Homemade Banana Cinnamon Rolls: A Sweet Twist on a Classic Treat

Cinnamon rolls are a timeless favorite, but what if we took them to the next level? Enter Homemade Banana Cinnamon Rolls—a delightful fusion of rich cinnamon flavor and the natural sweetness of bananas. Soft, fluffy, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these rolls are a must-try for any baking enthusiast. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch or a special treat, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love These Banana Cinnamon Rolls

• Naturally Sweetened: The mashed bananas add a natural sweetness and a soft, moist texture.
• Rich and Flavorful Filling: A classic cinnamon-sugar filling gets an extra boost from butter, creating a gooey, caramelized center.
• Creamy Frosting: A silky-smooth blend of butter, cream cheese, and vanilla melts into every crevice of the warm rolls.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or an indulgent snack, these cinnamon rolls are always a hit.

Ingredients

Banana Dough

• ¼ ounce package or 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast
• ½ cup warm milk
• ⅓ cup sugar
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 medium bananas, mashed (¾ cup mashed banana)
• 4 ⅓ cups flour (measured correctly)

Filling

• ⅓ cup softened butter
• 1 ½ tablespoons cinnamon
• 1 cup brown sugar

Frosting

• 4 tablespoons softened butter
• 4 tablespoons cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. In a bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Let it stand for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Using a stand mixer (or mixing by hand), combine the yeast mixture with the remaining sugar, eggs, melted butter, salt, vanilla, and mashed bananas.
3. Gradually add in the flour, mixing until the dough forms a large, soft, and slightly sticky ball.
4. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour until it doubles in size.

Making the Filling & Assembling the Rolls

1. While the dough rises, mix together the butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar for the filling.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Once the dough has risen, turn it onto a lightly oiled surface and roll it into a 15-inch by 10-inch rectangle.
4. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, then roll it tightly into a log.
5. Slice into 12 even pieces (each about 1 ¾ inches wide) and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch pan.
6. Let the rolls rise for another 10-15 minutes before baking.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Making the Frosting

1. While the rolls bake, cream together butter and cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add vanilla extract, salt, and powdered sugar, mixing until well combined.
3. Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before spreading the frosting on top.

Tips for the Best Banana Cinnamon Rolls

• Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your rolls will be.
• Don’t rush the rising process: Allowing the dough to properly rise ensures soft and fluffy rolls.
• Frost while warm: This helps the frosting seep into the rolls, making them extra gooey and delicious.
• Store leftovers properly: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Warm them up slightly before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Banana Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect blend of comfort and indulgence. The subtle sweetness of banana pairs beautifully with the classic cinnamon filling, while the cream cheese frosting ties it all together in a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

So, what are you waiting for? Try these today and let your home fill with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked banana cinnamon rolls!