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Homemade Banana Cinnamon Rolls: 1 Amazing Recipe

by Fatima Garcia

•

6 de October de 2025

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Hommemade banana cinnamon rolls have a way of making any morning feel special, don’t they? I remember the first time I tried making them from scratch; the kitchen filled with the most incredible aroma of ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and sweet brown sugar. It was pure magic! These aren’t just any cinnamon rolls; they’re infused with the natural sweetness and moisture of mashed bananas, creating an unbelievably soft and fluffy texture that’s simply divine. This easy homemade banana cinnamon rolls recipe is a delightful twist on the classic, perfect for a weekend brunch or a comforting dessert. Get ready to fill your home with an irresistible scent – let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love These Homemade Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Get ready to fall in love with these delightful twists on a classic. They’re more than just a treat; they’re an experience!

Incredibly soft and fluffy banana cinnamon rolls thanks to the magic of ripe bananas.
A fantastic way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter.
The scent of warm cinnamon and banana baking will fill your home with pure comfort.
This banana cinnamon roll recipe from scratch is surprisingly easy to follow.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert that everyone will rave about.
The tangy cream cheese frosting is the perfect complement to the sweet, spiced filling.
They offer a unique flavor profile that’s a delightful departure from traditional cinnamon rolls.
You’ll discover why this is quickly becoming the best homemade cinnamon roll recipe with banana.

Ingredients for the Best Banana Cinnamon Roll Recipe

Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward making these truly spectacular homemade banana cinnamon rolls. Using ripe bananas is key here; they provide natural sweetness and moisture that makes these rolls incredibly tender. Don’t shy away from those spotted bananas – they’re perfect for this recipe!

Dough Ingredients

240 ml warm milk – essential for activating the yeast
2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast – the leavening agent for fluffy rolls
100 grams granulated sugar – feeds the yeast and adds sweetness to the dough
115 grams unsalted butter, melted – for richness and a tender crumb
2 large eggs – help bind the dough and add moisture
1 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness and enhances flavor
500 grams all purpose flour – the base of our dough
240 grams mashed banana (2-3 medium bananas) – the star ingredient for moisture and flavor

Filling Ingredients

115 grams unsalted butter, softened – creates a spreadable base for the filling
200 grams brown sugar – adds depth of flavor and caramel notes
16 grams ground cinnamon – the classic warm spice for our cinnamon swirls
60 grams chopped walnuts (optional) – for a delightful crunch

Cream Cheese Icing Ingredients

115 grams cream cheese, softened – provides that signature tangy creaminess
56 grams unsalted butter, softened – ensures a smooth, rich icing
180 grams powdered sugar – for sweetness and the perfect smooth consistency
2.5 ml vanilla extract – enhances all the flavors

How to Make Homemade Banana Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch

Let’s get rolling! This recipe for banana rolls from scratch is easier than you think and the results are absolutely worth it. Imagine that sweet, spiced aroma filling your kitchen – pure bliss!

Preparing the Dough

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 240 ml warm milk, 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast, and 100 grams granulated sugar. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it gets nice and foamy. This tells you the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
Step 2: To the activated yeast mixture, add 115 grams unsalted butter, melted, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon salt, and the star of the show, 240 grams mashed banana. Gradually mix in 500 grams all purpose flour until a soft dough begins to form.
Step 3: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. It should feel wonderfully soft, not sticky. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Making the Filling and Rolling

Step 4: While the dough is rising, whip up the filling. In a separate bowl, mix 115 grams unsalted butter, softened, 200 grams brown sugar, and 16 grams ground cinnamon until you have a smooth, spreadable paste. The scent of cinnamon and brown sugar is already intoxicating!
Step 5: Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 50 x 35 cm. Spread the brown sugar-cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border on one edge. If you’re using them, sprinkle 60 grams chopped walnuts over the filling.
Step 6: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the dough log. Pinch the seam to seal it. Carefully slice the log into 12 equal pieces, about 3 cm thick each. Arrange the sliced rolls cut-side up in a greased baking dish. Cover them loosely and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Homemade Banana Cinnamon Rolls: 1 Amazing Recipe - Hommemade Banana Cinnamon Rolls - additional detail

Baking and Icing the Rolls

Step 7: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Bake the risen rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden brown. The kitchen will smell absolutely incredible at this point!
Step 8: While the rolls are still warm, prepare the cream cheese icing. In a medium bowl, beat together 115 grams cream cheese, softened, 56 grams unsalted butter, softened, 180 grams powdered sugar, and 2.5 ml vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
Step 9: Generously spread the luscious cream cheese icing over the warm banana cinnamon rolls. Let them cool slightly before diving in. Enjoy these delightful quick banana cinnamon roll treats!

Pro Tips for the Best Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Making these homemade banana cinnamon rolls is a rewarding experience, and a few tricks can elevate them from good to absolutely spectacular. These tips will help ensure your rolls are perfectly fluffy, moist, and flavorful every single time.

Use very ripe bananas! The browner and spottier, the better. They mash easily and provide maximum sweetness and moisture, which is crucial for that signature banana bread texture.
Don’t overwork the dough. Over-kneading can lead to tough rolls, while under-kneading means they won’t rise as well. Aim for a soft, elastic dough.
Ensure your yeast is active. Test it by dissolving it in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. If it doesn’t get foamy within 5-10 minutes, it’s time for a fresh packet.
Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place. A slightly warm oven (turned off, of course!) or near a sunny window works wonders.

What’s the secret to perfect fluffy banana cinnamon rolls?

The secret lies in using very ripe, mashed bananas in the dough, which adds incredible moisture and a tender crumb. Also, don’t skip the second rise; it allows the dough to become wonderfully airy, leading to those delightful, fluffy swirls.

Can I make banana cinnamon rolls without yeast?

While this recipe uses yeast for classic fluffiness, you can create a “quick bread” style cinnamon roll using baking powder and baking soda as leavening. The texture will be denser, more like a scone or biscuit, but still delicious! For more baking tips, check out this guide.

How do I avoid common mistakes with homemade banana cinnamon rolls?

A common pitfall is using underripe bananas, which won’t provide enough moisture. Another is over-baking, which dries them out. Always bake until just golden brown and slightly puffed. Lastly, don’t rush the rising times; patience yields fluffier rolls.

Best Ways to Serve Your Banana Cinnamon Buns

These delightful banana cinnamon buns are a treat on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a few complementary sides to make your meal complete. Imagine serving these warm, gooey rolls alongside a fresh cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk – pure breakfast bliss!

For a truly decadent brunch, consider serving them with a side of fresh fruit salad. The bright, refreshing flavors of berries and melon cut through the sweetness of the rolls beautifully. They also make a fantastic accompaniment to a savory breakfast, like scrambled eggs or crispy bacon. Don’t forget to offer a warm beverage; a strong cup of coffee or a soothing herbal tea really enhances the spices in these banana spice rolls recipe delights.

Nutrition Facts for Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Enjoying these delightful homemade banana cinnamon rolls comes with a bit of nutritional information to keep in mind. These estimates are based on a single serving of one roll, including the luscious cream cheese icing.

Calories: 385
Fat: 16 g
Saturated Fat: N/A
Protein: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 58 g
Fiber: N/A
Sugar: N/A
Sodium: N/A

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and exact portion sizes.

How to Store and Reheat Homemade Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Once your delicious banana cinnamon rolls have cooled, proper storage is key to keeping them fresh and tasty. For the best results, let them cool completely before storing. If you plan to enjoy them within 3-4 days, an airtight container at room temperature is perfect. This keeps them wonderfully soft and ready to eat whenever a craving strikes. For longer storage, these banana spice rolls recipe delights freeze beautifully! Once completely cool, wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. This makes having delicious, quick banana cinnamon roll treats readily available a breeze!

To reheat your homemade banana cinnamon rolls, you have a few easy options. For refrigerated rolls, simply warm them in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes until just warmed through. Frozen rolls can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator and then reheated using the same methods. If you’re in a hurry, you can even reheat frozen rolls directly in a low-temperature oven (around 300°F/150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until thawed and warm.

Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Cinnamon Rolls

What is the best way to make sure my banana cinnamon rolls are moist?

The secret to incredibly moist homemade banana cinnamon rolls is using very ripe bananas. The riper they are, the more moisture and natural sweetness they contribute to the dough. Also, avoid over-baking; pull them out of the oven as soon as they are golden brown to keep them tender.

Can I make banana cinnamon rolls without yeast?

Yes, you can! While this recipe uses yeast for that classic fluffy texture, you can adapt it to be a “quick bread” style cinnamon roll. Use a leavening agent like baking powder and baking soda instead of yeast. The result will be a slightly denser, more scone-like texture, but still incredibly delicious and a great option for a quick banana cinnamon roll recipe.

How do I get perfect swirls in my banana cinnamon roll recipe from scratch?

To achieve those beautiful swirls, ensure your filling is spread evenly and your dough is rolled tightly. When you fill and roll the dough, try to keep the tension consistent. Then, when slicing the log, use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss for a clean cut that doesn’t squish the layers. This helps the beautiful banana swirl cinnamon rolls appear.

What are banana cinnamon rolls and why are they so popular?

What are banana cinnamon rolls? They’re a delightful fusion of classic cinnamon rolls and the beloved banana bread flavor. They’re popular because they offer a comforting, familiar taste with a unique twist. The addition of mashed banana makes them exceptionally moist and adds a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with cinnamon and cream cheese frosting, making them a standout breakfast or dessert option.

Variations of Banana Cinnamon Rolls You Can Try

Ready to get creative with your baking? These homemade banana cinnamon rolls are a fantastic base for all sorts of delicious variations. Whether you’re looking for a dietary swap or just want to add a new flavor dimension, there’s a twist for everyone!

Gluten-Free Banana Cinnamon Rolls: Easily adapt this recipe by using a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly, but the banana will keep them wonderfully moist.
Vegan Banana Cinnamon Rolls: Swap the dairy milk for plant-based milk (like almond or oat), use vegan butter substitutes, and replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes).
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls: Enhance the banana bread flavor by adding a touch of nutmeg to the filling and topping with a streusel made from flour, brown sugar, butter, and oats. This gives you a delightful two-in-one treat!
Baked in a Bundt Pan: For a show-stopping presentation, bake your assembled rolls in a greased Bundt pan. This creates a beautiful, unified cake-like structure that’s perfect for sharing at parties.