Fluffy, Gooey, and Irresistibly Sweet Breakfast Treats
Why You’ll Love These Rolls
These ultra-soft banana cinnamon rolls take classic cinnamon buns to the next level! Mashed banana adds natural sweetness and moisture to the dough, while the cinnamon-sugar filling and luscious cream cheese icing make them utterly irresistible.
✔ Perfect for brunch, holidays, or weekend baking
✔ Banana-infused dough stays extra fluffy
✔ Gooey cinnamon filling with optional crunchy walnuts
✔ Cream cheese glaze adds the perfect tangy finish
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 240ml (1 cup) warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 2¼ tsp (7g) active dry yeast
- 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar
- 115g (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp salt
- 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 240g (1 cup) mashed banana (2–3 ripe bananas)
For the Filling:
- 115g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 200g (1 cup) brown sugar
- 16g (2 tbsp) ground cinnamon
- 60g (½ cup) chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 115g (4 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 56g (¼ cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 180g (1½ cups) powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar.
- Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy (if it doesn’t foam, your yeast may be dead).
2. Make the Dough
- Whisk in melted butter, eggs, salt, mashed banana, and remaining sugar.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead 10 minutes by hand (or 5–7 min in a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1½ hours until doubled.
3. Prepare the Filling
- Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until creamy.
4. Assemble the Rolls
- Roll dough into a 20×14-inch (50×35 cm) rectangle.
- Spread filling evenly, then sprinkle with walnuts (if using).
- Roll tightly lengthwise, pinch the seam, and cut into 12 equal slices.
- Place in a greased 9×13-inch pan, cover, and let rise 30 minutes.
5. Bake & Ice
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
- While warm, spread with cream cheese icing (see below).
6. Make the Icing
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy.
FAQs & Expert Tips
1. Can I use instant yeast instead?
✅ Yes! Skip the proofing step—just mix it with the flour.
2. How ripe should the bananas be?
Very ripe (brown spots) = sweeter, more flavor!
3. Can I make these ahead?
- Night before: Assemble, refrigerate, then bake in the morning.
- Freeze baked rolls (without icing) for up to 1 month.
4. Why are my rolls dense?
- Over-flouring the dough or killing the yeast (too-hot milk).
5. Can I skip nuts?
✅ Yes! Or swap with pecans or raisins.
6. How to store leftovers?
Keep covered at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate for 4–5 days.
Serving Suggestions
- Best served warm with extra icing drizzle!
- Pair with coffee, fresh fruit, or crispy bacon for brunch.
Final Thoughts
These banana cinnamon rolls are soft, gooey, and packed with cozy flavors—perfect for lazy weekends or special occasions. The banana keeps them moist, while the cream cheese icing balances the sweetness.
🍌 Pro Tip: Microwave cold rolls for 10 seconds to restore freshness!
Tag your creations #BananaCinnamonRolls! 📸✨
