Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Oh, if you’re anything like me, you know that nothing beats the smell of warm cinnamon rolls baking in the oven—except maybe these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. This twist on the classic cinnamon roll combines the tender, flavorful dough of banana bread with the gooey, cinnamony swirls you crave, all topped off with a luscious cream cheese frosting. It’s the perfect treat for a cozy weekend brunch or a special breakfast surprise when you want to impress without too much fuss.

What makes this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe really stand out (and why I keep making it) is the way the bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to the dough, creating a soft, tender crumb that’s just dreamy. Plus, the cream cheese frosting is the kind of topping that makes you want to dive right in—even if it’s still warm. Trust me, once you try these rolls, they’re going to become a staple in your baking lineup.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe combines classic baking staples with just the right touch of banana flavor to elevate the dough. Knowing why each ingredient is in the mix really helps you feel confident while making it — plus, I’ve added a few of my favorite shopping and prep tips along the way!

• Milk: Lukewarm milk activates the yeast perfectly without killing it — don’t skip checking the temperature with a thermometer if you can!
• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness of the dough and frosting.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds necessary sweetness and helps tenderize the dough.
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of your dough; spooned and leveled for accuracy to keep rolls light and fluffy.
• Instant Yeast: Quick and reliable — instant yeast helps the dough rise beautifully without long waiting times.
• Salt: Enhances flavors and balances all the sweetness.
• Mashed Banana: Adds natural sweetness and moisture, making the dough irresistibly soft.
• Light Brown Sugar: For richness and that deep molasses flavor in the filling.
• Cinnamon: A must-have for that warm, comforting spice aroma.
• Heavy Cream: Poured over rolls before baking to keep them tender and add richness.
• Cream Cheese: The star of the frosting with its tang and creamy texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Ensures your frosting is silky smooth without any graininess.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings the frosting flavor all together with a sweet, aromatic note.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love playing with this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe to suit whatever mood I’m in or whatever we have around the kitchen. Once you’ve nailed the original, there’s so much room to make it your own and keep the tradition fresh!

• Extra Banana Kick: I sometimes swap the mix-in banana slices for caramelized banana chunks for a deeper, richer flavor — it’s like a little dessert in each roll.
• Nutty Addition: Chopped walnuts or pecans stirred into the filling add a satisfying crunch and a little toasty contrast.
• Spice Variations: Feel free to add nutmeg or allspice to the filling if you want a warmer, more complex spice profile.
• Dairy-Free Version: I’ve made these with coconut milk and dairy-free butter replacements — the recipe works well! Just use a vegan cream cheese frosting.

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

Step 1: Warm and Melt with Care

Start by gently warming your milk with the butter and sugar on low heat. I always use an instant-read thermometer here to hit about 120-130°F, the sweet spot for instant yeast activation without killing the little guys. This step is critical—too hot, and you risk a dead yeast, too cold, and your dough won’t rise well.

Step 2: Build Your Banana Bread Dough

In your stand mixer bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and salt. Pour in the warm milk mixture and add your mashed bananas. Mix everything together with the paddle attachment until it forms a rough, shaggy dough. This banana mash is a game changer here—it keeps the rolls super moist and tender.

Step 3: Knead Until Smooth and Slightly Sticky

Switch to the dough hook and knead for 6-8 minutes at medium speed. The dough will be sticky at first but should smooth out and develop elasticity as you go. I like to add flour sparingly, just a tablespoon at a time, if it’s too wet. But be careful—adding too much flour dries the dough and ruins the soft texture we want.

Step 4: First Rise — Patience is Key

Lightly grease a bowl and place the dough in it, turning once to coat. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and set it somewhere warm to double in size — about 1 to 1.5 hours. If you’re using active dry yeast, you’ll need to give it longer, but instant yeast is pretty speedy.

Step 5: Roll Out and Layer the Filling

Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into an 18×12 inch rectangle. Spread a layer of soft butter, leaving a small border on the far edge. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly, pressing lightly so the filling sticks. Then, layer on thin banana slices—it adds such a luscious texture and flavor inside.

Step 6: Roll, Cut, and Prepare for Second Rise

Roll up the dough tightly from the long side, pinching the edge to seal. I use dental floss for clean cuts—it keeps the cinnamon rolls looking perfect and spiral intact. Place your 12 rolls in a greased 9×13 pan, cover, and let them rise again until puffy, about 45 minutes.

Step 7: Bake with a Splash of Cream

Just before baking at 350°F, pour the warmed heavy cream over the top of the rolls to keep them tender and add richness. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and heavenly smelling. Let them cool for about 20 minutes—this wait is the hardest part!

Step 8: Whip Up That Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until fluffy and light. The frosting is so dreamy it deserves a standing ovation—spread it over the warm rolls so it melts right in.

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

Garnishes

I typically keep it simple with a dusting of extra cinnamon or a light sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans for texture. Fresh banana slices on the side are a nice touch if you want to highlight the banana flavor even more.

Side Dishes

Pair your rolls with a cup of strong coffee or chai tea to complement the cinnamon spice. A side of fresh fruit salad or yogurt can balance the sweetness and round out your morning or brunch spread beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch parties, I’ve arranged these rolls in a round pan like a flower bouquet, adding edible flowers around the edges for a pop of color. I’ve also made mini versions to serve as finger food — guests love them!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover rolls tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and fresh, though they’re so good, they rarely last that long!

Freezing

I’ve found that these banana bread cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully. I recommend freezing un-iced rolls in a single layer on a baking tray, then transferring them to a ziplock bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight and bake for 5-7 minutes to heat through before frosting.

Reheating

For leftovers or thawed frozen rolls, a quick reheat in the oven at 300°F for 8-10 minutes works great. Microwaving is faster but can sometimes make the dough a little gummy, so I prefer the oven method to keep texture just right.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen — it’s that perfect combination of nostalgic comfort and a fun twist that makes every bite feel like a little celebration. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do because honestly, there’s nothing like fresh, warm cinnamon rolls to brighten any day. Give it a go, and you might just find you’re making them a whole lot more often than you expected.

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