The aroma of warm spices and sweet bananas fills the kitchen as you imagine biting into a soft, gooey roll drizzled with creamy frosting. These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are not just a treat; they are pure bliss in every bite.

Picture this: Saturday morning, pajamas still on, coffee brewing in the background while you prepare these heavenly rolls. Theyβre perfect for family gatherings or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Trust me; each mouthful transports you back to cozy moments spent with loved ones.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These banana bread cinnamon rolls are incredibly easy to make and require minimal ingredients
- The flavor combination of bananas and cinnamon creates a delightful taste explosion
- With their beautiful swirls and creamy frosting, they look as good as they taste
- Perfect for breakfast or dessert and so versatile that you can enjoy them any time of day
I still remember the first time I made these rolls; my kidsβ faces lit up with joy as they devoured them in record time.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ripe Bananas: Choose bananas that are overripe; their natural sweetness enhances the flavor beautifully.
- All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached all-purpose flour for better texture; it provides that perfect chewiness.
- Brown Sugar: Opt for dark brown sugar to add depth and richness to the dough.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is essential; it brings warmth and spice that perfectly complements bananas.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter; it adds moisture and richness without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Yeast: Active dry yeast works best for a light and fluffy texture; ensure it’s fresh for optimal results.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is crucial for the frosting; it adds tanginess that balances sweetness.
- Powdered Sugar: Sifted powdered sugar ensures a smooth frosting that glides effortlessly over each roll.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates the flavor of both the dough and frosting; itβs worth splurging on quality here.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Dough: In a large bowl, mash ripe bananas until smooth. Stir in melted butter and brown sugar until well combined. Add yeast to warm water and let it froth while you mix.
Create the Dough Base: Gradually add flour, salt, and cinnamon into your banana mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms; donβt worry about perfectionβembrace the mess!
Knead Like a Pro: Turn your dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Feel free to channel your inner baker while doing this!
Let It Rise!: Place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until doubled in sizeβperfect time to sip some coffee!
Roll & Fill!: After rising, punch down your dough gently on a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread softened butter over the surface before sprinkling brown sugar and cinnamon evenly.
Shape Your Rolls!: Starting from one edge, tightly roll up your dough into a log shape. Cut into even slices using a sharp knife or dental floss (yes, really!) for clean edges.
Strong>Bake Them Up!: Preheat oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Arrange your rolls in a greased baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brownβenjoy that beautiful smell wafting through your home!
Create Frosting Magic!: While they bake, mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more sugar if needed for desired sweetness.
Top It Off!: Once baked rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle generously with cream cheese frostingβdonβt hold back! Serve warm or at room temperatureβitβs hard to resist diving in right away!
You Must Know
- Banana bread cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting are a delightful twist on two classics
- The warm, comforting aroma of bananas and cinnamon fills your kitchen, making it the perfect treat for any occasion
- Enjoy them fresh out of the oven for a melt-in-your-mouth experience
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the banana bread dough, then roll it out and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before rolling into logs. Bake until golden, allowing that lovely aroma to waft through your home.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding nuts or chocolate chips to the filling for an extra layer of flavor. Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the cream cheese frosting for a sweet surprise.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for that just-baked feel.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect banana bread cinnamon rolls, use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness
- Roll tightly to avoid gaps while baking
- Always let the rolls cool slightly before frosting to prevent melting
Sharing these rolls with my friends always leads to smiles and happy bellies; they never last long! One time I made them for brunch, and they disappeared faster than you can say “banana bread.”
FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas for banana bread cinnamon rolls?
Yes, thawed frozen bananas work perfectly in this recipe.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
The rolls should be golden brown on top and spring back when lightly touched.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Refrigerate the dough overnight, then roll and bake the next day.

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 rolls 1x
Description
Indulge in the warm, gooey goodness of Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls topped with cream cheese frostingβan irresistible blend of flavors perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mash ripe bananas in a large bowl. Mix in melted butter and brown sugar until well combined. Activate yeast by dissolving it in warm water until frothy.
- Add flour, salt, and cinnamon to the banana mixture, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm area for about an hour or until doubled.
- Punch down the dough and roll out to a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll tightly into a log shape and slice into even pieces.
- Preheat oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- While baking, prepare frosting by mixing softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once cool, drizzle rolls with frosting before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (85g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For added texture, consider incorporating chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the filling. Drizzle caramel sauce over the frosting for an extra sweet touch.