If you have a soft spot for warm, indulgent breakfasts or cozy desserts, you are going to fall head over heels for this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe. Combining the moist, tender richness of classic banana bread with the sweet, spiced spiral of cinnamon rolls, all topped with a luscious cream cheese icing, this recipe is like a warm hug fresh from the oven. It’s a perfect way to brighten any morning or treat loved ones to a comforting homemade delight that feels special but is surprisingly easy to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet come together to create incredible textures and flavors. Each one plays a crucial role, from the ripe bananas giving sweetness and moisture, to the yeast that makes the rolls fluffy and light.
- Bananas (1 cup mashed ripe): Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture boost.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Balances the banana’s richness with a touch of sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (3/4 cup total): Softened and melted for both the dough and the filling, adds richness and tenderness.
- Milk (1/2 cup, warmed): Creates the perfect environment to activate the yeast.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): Essential to making these rolls rise beautifully soft and fluffy.
- Eggs (2 large): Help bind everything together and add richness.
- All-purpose flour (4 cups plus extra for dusting): The base of the dough, providing structure.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet and buttery flavors.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup packed): Used in the cinnamon filling for a deeper caramel flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): The star spice that adds warm, fragrant notes to the filling.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Gives the icing its creamy texture and tangy kick.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese icing perfectly.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle but important flavor boost in the icing.
How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by warming your milk until it feels comfortably warm (about 110°F). Combine it with a pinch of sugar and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit undisturbed for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step is crucial because it proves your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic in making those rolls rise fluffy and soft.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together your mashed bananas, the remaining granulated sugar, melted butter, and eggs until everything is nicely combined. Then add the foamy yeast mixture and stir to blend. Gradually incorporate the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms that’s just a little sticky to the touch.
Step 3: Knead the Dough and First Rise
Lightly flour a clean surface and turn out the dough. Knead it gently for about 5 to 7 minutes until it smooths out and becomes elastic. Place this dough in a well-greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and set it in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours until it doubles in size. This patient rise is where your dough gains volume and that irresistible airy texture.
Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Filling
Mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth and spreadable. This filling is what brings the aromatic, sweet, and spicy goodness that makes cinnamon rolls so legendary.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
Once your dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. This even thickness ensures the rolls will bake uniformly and gives great layers of dough and filling.
Step 6: Fill and Roll Up
Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully roll the dough up tightly from one long side to form a log. Try to keep it snug so the filling stays in place and you get defined spirals in each roll slice.
Step 7: Slice and Arrange
Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled dough into 12 even pieces. Arrange these rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving just a little space in between so they have room to puff up while baking.
Step 8: Second Rise and Bake
Cover your rolls and let them rise in a warm place again for 30 to 45 minutes, until they’re puffed and nearly doubled. Then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, watching until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.
Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Icing
While baking, whip together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until perfectly smooth and creamy. This icing is the final luscious touch that makes these cinnamon rolls stand out.
Step 10: Ice and Serve
When the rolls come out of the oven, let them cool for just a few minutes before slathering on your cream cheese icing. Serve warm and watch everyone’s faces light up with delight!
How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra wow factor, sprinkle some chopped toasted walnuts or pecans on top of your cream cheese icing. A light dusting of cinnamon or a handful of banana chips adds crunch and reinforces those key flavors in a subtle, elegant way.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair beautifully with fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples to balance all the sweetness. A cup of robust coffee or spiced chai tea complements the cinnamon notes perfectly and rounds out the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch gathering, present Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe right on a rustic wooden board or a colorful serving tray to make it inviting and festive. You can also serve individual rolls in small ramekins or cupcake liners for tidy portions that guests can grab and enjoy without fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover rolls keep well covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. Store them in an airtight container or tightly wrapped to keep their softness. If you want to refresh them before eating, a few seconds in the microwave does wonders.
Freezing
These banana bread cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge or warm gently in the oven for a fresh-baked feel.
Reheating
Reheat rolls in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. If using a microwave, heat on medium power for 20 to 30 seconds, then add more time as needed. Always add a touch of icing after reheating for that fresh-from-the-oven charm.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually perfect because they’re sweeter and softer, which gives your rolls incredible flavor and moisture.
What if I don’t have active dry yeast? Can I use instant yeast?
You can substitute instant yeast, but reduce the amount to about 1 3/4 teaspoons. Also, you don’t have to proof instant yeast in warm milk; just mix it directly into the flour.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, let it rise once, then refrigerate overnight. Before shaping and baking, bring it to room temperature and let it rise again.
Is there a dairy-free version of the cream cheese icing?
Definitely. Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan butter to keep it creamy and delicious without dairy. Adjust powdered sugar as needed for sweetness.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips inside the rolls?
Yes, mix in chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips with the cinnamon-sugar filling for extra texture and flavor surprises throughout the rolls.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe feels like passing along a little treasure. It combines comfort food favorites into something truly special yet easy enough to make for any occasion. Whether it’s a leisurely weekend breakfast or a sweet treat for friends, these rolls will bring warmth and smiles to your table. Don’t wait to try making them yourself — once you do, they will surely become one of your go-to recipes!
Print
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the comforting flavors of ripe bananas and warm cinnamon swirls, baked to golden perfection and topped with a creamy cream cheese icing. Perfect for a decadent breakfast or sweet treat, these rolls offer a moist, fluffy texture with a rich, spiced filling and a luscious glaze.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk, warmed to about 110°F
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Icing Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk (about 110°F) with a pinch of sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface and let it sit undisturbed until it becomes foamy, about 5 to 10 minutes, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed ripe bananas, the remaining granulated sugar, melted unsalted butter, and eggs until well combined to create a smooth mixture.
- Combine and Form Dough: Add the activated yeast mixture to the banana mixture and stir thoroughly. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms, ensuring not to add too much flour at once for the correct dough consistency.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which helps develop the gluten structure for a tender roll.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place until it doubles in size. This usually takes about 1 to 2 hours depending on room temperature.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth and well combined. Set this mixture aside for easy spreading later.
- Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has doubled, punch it down to release air bubbles. Roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle approximately 1/4 inch thick, preparing it for the filling.
- Fill and Shape: Evenly spread the cinnamon sugar filling over the rolled dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll the dough into a log shape to ensure swirled layers.
- Slice and Arrange Rolls: Using a sharp knife, cut the dough log into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls into a greased baking dish, spacing them slightly apart to allow room for expansion during the final rise.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls again and let them rise in a warm place for 30 to 45 minutes, or until they are puffed up and nearly doubled in size, which ensures a fluffy texture after baking.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, smelling fragrant and looking slightly caramelized on top.
- Make the Cream Cheese Icing: While the rolls bake, beat together softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth, creamy, and spreadable.
- Ice and Serve: Once the rolls are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Spread the cream cheese icing evenly over the warm rolls, then serve immediately for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Ensure the milk for activating yeast is warm but not hot to prevent killing the yeast.
- Kneading time is essential for good texture; do not rush this step.
- Allowing the rolls to rise sufficiently ensures a light, fluffy texture.
- The cream cheese icing should be spread while rolls are warm to melt slightly and soak into the rolls.
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier texture if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Reheat gently before serving to restore softness and flavor.
