If you love banana pudding and cinnamon rolls, these Banana Cream Sweet Rolls are the best of both worlds. Made with a rich yeast dough and filled with smooth vanilla pudding, sweet bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers, they bake up soft and comforting. Finished with a light cream cheese glaze, these rolls are perfect for weekend brunch, holiday mornings, or special occasions like Mother’s Day.
Ingredients
Dough
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Whole milk, warmed | ⅔ cup |
| Granulated sugar | 5 tablespoons, divided |
| Active dry yeast | 2 teaspoons |
| Eggs, room temperature | 2 |
| All-purpose flour | 2¾ cups |
| Kosher salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter, room temperature | ½ cup |
| Unsalted butter, melted | ½ tablespoon |
Filling
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Instant vanilla pudding mix | 1 (3.4 oz) box |
| Milk | 2 cups |
| Light brown sugar | ⅓ cup |
| Bananas, diced | 3 medium |
| Vanilla wafers, crushed | 10 cookies |
Cream Cheese Glaze
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Butter, softened | ¼ cup |
| Cream cheese, softened | 1 ounce |
| Vanilla extract | ½ teaspoon |
| Confectioners’ sugar | ¾ cup |
| Milk | 2–3 tablespoons |
Toppings
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Vanilla wafers, crushed | 5 cookies |
| Banana slices | 1 medium banana |
Banana Cream Sweet Rolls
- Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft banana cream sweet rolls filled with vanilla pudding, bananas, and vanilla wafers, topped with cream cheese glaze.
Ingredients
2/3 cup warm milk
5 tbsp sugar
2 tsp active dry yeast
2 eggs
2 3/4 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter
1 box vanilla pudding mix
2 cups milk
1/3 cup brown sugar
3 bananas
10 vanilla wafers
Cream cheese glaze ingredients
Instructions
1. Prepare yeast dough.
2. Let dough rise.
3. Prepare pudding filling.
4. Fill and roll dough.
5. Bake until golden.
6. Glaze and serve.
Notes
Extra pudding can be saved.
Serve warm for best texture.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Step-by-Step Instructions and Helpful Tips
Step 1
In a bowl, mix warm milk with 1 tablespoon sugar and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let sit for about 5 minutes until foamy, then whisk in the eggs until smooth.
Helpful tip: Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
Step 2
In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine flour, salt, and remaining sugar. Add the milk mixture and mix on low speed, adding butter pieces gradually. Knead until the dough is soft and smooth.
Helpful tip: The dough should be slightly sticky but easy to handle.
Step 3
Place the dough in a buttered bowl, brush the top with melted butter, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour. Roll the dough into a 10×15-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
Helpful tip: A warm, draft-free area helps the dough rise evenly.
Step 4
Prepare the filling by whisking the pudding mix with milk until thick. Spread 1 cup of pudding over the dough, sprinkle with brown sugar, then top with diced bananas and crushed vanilla wafers.
Helpful tip: You’ll have extra pudding to enjoy later.
Step 5
Roll the dough tightly, cut into 12 rolls, and place in a greased baking dish. Let rise again until doubled. Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until lightly golden.
Helpful tip: Let the rolls cool slightly before glazing so it doesn’t melt completely.
Step 6
Mix all glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle over warm rolls. Top with crushed vanilla wafers and fresh banana slices before serving.
Conclusion
These Banana Cream Sweet Rolls are soft, indulgent, and packed with nostalgic banana cream flavor. Whether served for brunch, holidays, or special mornings, they’re guaranteed to impress and disappear fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning.
Do the bananas get mushy?
They soften but keep great flavor and texture.
Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, but it adds a delicious creamy finish.
How should leftovers be stored?
Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.