Easy Banana Cinnamon Rolls

I still remember the first time I smelled banana bread baking in the oven—it filled the kitchen with a warmth that instantly made the house feel like home. Years later, I stumbled upon a new comfort combo: banana cinnamon rolls. It’s like banana bread and a classic cinnamon roll had the most delicious baby. For beginner bakers, this recipe is a dream—it’s warm, cozy, simple, and surprisingly forgiving.

This banana cinnamon roll recipe is perfect for those just stepping into baking. The dough is tender and full of banana flavor, while the cinnamon swirl and cream cheese icing offer that familiar cinnamon roll indulgence. You don’t need fancy equipment or techniques—just a little patience and the promise of a kitchen filled with banana-cinnamon magic.

Why This Recipe is Special

• A twist on tradition: These rolls fuse two classic comfort foods—banana bread and cinnamon rolls—for a delightful breakfast treat.
• Beginner-friendly yeast dough: The banana in the dough adds moisture and helps make it soft and easy to handle.
• Layered banana flavor: Mashed banana goes into the dough and sliced banana into the filling, ensuring banana in every bite.
• Make-ahead option: You can prep these the night before and bake them fresh in the morning.
• Customizable: It’s easy to switch up the filling or icing based on what you have.

Ingredients and Preparation

Bananas
The star of the show—mashed bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to the dough, while sliced bananas in the filling provide texture and a burst of fruitiness.

All-purpose flour
The backbone of the dough, giving structure and softness. More flour is used than in standard rolls due to the banana’s moisture.

Unsalted butter
Used in both the dough and filling, butter adds richness and flavor. Softened butter is easier to incorporate.

Milk
Warm milk helps activate the yeast. It also adds tenderness to the dough.

Active dry yeast
This is what makes the dough rise. Let it bloom in warm milk before mixing it in.

Egg
Acts as a binder and enriches the dough.

Brown sugar & cinnamon
Classic cinnamon roll combo. Brown sugar adds depth and a caramel note, while cinnamon gives warmth.

Cream cheese & powdered sugar
Combined for a tangy-sweet icing that balances the sweetness of the filling.

Alternative ingredients

• Use plant-based butter and milk to make the rolls dairy-free.
• Fresh bananas are best for the filling—overripe bananas work well in the dough only.
• For extra crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling.
• Swap cream cheese icing for a peanut butter glaze or chocolate drizzle.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1
Warm your milk to about 110°F and mix in the yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until bubbly—this means your yeast is active.

Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, stir together flour, salt, and sugar. Add cubed butter and work it in with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 3
Stir in the yeast-milk mixture, mashed bananas, and beaten egg. Mix until a dough forms.

Step 4
Use a mixer with a dough hook to knead for 5 minutes, or knead by hand for about 8 minutes until the dough is soft and slightly sticky but elastic.

Step 5
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot (like a turned-off oven with the door cracked open) for about 1 hour.

Step 6
Meanwhile, beat softened butter with brown sugar and cinnamon until fluffy.

Step 7
Once the dough has doubled in size, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.

Step 8
Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the dough and layer thin banana slices on top.

Step 9
Roll the dough up tightly from the short end. Use a serrated knife to trim the edges, then slice into 12 even rolls.

Step 10
Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover with a towel and let them rise again for 20 minutes while you preheat your oven to 375°F.

Step 11
Bake the rolls for 28–33 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Step 12
While the rolls bake, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.

Step 13
Once the rolls are out of the oven and have cooled for about 10 minutes, spread the icing generously on top.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Dough too sticky? Don’t panic—add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s workable.
• Rolls rising slowly? Let them sit near a warm stove or inside an oven pre-warmed and turned off.
• Overbrowning? Tent foil over the rolls in the last 10 minutes of baking to avoid over-browning the tops.
• No rolling pin? Use a clean wine bottle as a substitute.
• No mixer? Hand-kneading works just fine with a bit more time and effort.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with coffee, tea, or a banana smoothie.
• Pair with eggs and fruit for a fuller brunch.
• Want to skip the icing? A light dusting of cinnamon sugar right after baking works beautifully too.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days—reheat in the microwave for 20 seconds.
• Freeze baked rolls for up to 30 days. Reheat after thawing for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.

Conclusion

If you’re new to baking or just craving something different for breakfast, these easy banana cinnamon rolls are the way to go. The process is approachable, the flavor is nostalgic, and the results are oh-so-rewarding. Plus, the smell that fills your kitchen? Unbeatable. Try it out, tweak it to your taste, and don’t forget to come back and share how it turned out—I’d love to hear your twist on this cozy favorite.

Keywords: easy sheet pan dinner, lemon herb chicken recipe, quick and healthy meals, banana cinnamon rolls, beginner baking recipes, banana bread cinnamon rolls

FAQ About Banana Cinnamon Rolls

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