) until the dough comes together and is slightly sticky.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead with a mixer for about 5 minutes.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for 1-1½ hours in a warm spot until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a spreadable paste. Set it aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 12×18 inches.
2. Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Evenly distribute the thin banana slices over the filling for an extra layer of banana goodness.
4. Starting at the longer edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the roll into 12 even pieces.

Step 4: Second Rise

1. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Leave a little space between each roll so they have room to rise.
2. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let the rolls rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Step 5: Bake the Rolls

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F while the rolls finish rising.
2. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell like sweet bananas and warm cinnamon—it’s heavenly!

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

1. While the rolls bake, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl.
2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, mix in a teaspoon or two of milk for desired consistency.

Step 7: Frost and Serve

1. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls so it melts slightly and seeps into every swirl.
2. Serve immediately while warm, and savor the harmony of bananas and cinnamon with every tender bite.

Ingredients

Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating these soft, pillowy banana and cinnamon rolls. Using ripe bananas straight from the tree and a touch of warm cinnamon ensures an incredible homemade flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need:

For The Dough

• 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 medium banana)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For The Filling

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup mashed ripe banana (adds extra moisture and flavor)

For The Glaze (Optional)

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2–4 tablespoons milk (to reach desired consistency)

Directions

Let’s dive into the process of transforming these delicious ingredients into soft, fragrant banana and cinnamon rolls. Trust me, the effort is absolutely worth the first bite of these pillowy delights!

Prep

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of warm milk (approximately 110°F) and 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) of active dry yeast. Add 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures the yeast is alive and raring to go for perfectly risen rolls.
2. Mash the Banana: Use a fork to mash 1/2 cup of ripe banana until smooth. Be sure it’s well mashed to blend seamlessly into the dough. Ripe bananas are key here, thanks to their natural sweetness and creamy texture.
3. Gather Fresh Ingredients: Set out 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter, 1 large egg (room temperature), 1 teaspoon salt, and 4 cups of all-purpose flour. I always recommend measuring your flour precisely for consistent results.
4. Preheat: Before you get started, preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s ready for the rolls later. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. A greased dish ensures even and easy removal of your rolls.

Assemble

Now comes my favorite part — bringing these banana and cinnamon rolls to life! The process is simple yet so satisfying. Let’s roll, fill, and shape these delights step by step.

Roll Out The Dough

Lightly dust your clean countertop or a large cutting board with flour. Take the prepared dough, which should now be soft and slightly puffy from rising, and place it on the surface. Using a rolling pin, gently roll it into a large rectangle, about 12 x 16 inches. The dough should be about 1/4-inch thick, soft, and pliable. I love how the ripe banana in the dough adds a touch of elasticity, making it a dream to work with.

Add The Filling

Take your softened butter and spread it evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Next, sprinkle the brown sugar and ground cinnamon mixture generously across the butter layer. For that extra banana flair, dollop small spoonfuls of mashed banana over the filling and spread it out slightly. The smell of cinnamon and bananas together already makes me smile—trust me, it’s magical!

Cook

This is my favorite part—turning all our hard work into golden, fluffy banana and cinnamon rolls. The smell of bananas and cinnamon baking together is pure magic.

Baking Instructions

Place the prepared rolls into the greased baking dish, leaving just a little space between them to allow for expansion. Cover the dish with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the rolls rise in a warm spot for 30-40 minutes, or until they puff up and nearly double in size.

Preheat your oven to 350°F again if it has cooled. Once your rolls have risen beautifully, bake them for 20-25 minutes, checking at the 20-minute mark. You’re looking for a luscious golden brown color across the tops of the rolls. If the tops brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.

Remove the rolls from the oven and let them sit in the dish for about 10 minutes. This gives them time to set and makes them easier to handle. The mesmerizing aroma of bananas and warm cinnamon will fill your kitchen—this is the moment when I know all the effort was worth it.

Prepare The Glaze (Optional)

As someone who loves to experiment with bananas in my recipes, I can’t resist pairing them with a creamy, luscious glaze for that extra touch of indulgence. While the banana and cinnamon rolls are delicious on their own, this optional cream cheese glaze can take them to a whole new level of sweetness and flavor. Here’s how you can make it step by step.

Ingredients for the Glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature for easy mixing)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened to ensure a smooth texture)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (sift for the best consistency)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (pure for the best flavor)
• 2-3 tbsp milk (adjust for your preferred glaze consistency)

Glaze Preparation Steps:

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Using a hand mixer or whisk, blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1/4 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition to avoid lumps.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract, enhancing the glaze with its warm, aromatic note.
4. Add the milk, starting with 2 tablespoons, and whisk until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker glaze, add less milk. For a thinner, drizzle-worthy glaze, add an additional tablespoon.
5. Once the rolls are slightly cooled, generously spread or drizzle the glaze over the top. The creamy texture blends beautifully with the warm banana and cinnamon flavors, creating a bakery-quality finish right in your kitchen.

I love how the glaze melts slightly into the rolls when applied warm, soaking into the banana-kissed swirls and adding a silky richness to every bite. Whether you prefer a light drizzle or a thick layer, this glaze is the perfect companion to my banana and cinnamon rolls.

Tools And Equipment

When it comes to making these banana and cinnamon rolls, having the right tools and equipment makes the process so much smoother and more enjoyable. As someone who loves incorporating bananas into recipes, I’ve found that these items are essential for getting the best results every time. Here’s what I use:

• Mixing Bowls: A set of large and medium mixing bowls is handy, especially for mixing the dough, activating the yeast, and preparing the banana filling.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key, especially for flour, yeast, and mashed banana. I always keep my measuring tools nearby.
• Whisk: Perfect for combining wet ingredients and ensuring the yeast activates properly.
• Dough Hook or Wooden Spoon: If you’re kneading by hand, a sturdy wooden spoon can help mix the dough. If you have a stand mixer, the dough hook attachment saves time and effort.
• Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough into an even rectangular sheet.
• Bench Scraper: I love using this for cutting the dough smoothly into even rolls. It’s also great for cleaning up flour from the counter.
• Pastry Brush: This is ideal for spreading butter across the dough evenly before layering on the banana and cinnamon filling.
• Flour Sifter (Optional): If your flour clumps, a sifter can help ensure a smooth and light dough.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: A well-greased dish ensures the rolls bake up soft and easily come out when ready to serve.
• Plastic Wrap or Clean Kitchen Towel: For covering the rolls during their rise. A warm, humid environment is vital for a good rise.
• Oven Thermometer: I like to make sure my oven is at the perfect 350°F. Bananas and cinnamon are best baked to perfection at the right temperature.
• Aluminum Foil: Handy for tenting the rolls if they begin browning too quickly.
• Spatula: A silicone spatula comes in handy for spreading the cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls.

Make-Ahead Instructions

When it comes to planning ahead, these banana and cinnamon rolls are wonderfully adaptable. As someone who has spent years working with bananas and experimenting with recipes, I know the value of preparing in advance to save time without sacrificing flavor or freshness. Here’s how I like to make these rolls ahead of time:

Preparing Dough in Advance

After kneading the banana-infused dough to its soft, elastic perfection, I cover it with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel and let it rise as usual. Once it doubles in size, I shape the rolls as instructed, filling them with the buttery cinnamon-banana mixture. Instead of baking them right away, I tightly cover the prepared rolls in the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate them overnight. Refrigeration slows the rising process, and the rolls will be ready to bake fresh in the morning. Remember to let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before baking to allow them to finish rising.

Freezing Before Baking

If you need to prepare these even further in advance, freezing is another option! After assembling the rolls and placing them in the baking dish, I freeze them instead of refrigerating them. To freeze, I wrap the dish securely with a layer of plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When I’m ready to bake, I let the rolls thaw in the refrigerator overnight, bring them to room temperature the next morning, and bake as directed. The texture remains just as fluffy, with that sweet banana aroma filling the kitchen.

Freezing After Baking

I’ve often baked an extra batch to freeze for easy treats later. Once the rolls have cooled completely (don’t skip this step to avoid sogginess!), I layer them in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. These freeze beautifully for up to three months. When I crave one, I reheat it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes—it’s like baking them fresh all over again.

Make-Ahead Glaze

The cream cheese glaze can also be prepared in advance. I mix it up to its creamy consistency, transfer it to an airtight container, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Before spreading it over warm rolls, I let it soften at room temperature and whisk it briskly to bring back its smooth texture.

Storage Tips

As someone who adores baking with bananas, I know how crucial it is to store these Banana and Cinnamon Rolls properly to preserve their soft, moist texture and rich flavor. Here’s how I recommend keeping them fresh for as long as possible:

Short-Term Storage

If you plan to enjoy the rolls within 2 days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. I find that placing parchment paper between the rolls helps reduce sticking. Just ensure the container is sealed tightly to lock in the moisture from the bananas. Avoid storing them near heat or direct sunlight to prevent them from drying out.

Refrigeration for Extended Freshness

For rolls that need to last up to 5 days, refrigeration is the way to go. Place the rolls in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap to keep them protected from fridge odors. When I’m ready to eat, I warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to restore their pillowy softness. The banana flavor shines through even after refrigeration!

Freezing for Longer Storage

These banana-infused cinnamon rolls are also freezer-friendly, which I love for meal planning or saving leftovers. To freeze, let the baked rolls cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

When it’s time to enjoy them, thaw the rolls in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or microwave them individually for 20-30 seconds. The sweet banana aroma always comes back to life during reheating, making it hard to resist diving right in.

Storing the Cream Cheese Glaze

If you’ve made the cream cheese glaze in advance or have leftovers, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 5 days. Before using, let it come to room temperature or warm it slightly to get that perfect drizzling consistency. I love how the glaze enhances the sweetness of the bananas, so don’t skip this step!

Conclusion

Banana and cinnamon rolls bring together the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these rolls are a joy to create and share. The combination of soft, pillowy dough with the rich flavors of banana and cinnamon is simply irresistible.

With a little preparation and the right tools, you can fill your home with the comforting aroma of freshly baked rolls. They’re not just a recipe; they’re an experience worth savoring. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to these heavenly bites of goodness!