Banana Cream Sweet Rolls

Soft, fluffy sweet rolls filled with creamy banana custard and topped with a luscious glaze — these Banana Cream Sweet Rolls are a dreamy twist on classic cinnamon rolls. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Banana Cream Sweet Rolls combine the comforting texture of homemade rolls with the rich, nostalgic flavor of banana cream pie. They’re soft, decadent, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re baking for a holiday brunch or just want to treat yourself, these rolls are sure to impress everyone at the table.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Active dry yeast
• Granulated sugar
• Warm milk
• Unsalted butter
• Eggs
• Ripe bananas
• Cornstarch
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar
• Cream cheese (optional for glaze)
• Salt

Directions

1. Prepare the dough by mixing warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it activate until frothy.
2. Add melted butter, eggs, and flour gradually. Knead until smooth and elastic.
3. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Meanwhile, make the banana cream filling: mash ripe bananas, cook with sugar and cornstarch until thickened. Stir in vanilla and let cool.
5. Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread the banana cream filling evenly over the dough.
6. Roll up tightly, slice into rolls, and arrange in a greased baking dish.
7. Cover and let rise again for about 30 minutes.
8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Drizzle with glaze made from powdered sugar, a bit of milk, and cream cheese if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 sweet rolls. Prep time is approximately 2 hours including rising time, and bake time is about 25-30 minutes.

Variations

• Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch.
• Mix in mini chocolate chips with the banana cream for an indulgent twist.
• Top with a caramel drizzle instead of glaze for extra sweetness.
• Use store-bought crescent dough for a quicker version.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven until heated through. You can also freeze unglazed rolls for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat before adding glaze.

FAQs

How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?

Use bananas that are very ripe with brown spots for the sweetest flavor and smoothest texture.

Can I make these sweet rolls ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.

Can I freeze Banana Cream Sweet Rolls?

Yes, freeze baked rolls (unglazed) in an airtight container. Thaw and reheat before adding glaze.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast; skip the proofing step and add it directly to the flour.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can use flour as a thickener instead of cornstarch; just use twice the amount.

How do I prevent my rolls from getting soggy?

Make sure the banana filling is thickened properly and cooled before spreading it on the dough.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter alternatives. For the glaze, opt for a dairy-free cream cheese or skip it altogether.

Why didn’t my rolls rise properly?

Your yeast may have expired, or the dough may not have been kept warm enough during proofing.

Can I add spices to the filling?

Absolutely! A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg pairs well with the banana cream.

What’s the best way to cut the rolls cleanly?

Use unflavored dental floss or a very sharp knife to slice the rolls evenly without squishing them.

Conclusion

These Banana Cream Sweet Rolls bring a delightful twist to traditional sweet rolls, combining the creamy, nostalgic taste of banana cream with pillowy soft dough. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert. Try them once, and they’ll become a family favorite!

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