If you’re craving a cozy, sweet treat that combines the best of banana bread and cinnamon rolls, you’ve just hit the jackpot with this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These rolls are fluffy, flavorful, and generously swirled with cinnamon sugar and banana slices before being topped with the creamiest frosting. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll be your new favorite weekend indulgence!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly Moist: The mashed bananas in the dough bring moisture and rich flavor that beats ordinary cinnamon rolls every time.
- Cream Cheese Dream: That luscious cream cheese frosting melts slightly over warm rolls, delivering creamy sweetness with every bite.
- Layered with Fresh Bananas: Thin banana slices tucked inside add sweet bursts of tropical taste that perfectly complement the cinnamon sugar.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a lazy weekend breakfast or a special brunch gathering, these rolls impress every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple pantry staples combined with ripe bananas to create a flawless dough and filling mix. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting the iconic soft texture, sweet cinnamon flavor, and that delightful golden-brown finish.
- Milk: Lukewarm milk activates the yeast and tenderizes the dough for soft rolls.
- Unsalted Butter: Used in both dough and filling for rich flavor and moist crumb.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough lightly and aids browning.
- All-purpose Flour: Forms the structure; use the spoon and level method for accuracy.
- Instant Yeast: Helps the dough rise quickly and evenly.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- Mashed Banana: Infuses the dough with natural sweetness and moisture.
- Brown Sugar + Cinnamon: Classic filling combo that brings warmth and depth.
- Sliced Bananas: Fresh slices layered inside add extra banana goodness.
- Heavy Cream: Poured on before baking for a tender, rich finish.
- Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar, and Vanilla: Essential for creating the luscious frosting that tops these rolls perfectly.
Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations
The beauty of this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is how easy it is to tweak and make uniquely yours! Whether you want to spice things up or accommodate dietary needs, these ideas will inspire tasty twists.
- Nutty Addition: Toss chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for delightful crunch.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend — just keep an eye on hydration and rising times.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and substitute cream cheese frosting with a coconut cream icing.
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Sprinkle chocolate chips between the banana slices before rolling for melty chocolate pockets.
How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Warm the Milk and Melt Butter
Gently heat the milk with butter and sugar until the butter melts and the mixture reaches 120-130°F. This ensures the yeast wakes up perfectly without getting too hot and killing it. It’s a warm hug for your dough’s rising power!
Step 2: Mix the Dough Ingredients
Combine flour, yeast, and salt in your mixer bowl, then pour in the warm milk mixture along with the mashed banana. Stir until the mixture forms a shaggy dough — you’ll already begin to sense the amazing banana aroma coming together here.
Step 3: Knead Until Smooth and Elastic
Switch to the dough hook and knead for about 6-8 minutes, adding a little flour if sticky but keeping the dough slightly tacky. This helps build gluten that creates that soft, pillowy texture you want from perfect cinnamon rolls.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover it and let rise until doubled in size—about 1 to 1½ hours. This slow puff-up builds flavor and lightness that makes these rolls irresistible.
Step 5: Roll Out and Add Filling
On a floured surface, roll your dough into a 18×12 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly, then sprinkle cinnamon and brown sugar mixture over that, pressing lightly for it to stick. Finally, layer the thin banana slices—this is where magic meets decadence.
Step 6: Roll Up and Slice the Dough
Tightly roll your dough starting from the long edge with the filling. Seal the edge and cut into 12 equal rolls. For neat, perfect cuts, use unflavored dental floss—just slide it under and pull through to keep your spirals intact.
Step 7: Second Rise and Bake
Place rolls in a buttered 9×13 pan and cover. Let them rise again for 45 minutes until puffy and almost doubled. Just before baking, pour warmed heavy cream over the rolls, then bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until golden. The cream adds a slight richness and tender crust.
Step 8: Make and Spread the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla, and whip until fluffy and light. Spread this luscious frosting over the warm rolls so it melts down into every swirl, completing your dream treat.
Pro Tips for Making Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better — they add natural sweetness and moisture to the dough that makes a real difference.
- Watch the Flour: Add flour sparingly during kneading to keep rolls soft, not dense. Dough should feel slightly sticky but manageable.
- Thread for Cutting: Using dental floss gives you clean slices without squishing the rolls — a neat kitchen hack!
- Frost While Warm: Spread the cream cheese frosting right after baking for that melty, ooey-gooey effect everyone loves.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple by sprinkling a bit of finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and nuttiness. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey can bring an extra touch of warmth and sweetness too.
Side Dishes
Pair these cinnamon rolls with a creamy cup of coffee or chai tea for the ultimate cozy breakfast. Fresh fruit salad or yogurt with honey on the side adds freshness that beautifully balances the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these rolls stacked on a pedestal cake stand for an eye-catching brunch centerpiece. You can also place them in individual mini cast iron skillets for rustic charm or wrap them in parchment paper for simple grab-and-go treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover rolls stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll stay soft and delicious, perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze both unbaked and baked cinnamon rolls individually or in the pan. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn, then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers wrapped in foil at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to regain that fresh-baked warmth. A few seconds in the microwave with a damp paper towel also works wonders if you’re in a rush.
FAQs
-
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Absolutely! Just heat your milk to a slightly lower temperature (around 105-110°F) to avoid killing the yeast, and allow longer rising times—typically about 1.5 to 2 hours for the first rise and around 75 minutes for the second.
-
My dough feels too sticky. What should I do?
A slightly sticky dough is expected, but if it’s excessively sticky and unmanageable, sprinkle in flour one tablespoon at a time while kneading. Avoid adding too much flour to keep the rolls tender.
-
Can I make these rolls without fresh banana slices inside?
Yes, you can omit the sliced bananas and still have delicious rolls thanks to the mashed banana in the dough. However, the slices add a wonderful fresh flavor and texture that many love.
-
How do I know when the cinnamon rolls are fully baked?
The rolls should be golden brown on top and cooked through, about 30-35 minutes at 350°F. You can also check by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about homemade cinnamon rolls, and this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe takes that cozy classic to a whole new level. Chunky bananas, warm cinnamon, and a dreamy cream cheese swirl come together to create a treat that’s as comforting as a warm hug. Give it a try and fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas that will have everyone asking for seconds!
PrintBanana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Deliciously soft and fragrant Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the classic cinnamon roll with moist banana bread flavors. This recipe features a buttery, yeasted dough enriched with mashed bananas, layered with a cinnamon-sugar filling and thin banana slices, baked to golden perfection and topped with a creamy vanilla-flavored cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these warm rolls offer a delightful twist on a classic treat.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk, lukewarm (about 120-130°F)
- 6 Tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 4 1/2–5 cups (540 – 600 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 cup mashed banana (about 1 large banana)
Filling and Assembly:
- 4 Tablespoons (1/2 stick, 57 g) unsalted butter, very soft
- 1/2 cup (107 g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 2 large bananas, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream, slightly warmed (for pouring on rolls before baking)
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 4 tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (170 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Warm milk and melt butter: In a medium saucepan, heat milk, butter, and sugar until the butter melts and the mixture reaches 120°F-130°F, ideal for instant yeast activation. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make dough: In the mixer bowl with paddle attachment, combine flour, instant yeast, and salt. Add the warm butter mixture and mashed bananas, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Switch to the dough hook and knead at medium speed for 6-8 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky. Add flour sparingly if very sticky, but avoid exceeding 5 cups to prevent dense rolls.
- First rise: Lightly grease a large bowl, place the dough inside, turning to coat. Cover and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1½ hours.
- Roll out dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into an 18×12 inch rectangle.
- Prepare filling and spread: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border at the top edge. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, sprinkle over butter, pressing lightly. Arrange thin banana slices on top.
- Cut rolls: Starting from the filled long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Seal the edge, then cut into 12 equal rolls using a serrated knife or dental floss for clean cuts.
- Second rise: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place rolls spiral-side up, cover, and let rise in a warm, draft-free area until puffy and nearly doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
- Preheat oven and prepare for baking: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Just before baking, pour the warmed heavy cream evenly over the rolls.
- Bake rolls: Bake rolls for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool in pan for about 20 minutes.
- Make cream cheese frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter with a mixer until smooth (about 2 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Beat in vanilla extract, then increase speed to medium-high and whip for 1-2 minutes until fluffy.
- Ice rolls: Spread cream cheese frosting over warm rolls so the icing slightly melts and soaks into the rolls. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For active dry yeast, warm milk to 105-110°F and allow longer rise times for both the dough and rolls.
- Do not overknead the dough to keep rolls soft and fluffy.
- The dough will be slightly sticky; avoid adding too much extra flour to prevent dense texture.
- Cut rolls carefully using floss or a serrated knife for clean, intact spirals.
- Lightly warming the heavy cream before pouring helps keep rolls moist during baking.
- Apply frosting while rolls are warm to allow slight melting and enhanced flavor absorption.
