Delicious Banana Nut Cinnamon Rolls

There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through my kitchen. As a baker, one of my greatest joys is transforming simple ingredients into something that warms both the heart and the home. These Banana Nut Cinnamon Rolls are one of those creations that came to life on a quiet morning when I had a few overripe bananas sitting on the counter and a craving for something sweet and nutty. The result was a batch of fluffy, golden rolls infused with the sweetness of bananas, the crunch of toasted nuts, and the irresistible aroma of cinnamon. Every time I bake them, they fill the room with a cozy scent that reminds me of family breakfasts and lazy weekend mornings.

You’ll absolutely love this recipe because it takes everything you adore about traditional cinnamon rolls and gives it a wholesome, flavorful twist. The mashed bananas not only add natural sweetness but also make the dough extra soft and moist. The combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, and finely chopped nuts creates a filling that’s rich, warm, and perfectly balanced. Whether you drizzle them with a simple cream cheese glaze or enjoy them plain, each bite melts in your mouth and leaves a lingering sweetness that feels like a hug in pastry form.

These rolls are wonderfully versatile and adaptable to different occasions. You can prepare them for a special brunch, a family gathering, or even as a make-ahead breakfast treat for busy mornings. They’re also easy to personalize — use walnuts, pecans, or almonds depending on your preference, and adjust the sweetness to suit your taste. The dough can even be made the night before and baked fresh in the morning, which makes them a great option for holidays or weekend guests.

Another reason you’ll enjoy making these rolls is how affordable they are. The ingredients are simple, budget-friendly, and likely already in your pantry — flour, sugar, butter, milk, yeast, and of course, ripe bananas. Even with a small amount of nuts, you’ll get a batch of bakery-quality rolls without spending much. The satisfaction of pulling them from the oven, golden and fragrant, makes every minute of preparation worth it.

Ingredients for the Recipe:

• 2 ripe bananas (mashed)

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 ¼ tsp)

• ½ cup warm milk

• ¼ cup melted butter

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

• ½ cup brown sugar (for filling)

• 2 tbsp softened butter (for filling)

• Optional: ½ cup cream cheese icing for topping

How to Prepare This Recipe 

Making these Banana Nut Cinnamon Rolls is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with warmth and sweetness. The steps are straightforward, and with a little patience, you’ll have soft, golden rolls that are perfect for breakfast or dessert. This recipe is not only quick and easy but also customizable, allowing you to adapt it to your taste and preferences.

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by warming the milk until it’s just slightly warm to the touch — not hot, about 40°C (105°F). Pour the warm milk into a large mixing bowl, then stir in 1 tablespoon of sugar and the packet of active dry yeast. Allow the mixture to sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly on top. This step ensures your yeast is active and ready to give your dough that soft, fluffy rise.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In another bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the melted butter, the remaining sugar, and salt. Mix until the ingredients are well combined. Slowly pour this banana mixture into the yeast mixture, stirring gently to combine. Begin adding the flour one cup at a time, mixing with a spoon or using a stand mixer with a dough hook. Continue adding flour until the dough comes together and is soft but not sticky. You may not need the full 3 ½ cups — the goal is a smooth, elastic dough.

Once the dough forms, knead it on a floured surface for about 6–8 minutes until it becomes smooth and stretchy. If using a mixer, knead for about 5 minutes on medium speed. Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

While the dough rises, prepare the cinnamon-nut filling. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. In another bowl, finely chop your nuts — walnuts or pecans work beautifully here. Set them aside with the softened butter. Once the dough is ready, punch it down to release air, then roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 30×40 cm (12×16 inches).

Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture across the surface. Add the chopped nuts evenly over the top. The filling should cover every part of the dough to ensure that each roll has a generous swirl of flavor.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

Starting from the long side of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal it shut, then use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal slices. Arrange these slices in a greased baking dish or a parchment-lined pan, leaving a bit of space between each roll for them to rise. Cover the dish loosely with plastic wrap or a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30–45 minutes, or until they have puffed up nicely.

Step 5: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Once the rolls have risen, place the pan in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the edges are lightly crisped. The aroma that fills the kitchen during this step is simply irresistible — sweet banana, warm cinnamon, and toasty nuts blending together perfectly.

Step 6: Optional Glaze

While the rolls bake, prepare a simple glaze if desired. Mix cream cheese with a touch of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. When the rolls come out of the oven, let them cool for about 10 minutes, then drizzle the glaze generously over the top. It melts slightly into the warm rolls, creating a creamy, sweet finish that complements the banana flavor beautifully.

Quick and Easy

Even though these rolls taste like they came from a bakery, they’re quite easy to make. The dough is forgiving, and the ingredients are common household staples. With the banana acting as a natural tenderizer, you’ll get soft, pillowy rolls every time.

Customizable

You can easily customize this recipe to your liking. Try adding a handful of chocolate chips to the filling for a richer twist, or substitute the nuts with toasted coconut for a tropical flavor. If you prefer a lighter version, you can reduce the sugar slightly without affecting the texture.

Popular with Many People

These Banana Nut Cinnamon Rolls have become a favorite among family and friends. They disappear quickly at brunch tables, holiday gatherings, or even casual breakfasts. Their natural sweetness and nutty texture appeal to both adults and children, making them a reliable treat for any occasion. Whether served warm from the oven or reheated the next day, they remain soft, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

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FAQs 

1. Can I make these Banana Nut Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can easily prepare the dough the night before. After shaping the rolls and placing them in the pan, cover them tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This makes them perfect for early breakfasts or brunch gatherings.

2. What type of nuts works best in this recipe?
Walnuts and pecans are the most popular choices because of their buttery flavor and soft texture. However, almonds or hazelnuts can also be used for a crunchier texture. Lightly toasting the nuts before adding them enhances their flavor beautifully.

3. Can I freeze the rolls?
Absolutely. You can freeze the unbaked rolls after shaping them or freeze baked rolls once they’ve cooled completely. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and bake or reheat as needed.

4. How can I make the rolls lighter or less sweet?
You can reduce the sugar in the filling by one-third without losing flavor. For a lighter dough, use half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour. The bananas naturally add sweetness and moisture, so the rolls will still taste delicious.