Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are a wonderful twist on two classic treats rolled into one. Imagine soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls infused with the rich, sweet flavor of ripe bananas, all topped with a smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting that melts into every bite. The cinnamon swirls add just the right touch of warmth, making these rolls a perfect cozy breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack.
I love making this recipe when I have a few extra bananas that need to be used up—it’s such a great way to turn something simple into something special. The banana adds moisture and a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon spices. Plus, the cream cheese frosting isn’t too heavy; it’s just enough to keep each bite creamy and delicious without feeling overwhelming.
Serving these warm right out of the oven is my favorite way to enjoy them, especially on a weekend morning when you have a little extra time to savor something comforting. They’re also a hit at brunch or a casual get-together—everyone loves the combo of cinnamon rolls and banana bread, and the frosting seals the deal. I find that making a double batch is often the smartest move because they disappear fast, and I always look forward to that first gooey, flavorful bite.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are the heart of this recipe, adding natural sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have ripe ones on hand, try adding a little applesauce for moisture, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Yeast: Active dry yeast helps the dough rise and become fluffy. Instant yeast can be swapped in—just mix it directly with the flour and reduce the rising time slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter keeps control over salt levels and adds richness. For dairy-free options, use a vegan butter or coconut oil, but expect a slightly different texture.
Cinnamon: A key spice for warmth and flavor. Ground cinnamon works best, but feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a twist.
Cream Cheese Frosting: Cream cheese provides that tangy contrast to the sweet rolls. For a dairy-free swap, use a vegan cream cheese alternative with similar consistency.
How Can I Achieve Soft, Fluffy Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls?
Making soft cinnamon rolls starts with the dough and how you treat it. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Warm the milk: The yeast loves about 110°F—too hot will kill it, too cold won’t activate it.
- Knead well: Knead the dough until smooth and elastic to develop gluten, which creates that fluffy texture.
- Let it rise twice: The first rise grows the dough; the second, after shaping, lets the rolls become light and airy.
- Don’t over-flour: Add flour carefully—you want slightly sticky dough for tenderness, but not so wet it won’t hold shape.
- Bake just right: Golden brown and firm to the touch, but not dry. Check early if your oven tends to run hot.
By following these steps and giving the dough time, you’ll get soft, flavorful rolls full of banana and cinnamon goodness. Warm them before frosting for the best melt-in-your-mouth experience!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I use a couple to prepare the dough and filling easily.
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional) – makes kneading the dough less messy and saves time.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate measurements, especially for yeast and sugar.
- Rolling pin – helpful for rolling out the dough into an even rectangle.
- Bench scraper or knife – to cut the rolled dough into slices cleanly.
- 9×13-inch baking pan – to hold all the cinnamon rolls during the second rise and baking.
- Small bowls – for mixing the cinnamon sugar filling and frosting.
- Whisk or hand mixer – for blending the frosting until smooth and creamy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for extra crunch and flavor.
- Dried Fruit: Mix in raisins or chopped dried cranberries for sweetness and texture.
- Chocolate: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips inside or drizzle melted chocolate on top after baking for extra indulgence.
- Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon for a warm, seasonal twist.
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 ripe bananas (about 1 to 1 1/2 cups mashed)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, warmed
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (55 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups (440 g) all-purpose flour, plus more if needed
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup (110 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup (55 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (reserve from dough bananas)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (55 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups (120-180 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk or cream (optional, for thinning)
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus about 1 to 1.5 hours for the first dough rise and another 30 to 45 minutes for the second rise. Baking will take 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll want about 10 minutes to make the frosting and a few extra minutes to frost the warm rolls. Plan roughly 2.5 to 3 hours total for best results.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Warm your milk to about 110°F—warm to the touch but not hot. Sprinkle the yeast into the milk, stir gently, and let it sit for around 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. In a large bowl, mash the 3 ripe bananas until smooth. Add melted butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, and the yeast mixture to the bananas, mixing well.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add these dry ingredients into your wet banana mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 6-8 minutes until smooth and slightly elastic. Add a bit more flour if the dough feels too sticky.
Shape the dough into a ball and put it into a greased bowl. Cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size—about 1 to 1.5 hours.
2. Make the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir the reserved 1/2 cup mashed banana into the softened butter until fully combined. Set both mixtures aside.
3. Assemble the Rolls:
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle approximately 16 by 12 inches. Spread the banana butter mixture evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 9 to 12 equal slices, each about 1 to 1.5 inches thick.
4. Second Rise:
Place the slices into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, spacing them slightly apart. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let rise until puffy, about 30 to 45 minutes.
5. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the rolls bake, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk or cream as needed to create a smooth, spreadable frosting.
7. Frost and Serve:
Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes. Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls so it melts slightly into them. Serve warm and enjoy the rich banana bread flavor combined with cinnamon and creamy frosting!
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing. This keeps the dough from becoming too wet.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely. After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough overnight. Let it come to room temperature, then proceed with rolling, filling, and the second rise before baking.
How Should I Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Warm them slightly before serving to refresh their softness.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese for Frosting?
You can substitute mascarpone, Greek yogurt mixed with powdered sugar, or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to keep the frosting creamy and tangy.
