Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you love the comforting flavors of banana bread and the gooey, cinnamon-swirled goodness of classic cinnamon rolls, then you are in for a treat with this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It combines the moist, tender texture of banana bread dough with a cinnamon sugar swirl and luscious cream cheese frosting that just melts over each warm roll. Honestly, these rolls have become my go-to weekend brunch or special occasion bake because they bring a little extra joy to the table every time.

What I appreciate most about this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is how versatile it is—you can enjoy it fresh right out of the oven or make it ahead for busy mornings when you still want something special. Plus, the banana in the dough adds a subtle sweetness and natural moisture that keeps the cinnamon rolls soft and tender, making them irresistible to everyone who tries them.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe plays a vital role in creating soft, flavorful rolls with a hint of banana sweetness. I’ve found that using ripe bananas and good quality butter truly elevates the taste.

• Milk: Lukewarm milk activates the yeast without killing it—essential for a good rise in the dough.
• Unsalted Butter: Used in both dough and filling, it adds richness and tenderness without overpowering the banana flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough lightly and helps with browning.
• All-purpose Flour: Provides structure; be sure to spoon and level for accurate measurement and optimum dough texture.
• Instant Yeast: Quick-acting and reliable, making the dough rise beautifully without fuss.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
• Mash Banana: Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and that unmistakable banana aroma.
• Brown Sugar: The deeper molasses notes of brown sugar in the filling create a rich cinnamon swirl.
• Cinnamon: The star of the filling, for that classic warm spice flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Poured over the rolls before baking to keep them soft and encourage a tender crust.
• Cream Cheese: For the tangy frosting that offsets the sweet dough and cinnamon sugar perfectly.
• Powdered Sugar: For a smooth, silky frosting texture without graininess.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the frosting’s flavor.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love playing with this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe depending on the season or my mood. You can easily adjust the filling or switch up the frosting to create your own favorite variation.

• Nutty Twist: I’ve sprinkled chopped walnuts or pecans inside the filling before rolling up the dough, which adds a lovely crunch and complements the banana really well.
• Healthier Option: You can swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier flavor and more fiber without sacrificing softness.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter, plus substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese to accommodate dietary needs.
• Extra Banana Flavor: If you like a stronger banana punch, try mashing an extra half banana or adding a teaspoon of banana extract into the dough.

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

Step 1: Warm Your Milk and Melt Butter

Start by warming your milk gently on the stove along with butter and granulated sugar until everything’s melted and the mixture hits about 120-130°F. This temperature range is key to waking up the instant yeast without killing it—which means your dough will rise beautifully. I usually use an instant-read thermometer and take my time here because it makes all the difference.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Add Wet

In the bowl of your stand mixer, I combine the flour, yeast, and salt first—this helps evenly distribute the yeast and salt so the dough develops uniformly. Then add your warm milk mixture and mashed banana. Mix this till a shaggy dough forms; it won’t be smooth yet—that’s coming.

Step 3: Knead until Soft and Elastic

Swap to the dough hook attachment and knead on medium speed for about 6-8 minutes. You’ll notice the dough is sticky at first but gradually becomes softer and smoother. If it’s too sticky to handle, add a tablespoon of flour at a time—but resist the urge to add too much, or you’ll lose that super tender finish. When it’s smooth, elastic, and just slightly tacky, you’re done. Hand kneading works fine, too—you just want to aim for that same texture.

Step 4: Let Your Dough Rise

After kneading, transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Place it somewhere warm and draft-free to rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size. I sometimes put mine inside the turned-off oven with just the oven light on—it creates the perfect cozy environment.

Step 5: Roll Out and Fill the Dough

Once risen, roll your dough out into a large rectangle, about 18 by 12 inches. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface, leaving a tiny border at one long edge. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle it on top, pressing lightly so it sticks. Finally, add the thin banana slices—you’ll want to spread these gently to keep the rolls easy to shape without squashing the fruit.

Step 6: Roll Up and Cut Into Rolls

Starting at the edge with filling, roll the dough firmly into a log and pinch the seam closed. For clean cuts that hold the swirl shape, I love using unflavored dental floss or strong thread—slide it under the log, cross on top, and pull through to slice without squishing the dough. Cut into 12 even rolls and transfer them to a greased 9×13” pan, arranging them with the spiral on top.

Step 7: Second Rise and Prepare to Bake

Cover your rolls and let them rise again for about 45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled. Just before baking, I pour warmed heavy cream over the rolls, which helps keep them tender and gives a subtle browning to the crust during baking.

Step 8: Bake and Frost

Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and deliciously fragrant. Let the rolls cool for about 20 minutes in the pan before spreading on the cream cheese frosting—I like to frost when the rolls are still gently warm because the frosting melts into the swirls creating an irresistible gooey finish.

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

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a light dusting of cinnamon powder or a few chopped toasted pecans on top of the frosting just before serving. It adds a little texture and extra warmth to the flavor without being overpowering. Sometimes I even add thin banana chips for a fun crunch contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with a simple fruit salad or a cup of freshly brewed coffee for the perfect breakfast or brunch. They also go beautifully alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh spinach salad if you want a more substantial meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged the rolls on a pretty platter, garnished with edible flowers and fresh banana slices to give a fresh vibe. You could also drizzle a little caramel or maple syrup over the frosting for extra indulgence when serving to guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting I store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, which keeps them soft and fresh. If your kitchen is warm, I keep them in the fridge but bring them back to room temp before serving to revive their softness.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing unfrosted cinnamon rolls after the first rise—just wrap tightly in plastic and foil. When I’m ready to eat, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and bake fresh the next day. This way, you get warm, fresh rolls anytime without the full prep time.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a roll in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Adding a tiny dab of butter or dollop of cream cheese frosting after heating takes it back to freshly baked perfection.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something wonderfully comforting about combining the classic flavors of banana bread with cinnamon rolls, and this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe really delivers on that nostalgic yet fresh taste. It’s a recipe I’ve come back to again and again because it feels like a warm hug on a plate—perfect for lazy mornings with a cup of coffee or sharing with friends and family. I hope you give it a try soon and enjoy making it as much as I do!

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