Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Hey friend, if you love banana bread and cinnamon rolls, wait until you try this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe! It’s the kind of treat that smells like comfort and tastes like a warm hug, perfect for weekend mornings or cozy afternoons with a cup of coffee. I first made this when I had a couple of overripe bananas staring at me from the fruit bowl, and let me tell you, it transformed those simple ingredients into something that felt like a bakery-worthy indulgence right in my own kitchen.

This recipe is especially wonderful because the banana adds moisture and natural sweetness to the dough, making these cinnamon rolls extra tender and flavorful without being too heavy. Plus, the cream cheese frosting on top? That’s the cherry on top, balancing the warm cinnamon scent with a tangy, creamy finish that you’ll find yourself daydreaming about long after the last bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving some homemade goodness, these rolls really bring joy — and I’m here to walk you through every step!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a role in building the perfect banana bread cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting recipe — from the warm milk that activates the yeast to the ripe bananas that add natural sweetness and moisture. Here’s what each brings to the party and a few quick shopping hints.

• Milk: Use lukewarm milk to wake up the yeast gently without killing it; too hot or too cold can affect rise.
• Unsalted Butter: This adds richness to both dough and filling — get good-quality butter for best flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps with yeast fermentation in the dough.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure; spoon and level it to avoid dense dough.
• Instant Yeast: Reliable and easy to use for a nice, fluffy rise; make sure it’s fresh.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Mature Bananas: Ripe bananas (the more spotted, the better!) make the dough tender and flavorful.
• Light Brown Sugar: Gives a deeper, caramel-like sweetness to the filling.
• Cinnamon: The warm spice that pairs beautifully with banana and sugar.
• Heavy Cream: Poured over the rolls before baking, it keeps them moist and adds richness.
• Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese brings that tangy, luscious frosting that perfectly crowns the rolls.
• Powdered Sugar: Dusty sweetener for smooth, spreadable frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth to the frosting.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe my own by mixing up the filling sometimes or swapping out ingredients depending on the season. You should feel free to do the same — baking is all about making it yours and having fun while you’re at it.

• Variation: I once replaced the sliced bananas inside with chopped walnuts for a bit of crunch, and it was absolutely delicious — especially if you like a nutty texture.
• Dietary Modifications: For a dairy-free twist, coconut oil works well instead of butter, and you can swap cream cheese frosting for a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and coconut milk.
• Seasonal Add-Ins: Try adding a handful of fresh or dried berries into the filling for a pop of tartness that’s lovely come spring or summer.

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

Step 1: Warm Everything Up Just Right

First things first, get your milk, butter, and sugar warmed up in a saucepan until the butter melts and the temperature hits about 120°F to 130°F (warm to the touch, not hot). This sets a cozy environment for the instant yeast to wake up and start working its magic. If you go too hot, you risk killing the yeast, so use a thermometer or feel with your finger — it should feel like warm bath water.

Step 2: Mix and Build the Dough

In your mixer bowl, stir together the flour, yeast, and salt. Then pour in your warm milk mixture and mashed banana. The banana is the secret hero here—it adds so much moisture and flavor. Mix just until you have a shaggy dough; it will be sticky at first, which is totally fine.

Step 3: Knead Until Smooth and Elastic

Switch to your dough hook and knead on medium speed for about 6-8 minutes. If kneading by hand, plan on 8-10 minutes on a floured surface. The trick here is to keep the dough slightly sticky but elastic — not dry or stiff. Resist the temptation to add too much flour, even if it feels sticky at first. Over-kneading or adding extra flour can make your rolls dense and chewy, and that would be a shame.

Step 4: First Rise – Let the Dough Puff Up

Grease a large bowl lightly and place your dough in, turning once so it’s coated in oil. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap and find a warm, draft-free spot to rise until doubled—usually about 1 to 1 ½ hours with instant yeast. This is when the magic bubbles form, and your kitchen starts smelling like something amazing is about to happen.

Step 5: Roll It Out and Layer the Filling

Once risen, gently punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll into an 18×12 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter all over, then sprinkle your cinnamon and brown sugar mixture evenly. Finally, lay thin banana slices on top — these add bursts of fresh banana flavor in every bite and a lovely texture.

Step 6: Roll Up and Slice

Carefully roll the dough starting from the long edge where the filling is, forming a tight log. Pinch to seal the seam so filling doesn’t spill out. For slicing, I swear by kitchen twine or dental floss—it gives you the cleanest cuts without squishing those pretty spirals. Cut into twelve equal rolls and place them swirl-side-up in a greased 9×13 pan.

Step 7: Second Rise – Get Puffy Again

Cover the pan and let those rolls rise in a warm spot for about 45 minutes or until they’re puffed and nearly doubled again. This step is essential to keep your rolls soft and tender rather than dense and heavy. If you’re using active dry yeast, this might take a bit longer.

Step 8: Preheat Oven and Pour Cream

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Just before baking, pour the slightly warmed heavy cream gently over the rolls — this little touch adds a silky richness that really takes them to the next level.

Step 9: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown on top and wonderfully inviting. Let them cool in the pan for about 20 minutes — just enough time to make the cream cheese frosting without the rolls getting cold.

Step 10: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat room temperature cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla, beating until fluffy and light. The frosting should be spreadable but rich and dreamy.

Step 11: Frost While Warm and Enjoy

Slather your warm rolls with that luscious frosting — it melts slightly into the layers, making each bite creamy and irresistible. Trust me, you’ll want to eat them fresh and warm because that’s when these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe really shine.

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

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with a light dusting of cinnamon powder or a few chopped toasted walnuts sprinkled on top of the frosting—adds a bit of texture and visual appeal without overpowering the flavor. Sometimes, a fresh banana slice or a drizzle of warmed honey just before serving adds a nice glossy finish.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair wonderfully with fresh fruit salad or a bowl of mixed berries to balance the sweetness. For brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve arranged the rolls in a wreath shape on a round pan and decorated the center with edible flowers and fresh berries. It makes for a stunning centerpiece that tastes as impressive as it looks. You can also serve individual rolls in little ramekins with extra frosting on the side for a fun presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. I find storing in an airtight container preserves softness and prevents drying out.

Freezing

I love freezing these rolls right after baking (before frosting) by wrapping them well in plastic wrap and then foil. When you want a treat, thaw them overnight in the fridge and warm gently before frosting. The texture holds beautifully, and it’s a lifesaver for make-ahead breakfasts.

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual rolls in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a warm oven (about 300°F) for 5-7 minutes. I like to add a tiny pat of butter or a drizzle of cream before warming to keep them extra moist and fresh-tasting.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe holds a special place in my heart — it’s that perfect balance of sweet, soft, and rich, making it a go-to treat I’m proud to share. Next time you have a few ripe bananas, give this recipe a whirl; you’ll feel like you’ve brought a little bakery magic home. I can’t wait for you to try it and tell me how your kitchen smells and your family smiles!

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