Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe with you because it’s like having the best of two worlds in one delicious bite. Imagine that tender, banana-scented dough rolled up with warm cinnamon sugar and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting—morning can’t get any better! Whether you’re looking to impress guests at brunch or just treat yourself on a lazy weekend, these rolls have you covered.

What makes this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe truly special is the subtle banana flavor woven right into the dough, which adds moisture and depth that regular cinnamon rolls just don’t have. Plus, the cream cheese frosting melts beautifully into the warm swirls, creating a gooey, irresistible finish you’ll be dreaming about. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for plain cinnamon rolls.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe work together to create a deeply comforting treat with a balance of sweet, soft, and rich textures. From the bananas to the yeast, each plays a key role in flavor and structure, so picking quality components really pays off.

• Milk: Lukewarm milk activates the yeast without killing it, crucial for that perfect rise.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness without overpowering the banana and cinnamon flavors.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just right for a balanced taste.
• All-purpose flour: Spoon and level for accurate measurement to get the dough texture spot-on.
• Instant yeast: Helps the dough rise consistently and reliably.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors without being noticeable.
• Mashed banana: The star ingredient that gives this recipe its unique banana bread twist.
• Light brown sugar: Packed with molasses, it deepens the aroma and sweetness of the filling.
• Cinnamon: A warm, spicy note that’s classic in any cinnamon roll.
• Heavy cream: Slightly warmed, it keeps rolls moist during baking.
• Cream cheese: Softened to room temp for a smooth, luscious frosting.
• Powdered sugar: For that silky smooth frosting texture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a hint of extra warmth and complexity to the frosting.

Make It Your Way

I love playing around with this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe to suit whatever mood I’m in or what ingredients I have on hand. You absolutely can customize it while still getting those classic cozy vibes.

• Variation: I sometimes swap the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice in fall—it’s amazing how that little switch gives an autumn twist.
• Dairy-free option: Use coconut oil instead of butter and a dairy-free cream cheese for a tasty vegan-friendly version.
• Extra gooey filling: Stir in a bit of maple syrup or honey with your brown sugar for a stickier, richer swirl.
• Banana overload: Add finely chopped nuts or chocolate chips inside the filling for added texture and fun surprises.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Warm and Combine the Wet Ingredients

First off, gently warm your milk along with the butter and sugar until the butter melts — around 120-130°F is perfect for instant yeast. I always use an instant-read thermometer here, especially since yeast is finicky and you don’t want the liquid too hot or too cold. Remove it from the heat once ready. This warm mixture will create that soft, supple dough we’re aiming for.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Add Bananas

In your mixer bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, and salt. Add the warm milk mixture and your mashed banana, then stir until you get a shaggy dough. The banana infuses moisture and sweetness right from the start, so don’t skip it. I like to use a stand mixer for this, but a sturdy spoon works too if you don’t have one.

Step 3: Knead the Dough Until Elastic

Switch to the dough hook and knead on medium speed about 6-8 minutes. If your dough feels sticky—don’t panic! Slowly add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it feels smooth and elastic, but don’t go overboard or your rolls might get dense. I’ve learned this the hard way; tender rolls come from just the right amount of kneading and moisture.

Step 4: First Rise and Roll Out

Grease a large bowl lightly, place your dough inside, and cover it up. Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled—usually about 1 to 1.5 hours. When it’s puffed and jiggly, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 18×12 inches. This is the fun part where you get to see all the work coming together.

Step 5: Spread the Filling and Add Banana Slices

Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border at the top. Mix your brown sugar and cinnamon, sprinkle this all over the butter layer, pressing down lightly. Next up, arrange thin banana slices on top so every bite gets that fresh banana touch inside the cinnamon swirl. I always make sure my bananas aren’t overly ripe here to avoid too much mush.

Step 6: Roll and Slice the Dough

Starting at the long edge with filling, roll the dough tightly into a log and pinch to seal. For the cleanest cuts, I love using unflavored dental floss or thread — just slide it under, cross the ends, and pull through gently. Cut into 12 equal rolls and place them spiral-side up in a buttered 9×13 inch pan.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover your baking dish and let the rolls rise for about 45 minutes or until slightly puffy—nearly doubled. If your kitchen is cold, a warm spot or even the top of the oven with just the light on works great. This second rise is key for those fluffy, soft rolls you want.

Step 8: Bake with Heavy Cream and Cool Slightly

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Just before baking, pour the warmed heavy cream over the rolls to keep them moist while they bake. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and inviting. After baking, let them cool in the pan for about 20 minutes—this is when the magic happens, and you want the rolls warm enough for that luscious frosting to melt perfectly.

Step 9: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat softened cream cheese and butter until silky smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar until combined. Finish off with vanilla extract and beat a bit longer for that dreamy fluffy texture. Spread the icing over your slightly warm rolls so it melts into every sweet swirl—oh, it’s absolutely irresistible!

How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep the garnish simple for these rolls because the frosting steals the show, but a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon on top adds a lovely crunch and an extra hint of fall warmth. Sometimes, I even drizzle a little extra melted butter and cinnamon sugar on fresh rolls for a shiny finish.

Side Dishes

Pair your banana bread cinnamon rolls with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a chilled glass of milk for ultimate comfort. For a brunch spread, try serving alongside fresh fruit salad or yogurt parfaits to balance out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

If I’m serving these for a special occasion, I sometimes arrange the rolls in a circular pattern on a round pan to look like a giant flower, then drizzle extra frosting on top for a wow factor. Wrapping a few rolls individually in parchment paper tied with twine makes for charming, gift-ready treats, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover banana bread cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature—these stay delicious and soft for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is warm, pop them in the fridge but let them come back to room temp before serving for the best flavor.

Freezing

I’ve frozen un-iced rolls before the second rise by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thawed them overnight in the fridge before baking. You can also freeze baked, cooled rolls—just warm them up in the oven and add frosting right before serving for fresh-from-the-oven vibes anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, I wrap a roll in foil and warm it in a 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes—this keeps it moist without drying it out. Then I like to add a little extra cream cheese frosting or softened butter to refresh each bite.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s my go-to for cozy mornings and making loved ones feel a little extra special. Once you bake these, you’ll get why everyone raves about the mix of banana bread comfort and cinnamon roll indulgence. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll find a new favorite for breakfasts, brunches, or anytime you want a sweet hug in roll form.

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