Sometimes life hands you overripe bananas and a hankering for something sweet, and that’s when magic happens. Picture this: a soft, fluffy roll filled with sweet cinnamon goodness and drizzled with creamy frosting—yes, I’m talking about Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting. This recipe is not just food; it’s an experience begging to be savored.
Now imagine pulling these beauties from the oven as your kitchen fills with that warm aroma of baked bananas mingling with spices. It’s like a hug for your taste buds! Perfect as a weekend treat or a cozy brunch dish among friends, these delightful rolls promise a flavor explosion that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These scrumptious banana bread cinnamon rolls are easy to prepare and require minimal ingredients
- The warm flavors of cinnamon complement the sweet banana perfectly
- Topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, they are visually stunning and make any occasion special
- Perfect for breakfast or dessert—everyone will adore them!
I still remember the first time I made these rolls; my family devoured them in minutes, leaving only crumbs as evidence of their existence.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ripe Bananas: Use 3-4 ripe bananas; they should be speckled brown for maximum sweetness.
- All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your dough; don’t skimp on sifting for lighter rolls.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; brown sugar can be used for extra moisture and flavor.
- Baking Powder: Essential for helping the dough rise and achieve that fluffy texture.
- Cinnamon: Use ground cinnamon for filling; it brings warmth and spice to every bite.
- Eggs: One large egg helps bind the ingredients together; make sure it’s at room temperature.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness; let it cool before mixing into the batter.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese creates a decadent frosting that takes these rolls over the top!
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all the flavors beautifully in both dough and frosting.
- Milk: Whole milk adds moisture to the dough—don’t substitute with low-fat versions for best results.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper while you prepare your dough.
Mixing the Dough: In a large bowl, mash those ripe bananas until smooth. Combine them with melted butter and sugar until well-blended. You’ll want this mixture to be silky smooth!
Add Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we’re going for tender rolls here!
Knead and Roll: Transfer your dough onto a floured surface. Knead gently until smooth then roll it out into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. A little elbow grease goes a long way!
Create Filling: In another bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Spread softened butter over dough before evenly sprinkling your cinnamon-sugar mix all over it like confetti at a party!
Roll Up Tight: Starting from one edge of the rectangle, tightly roll up your dough into a log shape. Slice into 12 even pieces—this is where anticipation builds as you see those lovely swirls.
Bake Your Rolls: Arrange sliced rolls on prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and fragrant—trust me; you’ll want to watch those beauties rise!
Create Frosting: While your rolls bake away happily in the oven, whip together softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until creamy perfection forms—a hint of sweetness never hurt anyone!
Now that you’ve prepped everything from scratch let those heavenly aromas fill your kitchen while imagining how good they’ll taste fresh out of the oven!
Let cool slightly before drizzling that luscious cream cheese frosting generously over each roll. Get ready because once you take that first bite? You might just find yourself questioning if you’ll ever eat anything else again.
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are more than just another recipe—they’re an invitation to indulge in something truly special every time you pull out those ripe bananas from your pantry!
You Must Know
- Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate your brunch game
- The delightful aroma of cinnamon will make your kitchen feel like a cozy café, and the cream cheese frosting adds a velvety touch that makes every bite irresistible
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing your dough and letting it rise while you prep the filling. Then roll out the dough, spread the filling, and cut into rolls for even baking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different frostings like vanilla or maple for a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy them warm again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use overripe bananas for natural sweetness and better flavor in your rolls
- Make sure to roll tightly for perfectly swirled cinnamon rolls that hold together during baking
- Don’t skip the frosting; it’s what makes these rolls truly special!
Sometimes I catch myself daydreaming about that one brunch when my friends devoured these rolls, leaving not a crumb behind. Their faces were priceless—like they’d found hidden treasure!
FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas for banana bread cinnamon rolls?
Yes, thawed frozen bananas work just as well in this recipe.
How long do banana bread cinnamon rolls last?
These delightful rolls can last up to two days at room temperature.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough and refrigerate overnight before rolling it out.
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
These soft and fluffy Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful way to transform overripe bananas into a sweet, satisfying treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- 3–4 ripe bananas
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash ripe bananas until smooth. Mix in melted butter and sugar until blended.
- Gently fold in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface, knead gently until smooth, and roll into a rectangle about ½ inch thick.
- For the filling, mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a separate bowl. Spread softened butter on the dough and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Roll dough tightly from one edge and slice into 12 even pieces.
- Place sliced rolls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- While baking, prepare frosting by mixing softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until creamy.
- Allow rolls to cool slightly before drizzling cream cheese frosting over them.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (75g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg