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Banana Bread Sweet Rolls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 67 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x
  • Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Banana Bread Sweet Rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a flavorful banana-cinnamon mixture. The rolls are topped with a warm cream drizzle and a sweet glaze, making them a perfect comforting breakfast or dessert treat. The combination of ripe bananas in both the dough and filling adds moistness and natural sweetness, while the melting walnuts provide a delightful crunch.


Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 5 cups (625g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 (0.25oz each) packages (14g) or 4 1/2 teaspoons Platinum Yeast
  • 1 tablespoon (9g) kosher salt (see note)
  • 1 cup (240g) whole milk
  • 1/3 cup (76g) unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons (63g) honey
  • 1/2 cup (115g) mashed ripe banana (about 1 medium banana)

Filling

  • 1 cup (230g) mashed ripe banana (about 2 medium bananas)
  • 1/4 cup (55g) firmly packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (16g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons (4g) ground cinnamon

Topping

  • 1/4 cup (60g) warm heavy whipping cream (100°F/38°C to 110°F/43°C)
  • 1/2 cup (60g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) whole milk
  • Chopped walnuts (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together flour, yeast, and salt ensuring they are well combined for proper yeast activation.
  2. Heat wet ingredients: In a small saucepan, heat milk, butter, and honey over medium heat, stirring frequently until the butter melts and mixture reaches 120°F (49°C) to 130°F (54°C). This temperature range activates yeast without killing it.
  3. Combine dough ingredients: Add the warm milk mixture and mashed banana to the flour mixture. Using the paddle attachment, beat at low speed until a shaggy dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are incorporated.
  4. Knead the dough: Switch to the dough hook and beat at medium-low speed for 7 to 8 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic, stopping occasionally to scrape the bowl and hook for even kneading.
  5. First rise: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface, shape into a round, then lightly spray a large bowl with cooking spray. Place dough in bowl, turning to coat the top with oil, cover, and let rise in a warm, draft-free place (75°F/24°C) until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
  6. Prepare baking dish: Lightly spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with baking spray with flour to prevent sticking.
  7. Make the filling: In a small bowl, whisk together mashed banana, light brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined.
  8. Shape and fill rolls: Punch down the dough and roll out on a lightly floured surface into a 19×13-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly on the dough with an offset spatula, leaving a ½-inch border on short sides and the long side closest to you.
  9. Form the log: Starting at the long side without border, tightly roll the dough into a log. Trim ½ inch off each end of the log with a sharp serrated knife or dental floss for clean edges.
  10. Cut rolls: Cut the log into 12 slices about 1½ inches thick. Arrange slices cut side up in the prepared baking pan. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place (75°F/24°C) until puffed, approximately 20 minutes.
  11. Preheat oven: Set the oven to 350°F (180°C) to prepare for baking.
  12. Add warm cream topping: Pour the 1/4 cup warm heavy whipping cream evenly over the tops of the rolls to keep them moist and add richness while baking.
  13. Bake rolls: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the centers are set and edges become golden brown.
  14. Cool slightly: Remove from oven and cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes to set.
  15. Make glaze and garnish: Whisk together confectioners’ sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls and optionally garnish with chopped walnuts before serving.

Notes

  • Salt weight and volume vary by brand. Diamond Crystal kosher salt was used (1 tablespoon = 9 grams). If using a different brand or type of salt, follow the weight measurement for accuracy. Check your brand’s website for equivalent volume conversions if you don’t have a kitchen scale.
  • Use ripe bananas for best flavor and natural sweetness in both the dough and filling.
  • Ensure the milk mixture for dough is warm but not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute the milk, butter, and cream with plant-based alternatives of equal measure.
  • Using dental floss to cut the dough log helps achieve clean slices without squashing the rolls.