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Banana Nut Cinnamon Rolls

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Soft, spiced cinnamon rolls with bananas and walnuts, topped with cream cheese frosting, perfect for brunch.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour May use up to 4½ cups depending on dough consistency.
  • 3/4 cup milk, lukewarm (about 100–110°F)
  • 1 package fast-acting dry yeast (0.25 oz)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar Plus 1 teaspoon for proofing.
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling Ingredients
  • 3 ripe bananas thinly sliced (for the filling)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for spreading)
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar (filling)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (filling)
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (filling)
Frosting Ingredients
  • 6 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (frosting)
  • 1–1½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/3 teaspoon vanilla extract (frosting)
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (topping)
  • Ground cinnamon for sprinkling

Method
 

Proof the Yeast
  1. In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine lukewarm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Stir and let sit 10–15 minutes until foamy.
Make the Dough
  1. Add the remaining granulated sugar, salt, vanilla, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
  2. Add half of the flour. Switch to the dough hook and mix on low until smooth.
  3. Add the mashed banana and mix on low just until combined.
  4. Gradually add remaining flour until dough forms. Knead on low (or by hand) about 5 minutes until smooth and slightly tacky but not sticky.
First Rise
  1. Place dough in a well-greased large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled, about 1 hour.
Prepare Pan and Filling
  1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle (about 12×16 inches). Spread softened butter evenly across the surface.
  3. Sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts evenly. Layer the sliced bananas in a single layer.
Roll and Shape
  1. Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Pinch the seam to seal and gently compress the log.
  2. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces using dental floss or a sharp knife. Arrange rolls cut-side up in the prepared pan, leaving a little space between them.
Second Proof and Bake
  1. Cover the pan with a clean towel and let rolls proof about 30 minutes until puffy.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  3. Bake 30–35 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the center rolls are set. Remove from oven and let cool 10–15 minutes.
Make the Frosting
  1. Beat room-temperature cream cheese and softened butter on medium speed until light and fluffy.
  2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until smooth and spreadable.
Finish
  1. Spread frosting over warm rolls so it melts into crevices. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts and a pinch of ground cinnamon. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gSodium: 210mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15g

Notes

These rolls can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature, or 5-6 days in the refrigerator. For storage, the frosting requires refrigeration.
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