Soft Banana Cinnamon Rolls

This banana bread cinnamon roll recipe transforms ordinary breakfast rolls into something extraordinary by infusing them with sweet banana flavor. The combination creates a hybrid that delivers the comforting taste of homemade banana bread wrapped in the spiral indulgence of a classic cinnamon roll, all topped with a rich cream cheese frosting that melts into every swirl.

I first created these when looking for a creative way to use overripe bananas besides the usual banana bread. My family now requests these rolls for every holiday breakfast, and they've become our special weekend tradition when we have guests staying over.

Ingredients

• Warm milk provides the perfect environment for yeast activation ensuring your dough rises beautifully
• Active dry yeast gives these rolls their soft pillowy texture
• Mashed ripe bananas look for spotted brown bananas for the sweetest most intense flavor
• Cinnamon creates that classic warming spice flavor that pairs perfectly with banana
• Brown sugar in the filling caramelizes slightly during baking creating pockets of gooey sweetness
• Cream cheese for the frosting adds the perfect tangy balance to the sweet rolls
• Walnuts optional but highly recommended for adding delightful texture and nutty flavor
• Vanilla extract in the icing brings out all the other flavors while adding aromatic sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Activate The Yeast

Combine warm milk approximately 110°F with yeast and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Allow this mixture to sit undisturbed for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy and fragrant. This step is crucial for ensuring your dough will rise properly.

Create The Dough Base

Add the softened butter eggs salt and mashed bananas to the activated yeast mixture. The bananas should be completely mashed to ensure even distribution throughout the dough. Mix until these wet ingredients are fully incorporated creating a smooth liquid base.

Form The Dough

Gradually add flour one cup at a time mixing between additions. The dough will initially be sticky but will become more manageable as you add more flour. Continue until you have a soft slightly tacky dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Develop The Gluten

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for a full 10 minutes. This extended kneading time is essential for developing the gluten structure that will give your rolls their perfect texture. The dough is ready when it feels smooth elastic and springs back when poked.

First Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl turning once to coat all sides. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm draft-free area for about an hour. The dough should double in size and feel light and airy when touched.

Prepare The Filling

While the dough rises mix the softened butter brown sugar and ground cinnamon until you have a smooth spreadable paste. This filling is the heart of any cinnamon roll so make sure its well mixed with no sugar lumps.

Roll And Fill

After the first rise punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to a 20x14-inch rectangle. Aim for even thickness throughout. Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly across the entire surface leaving a small border along one long edge. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts if using.

Shape The Rolls

Starting from the long edge without the border roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Pinch the seam to seal it then position the log seam-side down. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to slice into 12 equal pieces.

Second Rise

Arrange the cut rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish allowing some space between each for expansion. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes until puffy and touching each other.

Bake To Perfection

Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 25-30 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the centers are cooked through. The internal temperature should reach approximately 190°F if you're checking with a thermometer.

Create Luxurious Icing

While the rolls bake beat together cream cheese softened butter powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. The icing should be thick but spreadable enough to melt slightly when applied to warm rolls.

Frost And Serve

Allow the rolls to cool for 5-10 minutes after baking then spread the cream cheese icing generously over the tops. Serving them while still warm ensures that perfect gooey center and melty icing experience.

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The mashed bananas are truly the secret ingredient here. I learned to use very ripe bananas almost black for the most intense flavor. My grandmother taught me this trick years ago when making her famous banana bread and it works wonderfully in these rolls providing natural sweetness and keeping the dough incredibly tender.

Overnight Option

For stress-free morning preparation you can make these rolls the night before. Follow the recipe through arranging the cut rolls in the baking dish then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The next morning remove from refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature and complete their second rise approximately 1-1.5 hours before baking as directed. This method actually enhances the flavor as the banana and cinnamon have more time to meld together.

Banana Selection Tips

The ripeness of your bananas significantly impacts the flavor of these rolls. For best results use bananas that have developed numerous brown spots or have turned mostly black. These overripe bananas contain more sugar and a stronger banana flavor. If your bananas arent ripe enough you can speed up the process by placing them in a paper bag with an apple or in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes until the skins turn black.

Serving Suggestions

These banana bread cinnamon rolls are delicious on their own but can be elevated further with thoughtful accompaniments. Serve alongside fresh fruit particularly berries to balance the sweetness. For an extra decadent brunch pair with a cold brew coffee or a spiced chai tea. If serving for dessert consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream while the rolls are still warm. For a beautiful presentation sprinkle with additional chopped walnuts and a light dusting of cinnamon before serving.

Variation Ideas

For a tropical twist add 1/2 cup toasted coconut flakes to the filling mixture and substitute coconut extract for vanilla in the icing. Chocolate lovers can add 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips to the filling for banana chocolate chip cinnamon rolls. For a more grown-up version consider adding 2 tablespoons of rum to the icing or soaking 1/4 cup of raisins in rum before adding them to the filling.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare these banana cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare them the night before and refrigerate before the second rise. In the morning, let them come to room temperature for 30 minutes, then proceed with the second rise and baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked rolls and thaw overnight before baking.

→ How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?

Very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots work best as they're sweeter and more flavorful. They also mash more easily into the dough, creating that distinctive banana bread flavor throughout the rolls.

→ Can I make these without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! While a stand mixer makes the process easier, you can mix the dough by hand. Combine ingredients with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms, then knead by hand on a floured surface for about 10-12 minutes until smooth and elastic.

→ Are there any dairy-free alternatives for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute plant-based milk, vegan butter, and vegan cream cheese to make dairy-free banana cinnamon rolls. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious.

→ How do I know when the cinnamon rolls are properly baked?

The rolls should be golden brown on top and have an internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C). If you don't have a thermometer, insert a toothpick into the center roll - it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no raw dough.

→ Can I add other mix-ins besides walnuts?

Definitely! Try chocolate chips, raisins, dried cranberries, pecans, or even a sprinkle of shredded coconut. For an extra tropical twist, add a small amount of finely diced pineapple to complement the banana flavor.