Easy Banana Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Transform overripe bananas into delicious homemade cinnamon rolls with this simple recipe. These soft, fluffy rolls combine the best of banana bread and cinnamon rolls into one perfect breakfast treat.

Why This Recipe Works

• Uses overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste
• Can be prepared the night before for fresh morning rolls
• Simple ingredients you likely have at home
• Perfect for weekend breakfast or special occasions

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup melted unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup mashed banana (2-3 medium bananas)

For the Filling

• ½ cup softened unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 ounces softened cream cheese
• ¼ cup softened unsalted butter
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, mix warm milk with yeast and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. This shows your yeast is working properly.
2. Make the dough: Add melted butter, eggs, salt, and mashed banana to the yeast mixture. Stir well. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.

Making the Filling

4. Prepare filling: While dough rises, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and spreadable.

Assembly and Baking

5. Roll and fill: Roll dough into a 20×14-inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly, leaving a small border. Sprinkle with nuts if using. Roll tightly from the long side.
6. Cut and arrange: Cut roll into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss. Place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Second rise: Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Making the Frosting

9. Prepare frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
10. Finish: Spread frosting over warm rolls and serve immediately.

Helpful Tips for Success

• Use very ripe bananas: The browner the peel, the sweeter your rolls will be
• Check yeast freshness: Make sure yeast is not expired for best results
• Don’t rush the rising: Proper rising time creates fluffy, tender rolls
• Test milk temperature: It should feel like warm bath water on your wrist
• Room temperature ingredients: They mix together more easily

Make-Ahead Instructions

These rolls are perfect for preparing ahead:

1. Prepare rolls through step 6
2. Cover and refrigerate overnight
3. Remove from fridge 1 hour before baking
4. Let come to room temperature, then bake as directed

Storage and Reheating

• Fresh rolls: Store covered at room temperature for 2 days
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months
• Reheating: Warm in 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar? A: Yes, but brown sugar adds better flavor and moisture to the filling.

Q: What if my dough doesn’t rise? A: Check that your yeast is fresh and milk wasn’t too hot, which can kill yeast.

Q: Can I skip the nuts? A: Absolutely! The rolls are delicious with or without nuts.

Q: How do I know when they’re done baking? A: Rolls should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.

Recipe Variations

• Add chocolate chips to the filling
• Use pecans instead of walnuts
• Try cream cheese frosting with a touch of cinnamon
• Make mini rolls for individual servings

Nutrition Information

Each roll (1 of 12 servings) contains approximately:

• Calories: 385
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fat: 15g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 2g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love

Looking for more homemade treats? Check out these popular recipes:

• Perfect Fluffy Homemade Biscuits Recipe – Buttery, flaky biscuits perfect for breakfast
• Easy Strawberry Banana Pudding Dessert Recipe – A classic Southern dessert with fresh fruit

Recipe Summary

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes (plus rising time)
Servings: 12 rolls
Difficulty: Moderate
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

These banana cinnamon rolls bring together the comforting flavors of banana bread and cinnamon rolls in one irresistible breakfast treat. The natural sweetness from ripe bananas keeps the rolls moist and tender, while the cream cheese frosting adds the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re using up overripe bananas or planning a special weekend breakfast, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results right from your home kitchen.

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