Imagine starting your morning with a batch of irresistibly fluffy Banana Cream Sweet Rolls: warm, tender dough filled with mashed bananas, a swirl of brown sugar and cinnamon, and crowned with a dreamy cream cheese frosting. Each bite offers the perfect balance of sweet banana flavor and creamy richness, making these rolls just right for brunch, a special breakfast, or whenever you crave something indulgently homemade.

Banana Cream Sweet Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Banana Cream Sweet Rolls lies in simple pantry staples that transform into a truly memorable treat. Each ingredient plays its part—from producing that soft, pillowy dough to bringing out the lush banana filling and luxuriously smooth frosting. Here’s what you’ll need:

Whole milk (3/4 cup, warm): The secret to extra-soft, rich dough begins here; make sure it’s just warm to the touch, not hot.
Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a touch of sweetness and gives the yeast something to munch on for the perfect rise.
Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): Makes your Banana Cream Sweet Rolls puff up into bakery-worthy swirls.
Unsalted butter (1/4 cup in dough, 2 tablespoons in frosting, softened): Lends flavor and richness to both the dough and creamy topping.
Large egg (1): Gives the rolls structure and a bit of extra tenderness.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to make the other flavors pop.
All-purpose flour (2 3/4 cups): The backbone of the dough, so measure carefully for the best texture.
Ripe bananas (2, mashed): The hero of the filling—choose bananas with plenty of brown spots for the sweetest, most fragrant flavor.
Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a caramel-like depth to the banana filling.
Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): A gentle spice kick pairs perfectly with the bananas.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps the banana filling stay put inside the swirls instead of leaking out.
Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Gives the frosting its irresistible tang and lusciousness.
Powdered sugar (1 cup): Whips up into a smooth, sweet cloud for frosting.
Milk (1–2 tablespoons, for frosting): Helps you adjust the frosting’s consistency, so it glides perfectly across the warm rolls.
Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Deepens the flavor of the frosting with classic, sweet notes.

How to Make Banana Cream Sweet Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by pouring your warm milk into a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Sprinkle in the granulated sugar and yeast, and give it a gentle stir. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it’s bubbly and has that unmistakable yeasty aroma—your sign that the dough will be perfectly airy.

Step 2: Make and Knead the Dough

Add your softened butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, mixing at low speed or by hand until you have a soft, cohesive dough. Knead for 6 to 8 minutes (or let your mixer do it) until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should feel plush and just a little tacky.

Step 3: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it once to coat the surface, then cover it with a clean towel. Leave it in a warm spot for about an hour—when it’s ready, it will have doubled in size and look pillowy.

Step 4: Prepare the Banana Filling

While your dough is rising, mash the ripe bananas in a small bowl. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch until everything is well combined and glossy. This gooey goodness is what makes Banana Cream Sweet Rolls so special.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Punch down the dough and place it on a floured surface. Roll it into a 14-by-10-inch rectangle—you don’t need to be exact, but aim for a thickness just under half an inch. Slather the banana filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along the edges.

Step 6: Shape and Slice the Rolls

Roll the dough up tightly from the longer side, using your fingers to keep it as snug as possible. Trim the ends if needed, then slice the log into 12 even rolls. Arrange them in a greased 9-by-13-inch baking dish, giving them space to expand.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the baking dish and let your rolls rise again for 30 to 45 minutes—they should swell and press cozily against each other, which sets the stage for those soft, pull-apart edges everyone loves.

Step 8: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slide the pan in and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and your kitchen smells like absolute heaven. Let them cool just slightly while you make the frosting.

Step 9: Make the Frosting and Finish

Beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Sift in the powdered sugar, add the vanilla, and mix in just enough milk to make the frosting smooth and spreadable. Dollop generously over the warm Banana Cream Sweet Rolls, letting it melt slightly and seep into every swirl.

How to Serve Banana Cream Sweet Rolls

Garnishes

For an extra pop of color and flavor, scatter a few banana slices over the frosting, or add a sprinkle of cinnamon or toasted chopped pecans. If you want to dial up the banana aroma, a tiny drizzle of banana extract into the frosting is a fun twist.

Side Dishes

These sweet rolls make the star of any breakfast or brunch spread, but you can round out the meal with fresh berries, crispy bacon, or a big fruit salad. The light, juicy sides help balance the richness of the Banana Cream Sweet Rolls perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these rolls as part of an eye-catching brunch platter or stacked on a pretty cake stand. For gatherings, turn Banana Cream Sweet Rolls into an individual treat by placing each one in a paper liner so guests can grab and go. They’re also dreamy when served warm, with an espresso or rich coffee to sip alongside.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Banana Cream Sweet Rolls covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The frosting helps keep the rolls moist, and they’ll taste just as delicious the next day with a quick reheat.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the unfrosted rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm before adding the frosting. You can also freeze individual rolls for a sweet snack on demand.

Reheating

Reheat Banana Cream Sweet Rolls in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds per roll, or warm a whole pan covered with foil in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. The rolls will turn soft, steamy, and irresistible once again.

FAQs

Can I make Banana Cream Sweet Rolls the night before?

Absolutely! After shaping the rolls and placing them in the baking dish, cover and chill overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes in the morning before baking as usual.

Why is my dough not rising properly?

Yeast works best with fresh ingredients and a warm environment. Check that your milk wasn’t too hot or cold, and that your yeast isn’t expired. Find a cozy, draft-free spot for your dough to rise—sometimes inside an unheated oven with the light on does the trick!

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you sure can! Skip the step of blooming the yeast in warm milk—just mix everything together, but know your dough may rise a bit faster, so keep an eye on it to avoid over-proofing.

How can I make these vegan?

Swap in your favorite plant-based milk and vegan butter, use a flax egg instead of a regular one, and pick a vegan cream cheese for the frosting. The rolls will still be just as soft, sweet, and perfectly banana-y!

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the filling?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or mini chocolate chips are heavenly sprinkled over the banana filling before rolling up. They add wonderful texture and make the Banana Cream Sweet Rolls extra special.

Final Thoughts

There’s something joyful about baking a pan of Banana Cream Sweet Rolls—whether you’re sharing them with friends or sneaking a second one for yourself. I hope you’ll fall in love with their sweet, gooey centers and luscious frosting. Try the recipe soon, and let these soft, banana-filled treats become a delicious little tradition at your table!