If you love the warm, comforting scent of cinnamon swirls wafting through your kitchen, then you are absolutely going to fall head over heels for these Banana Cinnamon Rolls. This delightful twist on a classic treat combines the natural sweetness and moistness of ripe bananas with a fragrant cinnamon filling that melts into each tender bite. Wrapped in a soft, pillowy dough and topped with a rich cream cheese icing, these rolls are perfect for a weekend brunch or an indulgent snack. Trust me, once you try these Banana Cinnamon Rolls, they’ll become your new favorite go-to comfort food.

Banana Cinnamon Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is the first step toward creating your perfect batch of Banana Cinnamon Rolls. Each element, from the warm milk that activates the yeast to the mashed bananas that add moistness and sweetness, plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this treat so special.

3/4 cup Milk, warmed to 110℉: Perfect temperature to activate the yeast without killing it.
2 1/4 tsp Active dry yeast (1 packet): The magic ingredient that makes your dough rise beautifully.
1 Large egg, room temperature and lightly beaten: Adds richness and structure to the dough.
2/3 cup Mashed bananas (about 2 bananas): Provides natural sweetness and moistness for tender rolls.
5 1/4 cup All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, giving it the perfect balance between chewiness and fluffiness.
1 tsp Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1/4 cup White granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the dough itself.
10 TBSP Unsalted butter, room temperature and cubed: Knits the dough together and adds richness.
1/2 cup Unsalted butter (for filling), room temperature: Soft base for the cinnamon sugar filling that melts into the rolls.
3/4 cup Brown sugar, packed: Deep caramel notes to complement the cinnamon.
1 TBSP Ground cinnamon: The signature warm spice that gives the rolls their irresistible aroma.
2 Bananas, sliced thinly (for filling): Fresh banana goodness inside each swirl.
4 oz Cream cheese, room temperature: For a luscious, tangy icing that perfectly balances the sweetness.
4 TBSP Unsalted butter (for icing), room temperature: Makes the icing smooth and creamy.
1 cup Powdered sugar, sifted: Sweetens the cream cheese glaze without graininess.
1 tsp Pure vanilla extract: Adds warm depth to the cream cheese icing.

How to Make Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Prepare the Base Dough

Start by warming your milk to 110℉, the ideal temperature to wake up your yeast without risking its vitality. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for 10 minutes until it’s foamy and bubbling with life. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut the cold butter into small cubes and work it into the flour using your hands or a pastry cutter until the butter pieces are about the size of peas. This step helps create that famously tender, flaky texture in your rolls.

Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Once your yeast mixture is bubbly, add it to the dry ingredients along with the beaten egg and mashed bananas. Using a mixer with a dough hook on low speed, let the dough start coming together, then crank it up to medium for about 5 minutes of kneading. The dough will be sticky but not overwhelmingly so — that sticky softness is what delivers the wonderfully tender crumb for your Banana Cinnamon Rolls.

Step 3: First Rise for the Dough

Spray a large bowl with nonstick spray and transfer your dough in. Cover it with a kitchen towel and place it in your turned-off oven with the door slightly ajar, preheated briefly to 200℉. This warm environment helps the dough rise for about an hour, doubling in size and developing beautiful flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Banana Filling

While the dough rises, whip together your filling by beating softened butter until smooth. Mix in packed brown sugar and cinnamon on medium speed until everything is fully combined and glossy. This filling is what infuses each roll with warmth and sweetness, perfectly pairing with the fresh banana slices you’ll generously layer inside.

Step 5: Roll Out and Assemble the Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Turn your risen dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Evenly spread the cinnamon banana filling with an offset spatula, then arrange the thin banana slices over the top. Starting on the short side, carefully roll the dough into a log shape. Trim the uneven edges for a clean finish, then slice into 12 even rolls with a serrated knife, using a gentle sawing motion to keep the rolls intact.

Step 6: Second Rise and Bake

Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan, then arrange the rolls evenly with some space between them. Cover with a kitchen towel for 20 minutes to allow a second rise. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375℉. Bake the rolls for 28 to 33 minutes until golden on top and irresistibly fragrant. Your kitchen will smell like heaven.

Step 7: Prepare and Apply the Cream Cheese Icing

While the rolls are baking, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla gradually, mixing first on low to combine, then on high to fluffy perfection. Once the Banana Cinnamon Rolls come out of the oven, dollop and spread the rich cream cheese icing on each warm roll. The icing melts lightly and seeps into all the nooks and swirls. Pure bliss!

How to Serve Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

Want to add a little extra charm around the edges? Sprinkle a few toasted chopped walnuts, chopped pecans, or even a handful of mini chocolate chips on top of the cream cheese icing. A tiny dusting of ground cinnamon or a few banana chips also amps up both appearance and texture.

Side Dishes

Banana Cinnamon Rolls pair wonderfully with fresh fruit like berries or sliced oranges to balance the richness. A cup of strong coffee, rich hot chocolate, or chai tea complements the cinnamon notes and rounds out a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to up your hosting game, serve these rolls in individual ramekins or a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper for a farmhouse feel. You can also drizzle a little caramel or honey glaze alongside the cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Banana Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep the rolls soft, avoid refrigerating unless your kitchen is extremely warm.

Freezing

Banana Cinnamon Rolls freeze wonderfully. Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap then foil, or place the whole pan covered in the freezer. They keep well for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat your rolls in the oven at 300℉ for 10-15 minutes to restore their soft texture and warm through. You can also microwave for 20-30 seconds if you’re in a hurry—just add a damp paper towel underneath to retain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas for Banana Cinnamon Rolls?

Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually ideal because they’re sweeter and mash easily, enhancing the flavor and moisture of your rolls.

Is it possible to make the dough by hand?

Yes, you can definitely mix and knead the dough by hand. It will take a bit more elbow grease—about 8 to 10 minutes—to get a smooth, elastic dough ready for rising.

Can I substitute cream cheese icing with something else?

You can use a simple powdered sugar glaze made with milk and vanilla for a lighter topping, but cream cheese icing adds that lovely tangy richness that pairs perfectly with banana and cinnamon.

How do I prevent the rolls from becoming soggy?

To avoid sogginess, make sure you don’t overload the filling with too much butter or bananas. Also, bake until the tops turn golden and the rolls feel set.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips inside the Banana Cinnamon Rolls?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or mini chocolate chips folded into the filling give a wonderful textural contrast and extra flavor dimension.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing quite like biting into a warm, freshly baked Banana Cinnamon Roll, loaded with gooey banana slices, rich cinnamon filling, and luscious cream cheese icing. Whether you’re making them for a cozy weekend morning or a special occasion, these rolls bring an unbeatable sense of comfort and joy. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become a cherished favorite in your bakery rotation. Happy baking!