Imagine waking up to the aroma of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls with a delightful twist of banana flavor. These Soft and Fluffy Banana Cinnamon Rolls take a classic breakfast treat to the next level, combining the comforting spices of cinnamon with the sweet, tropical goodness of bananas. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a cozy weekend brunch, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Let’s dive into creating these delicious rolls step-by-step!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and Pillowy Texture: The banana-infused dough makes these cinnamon rolls incredibly moist and fluffy.
• Bursting with Flavor: Sweet bananas and spiced cinnamon create a perfect harmony of flavors.
• Crowd-Favorite: These rolls are perfect for family gatherings or a special breakfast treat.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare them the night before and bake fresh in the morning.

Ingredients for Soft and Fluffy Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Banana Dough

Ingredient	Quantity
Milk (warmed to 110℉)	¾ cup
Active dry yeast	2¼ teaspoons (1 packet)
Large egg (room temperature)	1
Mashed bananas	⅔ cup (about 2 bananas)
All-purpose flour	5¼ cups
Salt	1 teaspoon
Granulated sugar	¼ cup
Unsalted butter (cubed, room temp)	10 tablespoons

Cinnamon Banana Filling

Ingredient	Quantity
Unsalted butter (room temperature)	½ cup
Brown sugar (light or dark)	¾ cup
Ground cinnamon	1 tablespoon
Bananas (sliced thinly)	2

Cream Cheese Icing

Ingredient	Quantity
Cream cheese (room temperature)	4 ounces
Unsalted butter (room temperature)	4 tablespoons
Powdered sugar (sifted)	1 cup
Pure vanilla extract	1 teaspoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Banana Dough

1. Activate the Yeast:
   • Heat the milk in the microwave until it reaches 110℉.
   • Sprinkle the yeast over the warm milk and let it rest for 10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
   • Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to knead the butter into the flour until it resembles pea-sized crumbs.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   • Add the yeast mixture, beaten egg, and mashed bananas to the dry ingredients.
   • Mix on low speed using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment until a dough begins to form.
4. Knead the Dough:
   • Increase to medium speed and knead for 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky.
5. Let It Rise:
   • Preheat your oven to 200℉, then turn it off.
   • Place the dough in a greased mixing bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in the warm oven for 1 hour.

2. Make the Cinnamon Banana Filling

1. In a small bowl, beat the butter on high speed until smooth.
2. Add the brown sugar and cinnamon, mixing on medium speed for 1 minute until fully combined.

3. Roll Out and Assemble the Dough

1. Roll Out the Dough:
   • Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
2. Spread the Filling:
   • Spread the cinnamon mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough using an offset spatula.
   • Arrange the sliced bananas evenly on top of the filling.
3. Roll and Slice:
   • Roll the dough tightly from the short side into a log.
   • Trim uneven ends and slice the log into 12 even rolls using a serrated knife.

4. Second Rise and Baking

1. Prepare the Pan:
   • Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and place the rolls evenly inside.
   • Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for 20 minutes.
2. Bake the Rolls:
   • Preheat the oven to 375℉.
   • Bake for 28-33 minutes until the tops are lightly golden brown.

5. Make the Cream Cheese Icing

1. In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter on high speed for 1 minute until smooth.
2. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
3. Mix on low speed until combined, then increase to high speed until creamy.

6. Ice the Rolls and Serve

1. Dollop the icing onto each warm roll and spread it evenly.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy the fluffy, gooey goodness!

Serving Suggestions

These Soft and Fluffy Banana Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for:

• Breakfast or Brunch: Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• Dessert: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
• Gifting: Wrap them in a decorative box for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Tips for Success

• Measure Bananas Carefully: Mash your bananas first, then measure ⅔ cup to ensure the dough consistency is correct.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the dough rise properly and ensures even mixing.
• Avoid Overbaking: Check the rolls after 28 minutes. Overbaking can make them dry.
• Slice with Precision: Use a serrated knife for clean, even cuts.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown per roll:

Nutrient	Amount per Roll
Calories	350
Protein	6g
Total Fat	14g
Carbohydrates	50g
Fiber	2g

FAQs About Banana Cinnamon Rolls

1. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the rolls, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.

2. Can I freeze the dough?

Absolutely. Freeze the sliced rolls before the second rise, then thaw and let them rise before baking.

3. What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

You can mix and knead the dough by hand. It will take a bit longer but works just as well.

4. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Yes! Chopped pecans or chocolate chips make great additions to the filling.

5. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

6. Can I substitute whole wheat flour?

Yes, but the rolls may be slightly denser. Use a 50:50 mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for the best texture.

Creative Variations

• Nutella Banana Rolls: Replace the cinnamon filling with a layer of Nutella.
• Tropical Twist: Add shredded coconut and crushed pineapple to the filling.
• Peanut Butter Swirl: Mix peanut butter into the cinnamon filling for a banana-peanut butter combo.

Conclusion: A Recipe Worth Trying

These Soft and Fluffy Banana Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate comfort food, blending sweet bananas, warm spices, and a creamy topping into a treat that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe will fill your kitchen with joy and your home with the irresistible aroma of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls.

So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and create a batch of these heavenly rolls. Your taste buds will thank you!

Print