Growing up, my weekends were filled with the sweet smell of cinnamon rolls wafting through the kitchen. One of my fondest memories is making these Banana Nut Cinnamon Rolls with my family. They would always cheer when we pulled them out of the oven, and we'd gather around the table, ready to enjoy this delightful treat. It's a recipe that brings warmth and joy, perfect for family gatherings or chilly mornings.

These rolls are not only delicious but also easy to make. The combination of bananas and nuts adds a delightful twist, making them a favorite for weekend brunches or special occasions. Once you try these, they’ll become a go-to in your home!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy preparation
Soft, fluffy texture
Irresistible banana and cinnamon flavor
Perfect for sharing with family and friends
Great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert

You will enjoy these soft and sweet rolls filled with the flavors of banana and cinnamon, topped with a creamy frosting.

How to Make Banana Nut Cinnamon Rolls

Making these rolls is a delightful experience. With simple steps, you'll create something that not only tastes amazing but also brings joy to all who share it.

Star Ingredients

All-purpose flour: The foundation of the rolls, giving them structure and softness.
Milk (lukewarm): Activates the yeast for a fluffy texture.
Fast-acting dry yeast: Helps the dough rise quickly.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps in browning the rolls.
Unsalted butter (melted): Enhances flavor and keeps the rolls moist.
Mashed ripe bananas: Provide natural sweetness and moisture.
Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely flavor accent.
Salt: Balances the sweetness.
Sliced ripe bananas: Adds texture and freshness.
Light brown sugar: Increases the depth of sweetness and flavor.
Ground cinnamon: Infuses the rolls with wonderful spice.
Chopped walnuts: Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
Cream cheese: Forms a rich, creamy frosting.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
Ground cinnamon for sprinkling: A finishing touch for flavor.

Simple Assembly

In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk with yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir and let it sit for 10-15 minutes until foamy.
Add remaining sugar, salt, vanilla, and melted butter. Mix well.
Add half of the flour and mix on low with a dough hook until smooth. Add mashed bananas and mix well. Gradually add the rest of the flour and knead for 5 minutes until smooth and not sticky.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until doubled (about 1 hour).
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
Roll the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread softened butter, sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. Layer sliced bananas on top.
Roll the dough tightly into a log and pinch edges to seal. Cut into 12 equal pieces.
Place rolls in the prepared pan, cover with a towel, and let proof for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden.
Meanwhile, make frosting by mixing cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beat until smooth.
Spread frosting over warm rolls and top with walnuts and cinnamon.

You Must Know

Always check the yeast expiry date before using it. If the mixture doesn't get foamy, the yeast may be inactive. Adjust baking times if using a convection oven or if the rolls are not browning properly.

How to Serve Banana Nut Cinnamon Rolls

These rolls are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a sweet addition to brunch spreads or as an afternoon treat.

How to Store Banana Nut Cinnamon Rolls

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.

Tips to Make Banana Nut Cinnamon Rolls

For an extra layer of flavor, you can experiment with different nuts, such as pecans or almonds. Additionally, try adding chocolate chips for a delightful twist on the classic recipe.

Variation

You can make these rolls vegan by substituting plant-based milk, margarine, and a vegan cream cheese alternative. Adjust the quantities accordingly for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What can I do if my dough isn’t rising?

If your dough isn’t rising, it could be because the yeast is old, or the environment is too cold. Make sure to use warm milk (not hot) and place the bowl in a warm, draft-free space.

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just thaw them and mash them well before adding to the recipe. They work beautifully in the dough.

How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?

The rolls should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the refrigerator, and shape the rolls in the morning for a fresh-baked breakfast!

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Delicious Banana Nut Cinnamon Rolls

Author: Linda
Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including rise times)
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
Category: Dessert / Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Banana Nut Cinnamon Rolls are a must-try! They’re warm, fluffy, and perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast with family. You’ll want to make these again and again! Enjoy the sweetness!

Ingredients

Scale

4–4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup milk (lukewarm)
1 package (0.25 oz fast-acting dry yeast)
1/4 cup + 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)
3/4 cup mashed ripe bananas
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 ripe bananas (sliced)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup walnuts (chopped)
6 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
1–1 1/2 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
1/3 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup walnuts (chopped)
ground cinnamon for sprinkling

Instructions

1. In a large bowl or a bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk with yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir to combine. Let sit for about 10-15 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
2. Add the remaining sugar, salt, vanilla, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
3. Add half of the flour. Change to a dough hook and mix on low until smooth. Add the mashed banana and mix on low until combined. Slowly add the remaining flour until fully incorporated. Knead for another 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and not sticky.
4. Place the dough into a large well-greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm draft-free place until it has doubled, about 1 hour.
5. Grease a large baking dish (9×13 inch). Set aside.
6. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out into the shape of a rectangle. Spread the softened butter over the surface of the dough and top evenly with sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. Layer evenly sliced bananas.
7. Roll up the dough into a long tight log. Pinch to seal the edges. Gently squeeze to compact the log of dough.
8. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces. You can use dental floss or a thin thread. Place the rolls into the prepared pan. Cover it with a towel and let proof for about 30 minutes for the second time.
9. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 30-35 minutes until the tops start turning golden-brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
10. Meanwhile, make the frosting. Add the cream cheese and butter to a mixing bowl. Mix on medium speed until light and fluffy. Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until smooth and well combined.
11. Spread the frosting over the warm rolls. Top with walnuts and cinnamon.

Notes

Banana Ripeness Matters – Ensure your bananas are extra ripe (with brown spots) for maximum sweetness and a deep banana flavor in the dough and filling. Under-ripe bananas may not provide enough sweetness or moisture.

Soft Dough, But Not Sticky – The dough should be soft and pliable, but not overly sticky. If it’s too wet, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time until manageable. However, don’t over-flour, or the rolls may turn out dense instead of fluffy.

Prevent Overbrowning – If the rolls start browning too quickly in the oven, loosely tent them with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking to ensure they cook through without burning.

Best Served Fresh – These cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed warm, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. To reheat, microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes to restore their soft, gooey texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cinnamon roll
Calories: ~380 kcal
Sugar: ~24g
Sodium: ~180mg
Fat: ~16g
Saturated Fat: ~8g
Unsaturated Fat: ~6g
Trans Fat: ~0g
Carbohydrates: ~55g
Fiber: ~3g
Protein: ~6g
Cholesterol: ~35mg

Keywords: Banana nut cinnamon rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, banana cinnamon rolls, easy cinnamon rolls, fluffy cinnamon rolls, sweet breakfast, baked dessert, banana walnut rolls, cream cheese frosting, homemade baking.