Enjoy a batch of tender, golden spirals infused with ripe banana and swirls of cinnamon-brown sugar. These soft banana cinnamon rolls are made from a rich, buttery dough sweetened with mashed banana and finished with a luscious cream cheese icing that melts into every fold. The filling can be enhanced with walnuts for an extra nutty note. A bit of patience during the rise is rewarded with soft, melt-in-your-mouth rolls perfect for cozy breakfasts or special brunches.
Soft Banana Cinnamon Rolls are that extra cozy treat perfect for weekend mornings or when your fruit bowl is overflowing with ripe bananas. This dough turns out unbelievably pillowy because the banana adds natural sweetness and moisture. There is nothing quite like pulling these golden swirls fresh from the oven—especially when you drizzle on the tangy cream cheese icing and let it melt into every crevice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready for brunch or dessert
- Uses those spotty bananas nobody wants to eat
- Gets even softer as it sits overnight
- Deliciously layered with warm cinnamon sugar
- Crowd-pleaser for holidays or slow mornings
The first time I made these with leftover bananas the aroma brought my whole family to the kitchen mid-rise. Now we plan banana buying around cinnamon rolls
Ingredients
Warm milk: Makes a tender base so use whole milk for richness and heat it only until it feels warm to touch
Active dry yeast: Ensures fluffy rise check the date for freshness and let bloom fully
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps yeast activate
Melted unsalted butter: Adds flavor and softness go for high quality for best taste
Large eggs: Give structure and color make sure they are room temperature for even mixing
Salt: Balances and deepens the sweet flavors use fine sea salt for best uptake
All-purpose flour: Forms the pillowy structure spoon into your cup for accurate measurement
Mashed banana: Keeps the rolls soft and naturally sweet choose fully ripe or overripe bananas for bold flavor
Softened unsalted butter (in filling): Creates that gooey swirl choose a European-style butter if possible
Brown sugar: Brings depth and caramel notes to filling opt for dark brown sugar for richer taste
Ground cinnamon: Gives classic spice use freshly opened for best aroma
Chopped walnuts: Are completely welcome for crunch toast them ahead to magnify flavor
Softened cream cheese: Is the heart of the icing use full-fat for ultimate smoothness
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the icing sift before measuring for no lumps
Vanilla extract: Ties icing together real vanilla gives the best hit of warmth
Step-by-Step Instructions
Bloom the Yeast:Combine warm milk with yeast and granulated sugar in a large bowl Stir well and let it sit for about five minutes The mixture should look foamy which means the yeast is active
Mix the Wet Ingredients:Add melted butter eggs salt and mashed banana to the foamy yeast mixture Stir until everything is completely combined
Incorporate the Flour:Slowly add about half the flour and stir with a wooden spoon Keep adding flour a little at a time until the dough starts coming together
Knead the Dough:Tip dough onto a lightly floured surface Knead gently for ten minutes The dough should feel smooth and elastic not sticky
Let the Dough Rise:Transfer dough to a greased bowl and cover with a towel Leave it in a warm spot until doubled in size This usually takes about one hour and creates extra fluffiness
Make the Filling:Mix softened butter brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl until it forms a uniform spread If using walnuts chop and toast them before adding for more flavor
Shape the Rolls:Roll out the dough into a large rectangle about twenty by fourteen inches Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling edge to edge then scatter nuts if using
Form the Swirls:Roll the dough tightly from the long side Pinch seam together then slice into twelve even rolls using a sharp knife or unflavored floss
Second Rise:Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish with room to expand Cover and let rise for thirty minutes while the oven preheats to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit
Bake to Golden Perfection:Bake rolls for twenty five to thirty minutes the tops will turn golden and the kitchen will smell like heaven
Make the Cream Cheese Icing:Beat softened cream cheese with butter powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy Spread generously over warm rolls so the icing melts in
You Must Know
- Soft inside with just enough chew
- Can be prepped a day ahead for overnight proof
- Dough and baked rolls freeze like a dream
- Rich in potassium from bananas
The banana not only amps up the flavor but also makes each bite tender and almost creamy My kids once fought over the last roll and now we always double the recipe
Storage Tips
Cover leftovers tightly or place in an airtight container Rolls keep soft for three days at room temperature For longer storage freeze baked rolls individually and thaw as needed Zap in the microwave with a damp towel for bakery-fresh texture
Ingredient Substitutions
No walnuts Swap in pecans or leave nuts out entirely Out of cream cheese You can use Greek yogurt in the icing for a tangy twist If you want less sugar dial back the brown sugar in the filling and the rolls will still be delicious
Serving Suggestions
These rolls are perfect as a brunch centerpiece Serve warm with extra cream cheese icing on the side for dipping Try them with a hot cup of coffee light roast pairs especially well They also make a thoughtful bake-ahead breakfast for visitors
You Must Know
- Always use overripe bananas for the best aroma and moisture
- Test your yeast before starting nothing ruins rolls like flat dough
- Rolling the dough tightly ensures neat swirls with maximum filling in every bite
These banana cinnamon rolls will transform any morning into something truly special.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ How ripe should the bananas be?
Spotty, very ripe bananas work best for a pronounced banana flavor and natural sweetness.→ Can I add nuts to the filling?
Yes, chopped walnuts add a pleasant crunch and pair well with the cinnamon-banana filling.→ How do I know the dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size and spring back slowly when poked gently with a finger.→ Can I prepare the rolls in advance?
Shape the rolls and let them rise overnight in the fridge, then bake fresh in the morning.→ What’s the best way to spread the icing?
Spread icing over the warm rolls so it melts into every swirl for maximum flavor and softness.
Soft Banana Cinnamon Rolls
Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls with banana and a rich cream cheese icing for an irresistible bake.
Prep Time
35 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
65 Minutes
Ingredients
→ Dough
01 240 ml warm milk
02 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
03 100 g granulated sugar
04 115 g unsalted butter, melted
05 2 large eggs
06 1 teaspoon salt
07 500 g all-purpose flour
08 240 g mashed banana (2–3 medium bananas)
→ Filling
09 115 g unsalted butter, softened
10 220 g brown sugar
11 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
12 60 g chopped walnuts (optional)
→ Cream Cheese Icing
13 115 g cream cheese, softened
14 60 g unsalted butter, softened
15 180 g powdered sugar
16 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 01
Combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Allow mixture to stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
Step 02
Add melted butter, eggs, salt, and mashed banana to the activated yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly until incorporated.
Step 03
Gradually add all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Step 04
Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for 1 hour or until doubled in volume.
Step 05
Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon together in a bowl until a uniform spreadable filling forms.
Step 06
Deflate risen dough and roll out into a 50 x 35 cm rectangle. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly and sprinkle with chopped walnuts if using.
Step 07
Roll up the dough tightly from the long side. Cut into 12 equal segments using a sharp knife or dental floss.
Step 08
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).
Step 09
Bake in the centre of the oven for 25–30 minutes until tops are golden brown and filling bubbles.
Step 10
Beat cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
Step 11
Spread the cream cheese icing over warm rolls. Serve fresh while icing gently melts into the soft rolls.
