Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creative banana twist on classic cinnamon rolls, soft and fluffy texture, freezer-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and easy to make with pantry staples.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Rolling pin
9×13-inch baking dish
Stand mixer (optional but helpful)
Plastic wrap or kitchen towel
Whisk or hand mixer
Tips for Success
Use overripe bananas for best flavor
Don’t over-flour the dough—keep it soft and pliable
Let dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot
Roll tightly to create even cinnamon swirls
Spread filling evenly for gooey layers
Ingredients
For the Dough:
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
¾ cup warm milk
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup melted butter
1 overripe banana, mashed
1 egg
½ teaspoon salt
3 to 3½ cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
½ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
¼ cup softened butter
For the Glaze:
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, mashed banana, egg, sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture and stir. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for 6–8 minutes by hand or 4–5 minutes in a stand mixer until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and roll out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
Spread softened butter over dough and sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.
Roll up tightly from the long side and slice into 12 even rolls. Place in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
While rolls cool slightly, whisk together glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls.
Additional Tips or Variations
Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for crunch
Mix mini chocolate chips into the dough for extra indulgence
Use maple syrup in the glaze for a twist
Swap cream cheese glaze for a simple vanilla icing if preferred