Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Banana Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate breakfast indulgence. Growing up, I remember the delightful aroma of freshly baked rolls wafting through the kitchen on lazy Sunday mornings. These sweet treats combine the deliciousness of ripe bananas with warm cinnamon and a sugary glaze that make waking up far more enjoyable. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests at a brunch or simply want to treat your family during a cozy weekend, these rolls are both pleasing to the palate and visually stunning. You’ll be amazed at how easily they come together!

What Makes This Recipe Special

One bite of these fluffy Banana Cinnamon Rolls and you’ll understand why this recipe is a must-try. They’re soft, pillowy, and infused with the natural sweetness of bananas, making them a favorite among kids and adults alike. The mixture of cinnamon and sugar adds that classic touch of comfort, while the creamy glaze elevates these rolls to another level.

"These are the best breakfast rolls ever! They were a huge hit with my kids, and I loved how easy they were to make!"

Perfect for weekend breakfasts, holiday gatherings, or even a sweet ending to a weeknight dinner, this recipe offers flexibility and flavor. Taking just a few hours to prepare, you can easily fit these into your routine without stressing about complicated steps.

Preparing Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Making Banana Cinnamon Rolls is a straightforward process; follow along, and you won’t be overwhelmed. Begin by mixing your dry and wet ingredients separately. After creating a smooth dough, let it rise until doubled in size, then roll it out, fill it, and shape it into heavenly rolls. Bake them until golden brown, and finish with a drizzle of sweet glaze — it’s a simple yet satisfying process.

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need before diving into the cooking steps.

Gather Your Ingredients

The Essentials for This Recipe

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 package active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup water
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg
• 1 ripe banana, mashed

For the Filling:

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 banana, sliced

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 -3 tablespoons milk

You can substitute almond milk for dairy if you’re looking for a non-dairy option. 

Step-by-Step Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of flour, sugar, salt, and yeast until well combined.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the milk, water, and melted butter until warm (around 110°F). Pour this mixture into the flour blend.
3. Add the egg and mashed banana, beating until well combined. Gradually add the remaining flour, half a cup at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides.
4. Knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
5. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
6. Meanwhile, combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl for the filling.
7. Roll the dough into a rectangle (15×9 inches). Spread the softened butter, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mix, and layer with banana slices.
8. Roll the dough tightly from the longer side, then slice into 12 equal pieces.
9. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes until doubled.
10. Preheat your oven to 375°F, then bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
11. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
12. Let the rolls cool slightly before drizzling the glaze on top. Serve warm.

Best Way to Serve Banana Cinnamon Rolls

To elevate your serving experience, consider pairing these rolls with fresh fruit, a side of crispy bacon, or a dollop of whipped cream. They also go wonderfully well with a cup of hot coffee or tea, making them perfect for a cozy morning or afternoon treat. For an added touch, sprinkle some crushed nuts or extra banana slices on top before serving for texture.

Storage Tips

To keep your Banana Cinnamon Rolls fresh longer, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container. They should last for about 3 days, though they are best enjoyed fresh. When reheating, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or warm them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their fluffy texture. If you plan on making them ahead, you can freeze the unbaked rolls after slicing them. Just ensure they’re well-wrapped in plastic and store them in a freezer bag. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Pro Chef Tips

• Let the Dough Rise Properly: This enhances the fluffiness of your rolls. A warm, draft-free area is perfect for rising dough.
• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your rolls will be.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye during the last few minutes of baking to avoid dryness.

Flavor Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun twists you can try with this classic recipe:

• Nutty Banana Rolls: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
• Chocolate Chip Surprise: Mix in chocolate chips with the cinnamon sugar filling for a decadent treat.
• Caramel Drizzle: Instead of glaze, drizzle with caramel sauce for an even sweeter finish.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to make these rolls?
Total preparation and baking time is about 2-3 hours, including rising time.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can replace active dry yeast with instant yeast without changing the steps significantly.

What if I don’t have ripe bananas?
You can speed up the ripening process by placing bananas in a brown paper bag for a day or two.

How do I know when my rolls are fully baked?
The rolls should be golden brown on top and make a hollow sound when tapped.

Indulging in homemade Banana Cinnamon Rolls is not just about satisfying your sweet tooth — it’s about creating memories filled with warmth and comfort. I hope you enjoy making and savoring them as much as I do!

Banana Cinnamon Rolls

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• Total Time: 150 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in fluffy Banana Cinnamon Rolls, a delightful breakfast treat infused with ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and a sweet glaze.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 package active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup water
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg
• 1 ripe banana, mashed

• For the Filling:
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 banana, sliced

• For the Glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2–3 tablespoons milk

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of flour, sugar, salt, and yeast until well combined.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the milk, water, and melted butter until warm (around 110°F). Pour this mixture into the flour blend.
3. Add the egg and mashed banana, beating until well combined. Gradually add the remaining flour, half a cup at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides.
4. Knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
6. Meanwhile, combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl for the filling.
7. Roll the dough into a rectangle (15×9 inches). Spread the softened butter, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mix, and layer with banana slices.
8. Roll the dough tightly from the longer side, then slice into 12 equal pieces.
9. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes until doubled.
10. Preheat your oven to 375°F, then bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
11. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
12. Let the rolls cool slightly before drizzling the glaze on top. Serve warm.

Notes

To keep your Banana Cinnamon Rolls fresh longer, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container. They should last for about 3 days, though they are best enjoyed fresh. You can substitute almond milk for dairy if needed.

• Prep Time: 120 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: banana, cinnamon, rolls, breakfast, dessert