Soft Banana Cinnamon Swirl Rolls

Oh my gosh, have you tried Soft Banana Cinnamon Swirl Rolls? They’re like your favorite cinnamon rolls, but with a yummy banana twist. It’s the perfect mix of cozy and sweet!

When I made them, my kitchen smelled amazing. They’re soft, gooey, and full of that warm cinnamon-banana flavor. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up!

If you love a fun twist on classic rolls, you’ve gotta give these a try. Trust me, everyone’s gonna ask for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Banana-Inspired Comfort: If you love banana bread, then these rolls will quickly become your new favorite. The mashed bananas add a rich sweetness and a softness that makes these rolls feel like a warm hug.
• Sweet and Spicy Cinnamon Swirls: The cinnamon and brown sugar filling creates that perfect, sweet-spicy combination that everyone loves in cinnamon rolls.
• Soft and Fluffy Texture: The dough is incredibly soft and fluffy, making each bite light and airy—no dense or heavy rolls here!
• Easy to Make: This recipe doesn’t require any special skills or complicated techniques. With just a few ingredients and some simple steps, you’ll be enjoying homemade rolls in no time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a lazy Sunday morning or a special brunch gathering, these banana cinnamon swirl rolls are the ideal treat to share with loved ones.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Want to make them ahead of time? No problem! These rolls can be prepared the night before and baked the next morning for a quick and easy breakfast.
• Customizable: Feel free to get creative! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even swirl in some caramel for a decadent twist.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you start gathering your ingredients, here’s a quick list of the kitchen tools you’ll need to make these delicious rolls:

• Mixing Bowls: For mixing the dough and filling.
• Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: To bake the rolls in. You could also use a round cake pan for a more rustic presentation.
• Whisk: For mixing dry ingredients like flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure you get the right measurements for each ingredient.
• Brush: To apply the butter to the dough before rolling it up with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Kitchen Towel: To cover the dough as it rises and prevent it from drying out.
• Cooling Rack: For letting the rolls cool and allowing the glaze to set.

Once you have these items ready, you’re all set to begin baking.

Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of all the ingredients you’ll need to make these Soft Banana Cinnamon Swirl Rolls:

For the Dough:

• All-Purpose Flour (2 ½ cups): This is the base of your dough, and you’ll need it for structure and texture.
• Granulated Sugar (¼ cup): Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough itself.
• Baking Powder (2 tsp): This helps the dough rise and gives it its light, airy texture.
• Baking Soda (½ tsp): Balances the acidity in the mashed banana and adds to the fluffiness.
• Salt (½ tsp): Enhances the overall flavor of the dough and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter, Softened (¼ cup): The butter adds richness and helps create a tender dough.
• Mashed Banana (1 ripe banana): The star ingredient! The mashed banana not only adds sweetness but also keeps the rolls soft and moist.
• Milk (1 cup): Adds moisture to the dough.
• Large Egg (1): Helps bind the ingredients together and gives the dough structure.

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling:

• Unsalted Butter, Softened (¼ cup): The butter in the filling helps the cinnamon and sugar stick to the dough, creating those perfect swirls.
• Brown Sugar (¾ cup): The brown sugar adds depth and richness to the filling, along with a nice caramelized flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon (2 tsp): This is what makes these rolls taste like cinnamon rolls! The cinnamon gives a warm, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the banana.

For the Glaze:

• Powdered Sugar (1 cup): The base of the glaze, which gives it a smooth texture and sweetness.
• Milk (2-3 tbsp): To thin out the glaze and make it pourable.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Adds a subtle but essential flavor to complement the sweetness of the glaze.

How to Make Soft Banana Cinnamon Swirl Rolls

Now that we’ve covered why you’ll love this recipe, the tools you’ll need, and the ingredients, let’s dive into the steps to make these banana cinnamon swirl rolls. It’s a simple process that will result in a delicious, soft, and comforting treat.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mashed banana, milk, and egg. Add the softened butter and mix until fully incorporated.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a dough forms. It may be a little sticky, and that’s okay. If it’s too sticky to handle, sprinkle in a little extra flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it becomes workable.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

1. Flour Your Surface: Lightly flour your countertop or work surface. Turn the dough out onto the surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together into a ball.
2. Roll It Out: Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a rectangular shape, about 12×18 inches. Aim for an even thickness, but it doesn’t need to be perfect—imperfections just add to the homemade charm!

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling

Before rolling out your dough, let’s get the cinnamon-sugar filling ready. The filling is what will give these rolls that irresistible swirl of sweet, spicy goodness.

1. Soften the Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This makes it easier to spread over the dough and ensures that the sugar and cinnamon stick.
2. Mix Cinnamon and Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Give it a good stir to make sure it’s evenly mixed.
3. Butter the Dough: Once your dough is rolled out into a rectangle, spread the softened butter over the entire surface. You want a nice, even layer of butter so that the cinnamon-sugar mixture can stick well.
4. Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Be generous—this is where the flavor comes from! Spread it as evenly as possible, leaving a small border around the edges so that the filling doesn’t spill out when you roll it up.

Step 4: Roll Up the Dough

1. Roll It Up: Starting from one long edge of the dough, carefully roll it up into a tight log. It’s important to roll as evenly as possible to create nice, uniform swirls. If your dough feels sticky, use a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much.
2. Seal the Edge: Once the dough is rolled up, pinch the seam to seal it. This ensures that the rolls don’t unroll while baking.
3. Cut the Rolls: Using a sharp knife or dental floss (yes, dental floss works wonders for cutting dough cleanly!), slice the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces. If you want larger rolls, you can slice fewer pieces, but I find 12 gives you that perfect balance of size and fluffiness.

Step 5: Arrange the Rolls in the Baking Dish

1. Grease the Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will help the rolls rise and prevent them from sticking to the pan.
2. Place the Rolls in the Pan: Arrange the cinnamon rolls in the prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll. As they bake, they will expand and rise, creating those beautiful, soft swirls.
3. Let the Dough Rise: Cover the baking dish with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until they’ve doubled in size. This step is crucial for creating that fluffy texture, so be patient!

Step 6: Bake the Banana Cinnamon Swirl Rolls

Once the rolls have risen, it’s time to bake them to golden perfection. The smell of warm banana and cinnamon will start to fill your kitchen, and it will be hard to resist sneaking a bite!

1. Preheat the Oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). This ensures that the rolls bake evenly once they go in.
2. Bake the Rolls: Once the rolls have doubled in size, place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls are cooked through. Keep an eye on them toward the end of baking to avoid overbaking.
3. Test for Doneness: To check if the rolls are done, insert a toothpick in the center of one. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re ready to come out of the oven. If it’s still wet, give them a few more minutes.
4. Cool Slightly: Once they’re done, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This is the perfect time to prepare the glaze.

Step 7: Glaze the Rolls

The glaze is what takes these banana cinnamon swirl rolls from delicious to absolutely irresistible. It adds a sweet, creamy finish that pairs perfectly with the warm cinnamon banana flavors. It’s simple to make, and trust me, you won’t want to skip this step!

1. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Add the milk a little at a time until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. It should be pourable but not too runny.
2. Glaze the Rolls: Once the rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top. Be generous—let it cascade over the sides of the rolls and sink into the warm swirls. The glaze will melt slightly into the rolls, creating that perfect sweet finish.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Your Soft Banana Cinnamon Swirl Rolls are now ready to be enjoyed! The perfect combination of soft, fluffy dough, sweet banana flavor, warm cinnamon swirls, and creamy glaze will make every bite a little piece of heaven.

You can serve these rolls warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or brunch treat. If you have leftovers, no worries—these rolls taste just as good the next day (or even after a quick reheat in the microwave).

How to Serve Soft Banana Cinnamon Swirl Rolls

• For Breakfast or Brunch: These rolls are perfect for lazy weekend mornings or a special occasion brunch. Serve them alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, or fresh fruit for a well-rounded meal.
• As a Dessert: Want something sweet after dinner? These banana cinnamon rolls make an amazing dessert. You can even serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• For Snack Time: Keep a batch of these rolls on hand for a snack throughout the week. They’re easy to reheat in the microwave for a quick, warm treat whenever you need a pick-me-up.

Storing Soft Banana Cinnamon Swirl Rolls

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), here’s how to store your banana cinnamon rolls so they stay soft and fresh:

1. Room Temperature: Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Make sure to cover them to prevent them from drying out. They should stay soft and moist for a day or two, but they are best enjoyed within the first 24 hours.
2. Refrigeration: If you want to keep them for a bit longer, store the rolls in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to enjoy, you can warm them up in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to bring back their soft texture.
3. Freezing: These rolls freeze wonderfully, so if you want to make a large batch and save some for later, here’s how:
   • Allow the rolls to cool completely after baking.
   • Place the rolls on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them for about 1-2 hours until they are firm.
   • Once frozen, transfer the rolls to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat from frozen, simply pop the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave them individually for 30-45 seconds.

Tips for Reheating Soft Banana Cinnamon Swirl Rolls

• Microwave: Place a damp paper towel over the roll before microwaving to keep them moist. Heat in 15-second intervals until warm.
• Oven: Wrap the rolls in foil and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 10 minutes for a fresh-baked feel. You can even drizzle a little extra glaze on top after reheating for that just-baked touch.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 285 kcal
• Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 190mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 43g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Total Sugars: 18g
• Protein: 5g
• Vitamin D: 0.5mcg (3% DV)
• Calcium: 40mg (3% DV)
• Iron: 1.2mg (7% DV)
• Potassium: 190mg (4% DV)

Final Thoughts on Soft Banana Cinnamon Swirl Rolls

These Soft Banana Cinnamon Swirl Rolls are an absolute treat—perfectly sweet, soft, and gooey, with the perfect balance of banana and cinnamon flavors. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just indulging in a cozy weekend breakfast, these rolls will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Don’t be afraid to make a large batch, as these rolls are easy to store and reheat, allowing you to enjoy them all week long. And if you’re feeling extra creative, experiment with adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the filling for a fun twist.

Remember, these rolls are customizable and versatile. You can make them the night before and let them rise overnight for a super easy breakfast, or even freeze them for later. Whichever way you enjoy them, I’m sure you’ll fall in love with these deliciously soft, sweet, and cinnamon-filled treats.