Banana Pecan Sweet Rolls

Discover the ultimate comfort food with these irresistibly delicious and remarkably easy-to-make **Banana Pecan Rolls**. Requiring just a handful of ingredients, this simple recipe transforms ripe bananas into a sweet, sticky, and utterly satisfying treat. Perfect for any occasion – be it a cozy breakfast, a leisurely brunch, a delightful afternoon snack, or even a comforting dessert – these rolls are destined to become a cherished family favorite that you’ll want to bake time and time again.

Delicious Banana Pecan Sticky Rolls ready to be served

When that craving for something warm, sweet, and wonderfully comforting strikes, look no further than this exceptional recipe. These banana rolls, generously studded with crunchy pecans, offer a delightful combination of soft, buttery dough, rich sweetness, and a delightfully sticky glaze. Imagine pulling apart a warm, gooey bun, the aroma of banana and toasted pecans filling your kitchen – it’s an experience that guarantees smiles. These sweet, sticky buns are not just a crowd-pleaser; they’re a guaranteed request at every family gathering, promising a taste of homemade warmth that truly satisfies.

Why These Easy Banana Pecan Rolls Will Become Your New Obsession

What makes these Banana Pecan Rolls truly stand out is their incredible simplicity and speed. This isn’t just another sweet roll recipe; it’s a culinary masterpiece that expertly blends the comforting flavors of classic banana bread with the irresistible gooeyness of a traditional sticky pecan roll. You get the best of both worlds in every bite! One of the most appealing aspects for any home baker is the lack of rise time. Unlike conventional yeast-based sweet rolls that demand patience and multiple proofing stages, these no-rise banana rolls skip the waiting, meaning you can whip up a batch and have them hot from the oven and ready to enjoy in minimal time. This makes them an ideal choice for impromptu breakfasts or when you need a quick, delicious treat without the fuss.

These fluffy, sweet rolls are a versatile delight. For a truly indulgent breakfast, serve them alongside fresh, vibrant fruit and perfectly crispy bacon. Or, elevate your brunch experience by pairing them with a chilled, refreshing mimosa – a combination that truly defines a perfect morning. Their golden-brown crust and moist interior, bathed in a sweet pecan glaze, make them an unforgettable addition to any breakfast or brunch spread.

If you’re a fan of sweet rolls, you’re in for a treat! Explore more luscious recipes like Ice Cream Sticky Rolls, Blueberry Sweet Rolls, and Lemon Sweet Rolls to satisfy all your sweet cravings.

Close up of a single Banana Pecan Sticky Roll with a gooey topping

The Story Behind These Delightful Banana Pecan Sticky Rolls

The discovery of this recipe was a true joy, a culinary treasure hidden away for years. I recently unearthed the tattered, well-loved piece of paper on which this recipe was scribbled, tucked within a pile of promising recipes I had always intended to try. This gem originally came from my dear friend Candi. I vividly recall my first encounter with these incredible banana rolls during a visit to her home in Oklahoma many years ago. She prepared them for breakfast, and their taste left an indelible impression. For over a decade, I yearned to share them with everyone, but the recipe had mysteriously vanished. Today, the long wait is over. This recipe isn’t just a discovery; it’s a revelation that might just transform your approach to making sticky rolls forever.

Do you find yourself with a surplus of ripe bananas on your kitchen counter, wondering how to use them before they go to waste? This recipe is the perfect solution! It’s designed to make the most of those perfectly spotty, sweet bananas. Plus, it ingeniously uses Bisquick Baking Mix, simplifying the process immensely. There’s no need for instant yeast, and mercifully, no waiting for a first or second dough rise. The entire process is streamlined: you simply mix the dough, roll it out, slice it into individual rolls, and bake them to golden perfection in a muffin tin. It genuinely doesn’t get much easier – or more delicious – than this!

Freshly baked Banana Pecan Sticky Rolls cooling on a wire rack

Essential Ingredients for Your Banana Pecan Rolls

Crafting these irresistible Banana Pecan Rolls requires a short and sweet list of readily available ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. For precise measurements and detailed instructions, remember to consult the comprehensive recipe card conveniently located at the conclusion of this post.

  • Melted Butter: This forms the rich, flavorful base of our sticky topping, ensuring a golden, caramelized finish for each roll. You’ll need it both for the topping and potentially for greasing your baking dish.
  • Brown Sugar: The star of the sticky topping, brown sugar provides a deep, molasses-rich sweetness and contributes to the signature gooey texture. Whether you opt for light or dark brown sugar, both will yield fantastic results. Dark brown sugar will lend a slightly richer, more intense caramel note.
  • Pecans: These provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that perfectly complements the sweet banana. Look for pre-chopped pecans to save time, or easily chop whole pecans yourself using a knife or food processor. For best flavor, lightly toast them before adding, though it’s optional.
  • Bisquick Baking Mix: The secret to these incredibly easy, no-rise rolls! Bisquick contains flour, leavening agents, and shortening, eliminating the need for separate ingredients like yeast, baking powder, or fat. While Bisquick is my preferred brand for its consistent results, other baking mixes like Jiffy or Krusteaz will work as excellent alternatives.
  • Ripe Bananas: This recipe truly shines when you use very ripe bananas. Mashed, they provide natural sweetness, moisture, and that unmistakable banana flavor. The riper the banana (think brown spots or even mostly brown skin), the sweeter and more fragrant your rolls will be.

Step-by-step image of brown sugar and pecans being mixed in a bowl for the Banana Pecan Rolls

Crafting Your Delectable Banana Sticky Rolls with Pecans

Follow these straightforward steps to create a batch of warm, gooey Banana Pecan Rolls that will impress everyone.

Before you begin, preheat your oven to a robust 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). This high heat helps the rolls bake quickly and develop a lovely golden crust. Prepare your muffin tin by placing a generous amount of melted butter, a measure of brown sugar, and a sprinkle of chopped pecans into the bottom of each individual muffin cup. Stir these three ingredients together briefly in each cup to create a delicious, sticky caramel base. Set the prepared muffin tin aside.

Melted butter, brown sugar, and chopped pecans at the bottom of muffin tin cups

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the mashed ripe bananas with the Bisquick baking mix. Stir these two ingredients thoroughly until a soft, cohesive dough begins to form. You might need to use your hands to bring the mixture together completely. Avoid overmixing; just combine until no dry streaks of Bisquick remain.

Mashed bananas and Bisquick being mixed together in a large bowl

Lightly flour a clean work surface. Turn the banana dough out onto the floured surface and gently knead it a few times, just enough to make it smooth and workable. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out into a rectangular shape, aiming for a thickness of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. The exact dimensions aren’t critical, but a roughly 12×8 inch rectangle works well.

Evenly sprinkle the remaining brown sugar and chopped pecans over the entire surface of the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border on one of the long edges.

Dough sprinkled with brown sugar and pecans on a lightly floured surface

Carefully roll up the dough from one of the long ends, “jelly roll style,” forming a tight cylinder. Once rolled, use a sharp, serrated knife to cut the long roll into 12 equally sized slices, approximately 1 inch thick. A serrated knife helps prevent the dough from squishing as you cut.

Rolled dough being sliced into 12 even pieces

Gently place one sliced roll into each of the prepared muffin cups, topping side up. The rolls will be slightly snug, which is perfect for baking.

Sliced banana pecan rolls placed in muffin tin cups

Bake the rolls in your preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown on top and cooked through. Keep a close eye on them as ovens can vary.

Baked banana pecan rolls in a muffin tin, golden brown

Immediately upon removing them from the oven, turn the rolls upside down onto a clean cutting board or serving platter. Allow them to rest for a couple of minutes. This crucial step allows the melted, sticky brown sugar and pecan mixture to drip down and thoroughly coat the warm rolls, creating that signature gooey, caramelized topping. Serve them warm and savor every delightful bite!

A warm Banana Pecan Sticky Roll on a plate with fresh bananas in the background

Loved This Recipe? Pin It for Later!

If you’ve fallen in love with this incredible recipe for BANANA PECAN ROLLS, make sure to save it! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board so you can easily find it whenever the craving for these amazing sticky buns strikes again. Don’t let this delicious recipe get lost!

A plate of freshly baked Banana Pecan Sticky Rolls, garnished with a few whole pecans

Frequently Asked Questions About Baking Banana Pecan Rolls

Here are answers to some common questions you might have when preparing these delightful Banana Pecan Rolls:

  • How ripe should my bananas be for baking? The secret to truly flavorful banana bread, muffins, or these rolls lies in using overripe bananas. If a banana is too soft and spotty for you to eat by itself or with your cereal, it’s likely perfect for baking. The ideal bananas for baking will often be brown or even black, not yellow. As bananas ripen, their starch converts into sugar, resulting in a naturally sweeter fruit and a more intense, concentrated banana flavor in your baked goods.
  • How can I ripen bananas quickly? Bananas will naturally ripen at room temperature, which can take anywhere from a few days to a week, depending on your climate. If you’re short on time and need to accelerate the ripening process, here’s a quick trick: Carefully poke a few holes into the unpeeled bananas using a fork or a small knife. Place the bananas on a microwave-safe plate and microwave them for 30-second intervals until they become visibly mushy and soft. This method helps break down their cell walls, speeding up the ripening.
  • Can I store bananas in the freezer for later baking? Absolutely! Freezing ripe bananas is a fantastic way to ensure you always have them on hand for baking. When you notice your bananas approaching peak ripeness (or even slightly past it), simply place them, peel and all, into a freezer-safe zipper bag. Store them in the freezer until needed. They will turn black in the freezer, which is completely normal and indicates their readiness for baking. To use, simply remove the desired number of bananas from the freezer and let them thaw to room temperature. Once thawed, the peel will be very soft and easy to remove, and the banana inside will be perfectly mushy and ready for mashing.
  • What’s the best way to store leftover Banana Pecan Rolls? To maintain their freshness, any leftover rolls should be covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or placed in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for 1-2 days. For longer storage, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5-7 days.
  • How do I reheat these rolls? To enjoy your leftover rolls as if they were freshly baked, gently reheat them. For individual rolls, a quick 10-20 seconds in the microwave usually suffices. If reheating multiple rolls, place them in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and gooey again.

Creative Substitutions for Your Banana Pecan Rolls

While this recipe is perfect as is, it’s also wonderfully adaptable! Don’t hesitate to experiment with these substitutions to tailor the rolls to your preferences or dietary needs.

  • For Banana Cinnamon Rolls: If you crave an extra layer of warm spice, a teaspoon of ground cinnamon can be added directly to your banana-Bisquick dough. This introduces a classic cinnamon roll flavor profile. If nuts aren’t your preference or you need a nut-free option, simply omit the pecans entirely. The rolls will still be wonderfully sweet and fragrant with banana and cinnamon.
  • Nut Alternatives: While pecans offer a distinct flavor and crunch, feel free to substitute them with other chopped nuts. Walnuts are an excellent choice, providing a slightly more robust, earthy flavor. You could also experiment with chopped almonds or even a mixed nut blend for a unique twist.
  • Dairy-Free Version: For those avoiding dairy, this recipe can easily be made dairy-free. Substitute the melted butter with an equal amount of vegan butter, coconut oil, or margarine. Ensure your baking mix is also dairy-free if that’s a strict requirement.
  • Add a Frosting: To transform these sticky rolls into an even more decadent treat, whip up a batch of classic cream cheese frosting. A simple frosting made with softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a touch of milk would be a delightful addition, adding a tangy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the sticky pecan bottom.

Fluffy banana bread cinnamon rolls with a gooey topping

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Banana Pecan Rolls

Achieving bakery-quality Banana Pecan Rolls at home is easier than you think with these helpful tips and tricks:

  • Baking Dish Alternative: While muffin tins create perfectly portioned individual rolls, you can also bake these in a 9×9 inch baking dish for a family-style sticky bun experience. If using a baking dish, simply spread the entire quantity of melted butter, brown sugar, and chopped nuts evenly across the bottom of the pan before arranging the sliced rolls on top. Keep in mind that since these are no-rise rolls, they won’t expand to fill the entire pan, but they will bake into a beautiful, cohesive sheet of sticky buns.
  • Effortless Release: Sometimes, the delicious sticky topping can make the rolls a bit stubborn to release from the muffin tins. If you encounter any resistance, gently run a sharp, thin knife around the edges of each roll immediately after turning the tin upside down. This should help loosen them without damaging their shape or the gooey topping.
  • Chopping Pecans: If you’re starting with whole pecans, a quick and easy way to chop them is to place them in a zip-top bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or the flat side of a meat mallet. Alternatively, a food processor can do the job in seconds, just be careful not to over-process them into a powder.
  • Even Filling Distribution: When sprinkling the brown sugar and pecans over the rolled-out dough, try to distribute them as evenly as possible. This ensures that every bite of your roll has a balanced amount of sweetness and crunch.
  • Don’t Overmix the Dough: Because we’re using Bisquick, which already contains leavening, overmixing the dough can lead to tougher rolls. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and a dough forms. A few seconds of gentle kneading is usually all that’s needed to make it smooth.
  • Serving Suggestion: These rolls are best served warm, allowing the sticky glaze to remain soft and gooey. Consider a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving for an extra touch of elegance.

Frozen Ripe Bananas with text "how to: freeze & use ripe bananas"

Unlock More Delicious Banana Recipes

Don’t let those rapidly ripening bananas on your counter go to waste! If you don’t have immediate plans to use them, remember you can always freeze them for future baking endeavors. Frozen ripe bananas are incredibly versatile and can be used in a myriad of banana-infused recipes later on, ensuring no fruit goes uneaten.

Some of my all-time favorite banana-centric recipes include the highly acclaimed The Last Banana Bread Recipe You Will Ever Need, which lives up to its name with its moist, flavorful perfection. Also, be sure to try the delightful Baked Banana Fritters, the rich and decadent Chocolate Banana Bars, or kickstart your day with a stack of fluffy Banana Bread Pancakes!

And the banana delights don’t stop there! Don’t miss out on creating a show-stopping Banana Bread Coffee Cake, perfect for gatherings, or baking a batch of irresistible Double Chocolate Banana Muffins for a quick and satisfying treat.

overhead of Ice Cream Sticky Rolls
Another must-try: Ice Cream Sticky Rolls

More Recipes for Sweet and Sticky Rolls to Savor

Who says cinnamon rolls have to be difficult, or even contain cinnamon? The world of sweet rolls is vast and exciting, offering a diverse array of flavors and textures to explore. If you’ve enjoyed these Banana Pecan Rolls, you’ll love venturing into these other unique and equally delicious sticky roll recipes:

  • Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls: A bright and zesty twist, perfect for spring and summer.
  • Cherry Limeade Sweet Rolls: A vibrant, tangy, and sweet combination that’s incredibly refreshing.
  • Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls: All the cozy flavors of apple pie baked into a delightful roll.
  • Giant Cinnamon Twist Roll: A visually impressive and deliciously shareable treat.
  • Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls: A festive and colorful option that’s sure to bring a smile.
  • Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls: A rich, indulgent treat for chocolate lovers.

A beautifully arranged plate of Banana Pecan Sticky Rolls, glistening with their sweet, sticky glaze

Don’t wait any longer – whip up a batch of these wonderful Banana Pecan Rolls today! Their comforting flavor and easy preparation make them a perfect choice for any time of day. While they shine at breakfast or brunch, consider serving them as a truly indulgent dessert, perhaps with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. The possibilities are endless, and the satisfaction is guaranteed!

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Banana Pecan Roll recipe - on white plate with bananas alongside

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Print Recipe

Banana Pecan Sticky Rolls

This simple recipe has only 5 ingredients and yields delicious and comforting banana nut rolls. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, a scrumptious snack, or even dessert! You will want to make these Banana Pecan Rolls again and again.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Total Time20 mins
Course: Rolls-Biscuits-Muffins
Cuisine: American
Keyword: banana cinnamon rolls, banana nut rolls, banana pecan rolls, banana rolls, banana sticky rolls, easy, no rise, quick
Servings: 12 rolls
Calories: 158kcal
Author: Michaela Kenkel

Equipment

  • KitchenAid Gourmet Stainless Steel Wire Masher
  • Whisks for Cooking, 3 Pack Stainless Steel Whisk
  • Humbee Chef Serrated Bread Knife For Home Kitchens Bread Knife 10 Inch Black
  • Wilton Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick Bakeware Muffin Pan & Cupcake Pan, 12-Cup, Steel

Ingredients

  • 6 Tablespoons butter melted
  • 1 cup brown sugar divided
  • ½ cup chopped pecans divided
  • 2 cups Bisquick
  • 2 ripe bananas mashed

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
  2. Place 1 ½ teaspoons melted butter in the bottom of each muffin tin section.
  3. Add 2 teaspoons of brown sugar.
  4. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of chopped pecans over the sugar. Stir to mix the butter, sugar, and pecans together. Set aside.
  5. In a bowl, mix the mashed bananas and the Bisquick together.
  6. Knead the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle.
  7. Sprinkle it with the remaining brown sugar and pecans.
  8. Roll dough up “jelly roll style” starting at the long end. You will have a long roll.
  9. Cut into 12 even slices using a serrated knife.
  10. Place into muffin tins.
  11. Bake for 10 minutes.
  12. Turn them upside down onto a cutting board and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This will let the sticky sugar run down the rolls.
  13. Serve warm.

Notes

  • If you have any leftover rolls, you can cover them tightly with plastic wrap, or foil or place them in an airtight container for 1-2 days at room temperature. After a couple of days, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 5 to 7 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 |
Calories: 158kcal |
Carbohydrates: 20g |
Protein: 1g |
Fat: 9g |
Saturated Fat: 4g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g |
Cholesterol: 15mg |
Sodium: 50mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 17g