Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Oh, sweet friends, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of homemade treats wafting through the kitchen, is there? And today, we’re diving into a creation that truly captures the essence of comforting indulgence: Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. Imagine the soft, pillowy dough, swirled with a warm, spiced banana filling, all crowned with a luscious cream cheese frosting. It’s a delightful twist on two beloved classics that come together in a truly magical way, creating a treat that’s both familiar and wonderfully new.

I remember countless afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen, the air thick with the scent of rising dough and simmering fruit. It was there, amidst flour-dusted counters and whispered baking secrets, that my love for these sweet moments began. Experimenting with flavors, like adding ripe bananas to a classic roll, always brought a chuckle and a knowing smile from her, encouraging me to play with tradition.

This recipe for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls is perfect for those cozy weekend mornings or when you want to surprise loved ones with something truly special. It’s wonderfully approachable, promising a rewarding baking experience for all skill levels, and absolutely perfect for creating cherished memories around the breakfast table. My top tip? Don’t rush the rising—patience is key to that perfect fluffy texture!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting these delightful rolls brings together pantry staples with a touch of magic! We’re leaning on ripe bananas for their natural sweetness and moisture, paired with the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, while active dry yeast does the heavy lifting for that incredible rise. A touch of cream cheese and butter create the ultimate frosting that brings the entire Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls experience together. You’ll find the complete list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Making these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls is a joyful journey, much like a stroll down memory lane. We’ll start by preparing a tender, enriched dough, then roll it out to spread a sweet, spiced banana filling. After shaping, a crucial second rise builds that characteristic fluffy texture before they bake to golden perfection, ready for a generous slather of homemade cream cheese frosting.

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Indulge in the comforting flavors of classic banana bread infused into fluffy, tender cinnamon rolls, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. A perfect breakfast or dessert treat for any occasion!

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Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs 25 minutes mins

Servings: 12 rolls

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Dough

• 1/2 cup milk warm (105-115°F)
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly
• 1 large egg room temperature
• 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (about 1-2 medium bananas)
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting, divided

For the Filling

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg optional

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 oz cream cheese softened
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1-2 tbsp milk or cream as needed

Equipment

• Stand Mixer (with dough hook)
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Small Mixing Bowl
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling Pin
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Sharp Knife or Unflavored Dental Floss

Method

 

Prepare the Dough

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of the granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates the yeast is active.
2. Add the remaining granulated sugar, melted butter, egg, mashed banana, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix with the paddle attachment until well combined.
3. Gradually add 3 1/2 cups of the flour, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until a shaggy dough forms. Switch to the dough hook attachment.
4. Knead the dough on medium-low speed for 8-10 minutes, adding the remaining 1/2 cup of flour as needed, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. It should be slightly sticky but not tacky.
5. Lightly grease a large clean bowl. Transfer the dough to the bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Assemble the Rolls

1. While the dough is rising, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
3. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches.
4. For the filling, brush the melted butter evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border on one long edge. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
5. Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam closed to seal.
6. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices (about 1.5 inches thick). Place the sliced rolls cut-side down into the prepared baking dish.

Second Rise and Bake

1. Cover the baking dish loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy and almost doubled in size.
2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 15 minutes of the second rise.
3. Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. If they start browning too quickly, you can loosely tent them with foil.

Prepare the Frosting and Serve

1. While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of milk or cream, beating until smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add another tablespoon of milk/cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
3. Remove the baked cinnamon rolls from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes. Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon filling. If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can knead the dough by hand for about 12-15 minutes. Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

Pro Tips for Making This Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Achieving that bakery-quality warmth and tenderness with your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls at home is absolutely within reach! Here are a few pointers I’ve gathered over the years to help you create truly unforgettable rolls.

• Perfectly Ripe Bananas: For the best flavor and moisture in your filling, use very ripe bananas – the ones with plenty of brown spots on their skins. They’re sweeter and much easier to mash, imparting that unmistakable banana bread essence into every swirl of these delightful banana cinnamon rolls.
• Don’t Over-Flour: When kneading, resist the urge to add too much extra flour. A slightly sticky dough is often a sign of a tender finished product. Too much flour can lead to dry, dense Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls, and we want them soft and irresistible!
• My Secret Trick: I always let my dough rise in a slightly warmed, turned-off oven with a pan of hot water on the bottom rack. The gentle humidity and consistent warmth create the perfect environment for a quick and effective rise, ensuring your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are wonderfully airy.
• Room Temperature Ingredients for Frosting: For the silkiest, lump-free cream cheese frosting, make sure your cream cheese and unsalted butter are at proper room temperature. This allows them to cream together beautifully, giving you that smooth, spreadable consistency that perfectly complements the warm Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls.

Fun Variations for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Baking is all about creativity and making recipes your own, isn’t it? These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are already a delightful twist, but here are some fun ways to sprinkle a little extra magic into them!

Nutty Swirl

My friend Sarah always asks for a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts in her banana bread, so why not add them to these rolls? Finely chop about a half cup of your favorite nuts and sprinkle them over the banana-cinnamon filling before rolling up the dough. It adds a lovely crunch and a rich, toasted flavor that complements the sweet banana notes perfectly.

Chocolate Chip Delight

Who can resist the classic combination of banana and chocolate? For a little extra indulgence, fold a quarter to a half cup of mini chocolate chips into your banana filling before spreading it on the dough. As the Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls bake, the chocolate will melt into gooey pockets of deliciousness.

Zesty Citrus Glaze

While the cream cheese frosting is divine, sometimes a lighter touch is lovely. Instead of the full cream cheese frosting, whisk together powdered sugar with a tablespoon or two of fresh orange or lemon juice until you reach a pourable glaze. It adds a bright, tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the banana cinnamon rolls.

What to Serve With Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

These delightful Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are truly a stand-alone star, but a few thoughtful pairings can elevate your breakfast or dessert experience into something truly memorable.

For me, there’s nothing quite like a piping hot cup of coffee to cut through the sweetness and round out the flavors of a warm Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. My mom always insisted on a strong brew, and I’ve carried on that tradition. If coffee isn’t your preference, a soothing cup of black tea or even a glass of cold milk makes a wonderful accompaniment. For a lighter touch, a side of fresh berries, like blueberries or sliced strawberries, adds a beautiful burst of freshness and a vibrant color contrast. Sometimes, for a quick serving idea, a simple dusting of powdered sugar right before serving is all you need to make these banana bread rolls shine.

How to Store Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

To keep your precious Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls tasting as fresh and delicious as the day they were baked, proper storage is key!

Keeping Them Fresh

Once cooled, I always recommend storing your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If they’re frosted, the refrigerator is definitely your best bet to keep that cream cheese frosting in tip-top shape. A personal tip: I sometimes place a slice of bread in the container with unfrosted rolls; it helps keep them wonderfully moist!

Freezer Friendly Tips

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls freeze beautifully, either baked or unbaked! For baked rolls, wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1-2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature and warm gently in the microwave or oven. For unfrosted rolls, a quick zap in the microwave brings them back to life.

Nutritional Benefits

While Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are certainly a treat, they offer a little more than just pure indulgence! The ripe bananas contribute beneficial potassium and dietary fiber, making this dessert a satisfying and comforting option. It’s all about finding that delightful balance between a special indulgence and using simple, wholesome ingredients from the heart of your kitchen, just as I believe baking should be.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I make the dough for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, complete the first rise, and then punch it down and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before rolling, filling, and baking your delicious Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls.

Faq 2

My dough isn’t rising; what could be wrong?
A common culprit is inactive yeast or an improperly activated yeast. Ensure your milk is warm (105-115°F/40-46°C) but not too hot, and that your yeast is fresh. This warmth is crucial for the yeast to work its magic in your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls.

Faq 3

Can I use frozen mashed bananas for the filling?
Yes, you can! Thaw the frozen mashed bananas completely and drain any excess liquid before incorporating them into the filling. This ensures your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls filling isn’t too watery, maintaining that perfect texture and flavor.

Faq 4

How do I prevent my cinnamon rolls from drying out?
Overbaking is a common cause of dry rolls. Bake until they are golden brown, but still feel tender when lightly pressed. Covering the Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls loosely with foil towards the end of baking can also prevent the tops from getting too dark before they’re fully cooked through.

Conclusion

Baking these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls is more than just following a recipe; it’s an act of love, a delicious journey that fills your home with warmth and your heart with joy. The incredible aroma, the tender texture, and that sweet, spiced banana swirl all topped with creamy frosting make for an unforgettable treat. I truly hope you’ll gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and let the magic of homemade Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls fill your kitchen with memories. Happy baking, sweet friends!