Name: Banana Cream Sweet Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ⅔ cup (184g) whole milk, warmed; 5 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided; 2 teaspoons active dry yeast; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2¾ cups (344g) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ cup (1 stick, 113g) unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch pieces, room temperature; ½ tablespoon unsalted butter, melted; 1 box (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix; 2 cups (490g) milk; ⅓ cup (67g) light brown sugar; 3 medium bananas, diced (approximately 1½ cups); 10 vanilla wafers, crushed (approximately ⅓ cup); ¼ cup (½ stick, 57g) butter, softened; 1 ounce cream cheese, softened; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; ¾ cup (94g) confectioners’ sugar; 2-3 tablespoons milk, room temperature (for desired consistency); 5 vanilla wafers, crushed; 1 medium banana, sliced

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 80 reviews

If you adore the warmth of freshly baked sweet rolls combined with the tropical, creamy goodness of bananas, you are going to fall head over heels for this Banana Cream Sweet Rolls Recipe. This dessert is a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls with luscious layers of banana cream pudding, tender banana bits, and crunchy vanilla wafers, all wrapped in a soft, buttery dough and finished with a dreamy cream cheese glaze. Each bite feels like a comforting hug, balanced perfectly between sweet, creamy, and slightly crunchy textures, making it an irresistible treat for breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave something special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a partially rolled dough on a white marbled surface, with two layers visible: the base dough layer is light beige and smooth, covered by a topping layer made of crushed nuts and brown sugar scattered evenly across the dough. Two light-skinned women's hands, one wearing a silver ornate ring, are gently rolling the dough from the right side toward the left, showing the rolled-up dough's smooth, creamy beige outer surface. The scene is bright and clean with a focus on the hands and dough. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients might look simple, but they’re the backbone of this unforgettable Banana Cream Sweet Rolls Recipe. Each element plays a key role, from the softness of the flour and richness of butter to the fresh bananas and instant pudding that bring everything to life.

Whole milk (⅔ cup, warmed): Helps activate the yeast and adds moisture to the dough.
Granulated sugar (5 tablespoons, divided): Sweetens the dough and aids fermentation for perfect rise.
Active dry yeast (2 teaspoons): The magic ingredient for fluffy, airy rolls.
Large eggs (2, room temperature): Adds richness and structure to the dough.
All-purpose flour (2¾ cups): The foundation of the dough, providing texture and chewiness.
Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Unsalted butter (½ cup, room temperature, plus ½ tablespoon melted): Adds tenderness, richness, and helps with browning.
Instant vanilla pudding (1 box, 3.4 ounces): Creates the luscious creamy filling that sets this roll apart.
Milk (2 cups): Used to prepare the pudding, adding smoothness and flavor.
Light brown sugar (⅓ cup): Gives a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the filling.
Medium bananas (3, diced for filling + 1 sliced for topping): Provides fresh banana flavor and moisture.
Vanilla wafers (10 crushed for filling + 5 crushed for topping): Adds delightful crunch and subtle vanilla notes.
Butter (¼ cup softened): For the creamy glaze that finishes the rolls with indulgence.
Cream cheese (1 ounce softened): Blends into the glaze for a smooth, tangy contrast.
Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and richness of the glaze.
Confectioners’ sugar (¾ cup): The base of the glaze that sweetens without grit.
Milk (2-3 tablespoons, room temperature): Used to adjust the glaze to the perfect consistency.

How to Make Banana Cream Sweet Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by warming the milk slightly to activate the yeast without killing it. Combine the warmed milk with one tablespoon of sugar and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let this sit for about five minutes until it becomes foamy, signaling the yeast is alive and ready. Next, whisk in the eggs to this mixture for a smooth blend.

In a separate bowl, combine the remaining sugar, flour, and salt. Slowly add the milk-egg-yeast mixture, then incorporate the butter pieces one by one while mixing on low speed. Knead the dough on medium speed for one minute, then increase to medium-high for about five minutes until the dough is soft and elastic—perfect for rising.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Grease a medium bowl with melted butter and place your dough inside, brushing the top with a bit more melted butter to keep it moist. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place until it doubles in size—about one hour. This rise is essential for light, fluffy rolls filled with air pockets that melt in your mouth.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Once your dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release air and turn it onto a floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a 10×15-inch rectangle about a quarter-inch thick. This size will give you those perfectly sized rolls with plenty of room for the luscious filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Banana Cream Filling

In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix with two cups of milk until thickened and creamy. Spread about one cup of this pudding evenly over the rolled-out dough. Then sprinkle the brown sugar over the pudding, followed by the diced bananas and crushed vanilla wafers. This topping adds sweet, fresh, and crunchy layers that will balance the soft dough beautifully.

Step 5: Roll, Cut, and Let Rise

Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Using a very sharp knife, cut the log into twelve equal slices. Place these rolls evenly spaced into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover loosely and let them rise again in a warm place, about an hour, until doubled. This second rise is critical for their fluffy texture and perfect bake.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 25 to 30 minutes until they are golden brown and irresistibly aromatic. Let the rolls cool for five minutes in the pan to settle their shape before adding the glaze.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze and Add Toppings

While the rolls cool, whip up the glaze by combining softened butter, cream cheese, vanilla, confectioners’ sugar, and 2 tablespoons of milk in a bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy, adding more milk as necessary to reach your preferred glaze consistency. Drizzle this over the warm rolls, then top with crushed vanilla wafers and sliced banana for an extra-special finishing touch.

How to Serve Banana Cream Sweet Rolls Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish holds nine golden-brown cinnamon rolls arranged in a 3x3 grid, each roll showing spiral layers of soft dough and cinnamon filling with a slightly crispy outer edge. A pale cream sauce is being poured from a white jug at the top-center, slowly dripping onto the rolls and beginning to cover two rows at the bottom with a smooth, shiny layer of icing. The scene is set on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra crunch with crushed vanilla wafers and a few fresh banana slices on top of the glazed rolls. The wafers add texture while the banana slices keep the fresh fruity vibe shining through. You can also dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for a snowy, bakery-style finish.

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with fresh fruit or a lightly brewed cup of coffee or tea for a complete brunch spread. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream nearby can also turn these sweet rolls into a luxurious dessert experience given their creamy and rich banana cream filling.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd, arrange the rolls on a large decorative platter with extra banana slices and mint leaves around the edges to brighten the presentation. Alternatively, pull-apart servings straight from the pan keep things cozy and inviting, perfect for lazy weekend mornings or holiday brunches where everyone digs in together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Banana Cream Sweet Rolls recipe pieces store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them fresh overnight, cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. This way, even on day two, they remain soft and flavorful.

Freezing

You can freeze the rolls either before baking (after cutting them) or after baking and glazing. Wrap individual rolls or the entire pan securely with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

To revive the warmth and softness, reheat the rolls in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes wrapped loosely in foil. You can also microwave single rolls for 20-30 seconds on a microwave-safe plate for a quick warm treat. Reapply glaze if needed for that extra luscious finish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas in this Banana Cream Sweet Rolls Recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas work well as long as you thaw and drain them properly to avoid excess moisture in the filling, which could make the dough soggy. Fresh bananas, however, give the best fresh taste and texture.

Is the pudding necessary, or can I substitute it?

The instant vanilla pudding is key for achieving that smooth, creamy filling texture. You could try homemade vanilla custard, but the convenience and consistency of instant pudding really help simplify the recipe with fantastic results.

How long can I let the dough rise?

For best results, aim for about one hour or until the dough doubles in size. If you need to delay, you can refrigerate the dough after kneading for up to 12 hours, which will develop more flavor but require longer rising times once out of the fridge.

Can I make smaller or larger rolls?

Absolutely! If you prefer bite-sized rolls, cut smaller pieces for a quicker bake time. For larger rolls, cut fewer slices and bake a bit longer, watching carefully to avoid overbaking.

What if I don’t have vanilla wafers?

You can substitute with crushed graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or even crushed crunchy cereal. These alternatives still add that lovely crunch and subtle sweetness complementing the bananas.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend the Banana Cream Sweet Rolls Recipe enough for anyone looking to treat themselves or impress guests with a dessert that feels homemade, comforting, and just a little bit special. The combination of soft dough, creamy pudding, fresh bananas, and that signature glaze turns every bite into a moment of pure happiness. Give this recipe a try—you’ll quickly find it becoming one of your all-time favorites!