The aroma of warm spices and sweet bananas wafts through the air as you think about sinking your teeth into a delicious slice of banana bread cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting. Just imagine the fluffy dough melting in your mouth while the rich cream cheese frosting drips down the side. It’s a flavor experience that promises to whisk you off to a happy place.
This recipe holds a special spot in my heart and my family’s stomachs. I remember one rainy Saturday morning when we decided to bake together as a family. The joy on everyone’s faces as they devoured these rolls was priceless—laughter mixed with sticky fingers and frosted smiles.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These banana bread cinnamon rolls are super easy to make, and they’ll fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma
- The blend of flavors creates a delightful taste sensation, leaving everyone wanting more
- They look stunning on any brunch table and are wonderfully versatile; enjoy them warm or cold!
I can still hear my youngest son shouting “More!” after his first bite of these scrumptious rolls topped with creamy goodness.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ripe Bananas: Opt for overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor in your dough.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is your go-to flour for a light yet chewy texture; no fancy flours needed here.
- Granulated Sugar: A touch of sweetness balances out the warm spices beautifully.
- Baking Powder: Ensures your rolls rise perfectly, creating that fluffy texture we all love.
- Cinnamon: The spice that ties everything together, adding warmth and depth to each bite.
- Butter: Melted butter adds richness; don’t skimp on this essential ingredient!
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is key for that luscious frosting that makes these rolls unforgettable.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the overall flavor profile; it’s like magic in a bottle!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Mixing the Dough: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, mash ripe bananas until smooth. Then add sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and mix well until combined.
Adding Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift in all-purpose flour along with baking powder and a pinch of salt. Mix until just combined; be careful not to over-mix! You want dough that’s soft yet slightly sticky.
Rolling Out the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and turn out the dough. Gently knead it for about a minute until it becomes manageable. Roll it out into a rectangle about ½ inch thick.
Spreading the Filling: Melt some additional butter and brush it over the rolled-out dough generously. Then sprinkle brown sugar and ground cinnamon evenly across the surface like you’re creating a delicious canvas.
Forming the Rolls: Carefully roll up your rectangle from one end to another into tight log form. Use sharp knife or dental floss to cut into approximately 1-inch thick slices—voilà!
Baking Time!: Place your slices in a greased baking dish with some space between them for rising. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and smelling heavenly throughout your house!
Making Cream Cheese Frosting : While those beauties cool down, whip together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy—this part is essential!
The best part? When you pull those warm cinnamon rolls from the oven and slather them with that irresistible cream cheese frosting—you’ll feel like a culinary rock star! Enjoy every bite because trust me; they won’t last long!
You Must Know
- Mastering Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting elevates breakfast to a new level
- These fluffy rolls blend sweet banana flavor with rich frosting, creating an irresistible treat that everyone will love
- The aroma fills your kitchen, making it hard to resist enjoying one right away
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while mixing the dough for efficiency. Prepare the filling and frosting simultaneously to save time. Bake until golden brown for perfect results.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture and flavor. You can also swap regular flour for whole wheat for a healthier twist. Experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For best results, reheat in the microwave or oven until warm before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve fluffy rolls, ensure your bananas are ripe and mashed well
- Avoid over-kneading the dough, which can lead to dense rolls
- Let the dough rise properly; patience is key for maximum fluffiness!
Creating these delightful rolls reminds me of lazy Sunday mornings spent with family. The smiles on their faces when they tasted my first batch were priceless, encouraging me to perfect my recipe.
FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas for banana bread cinnamon rolls?
Yes, thawed frozen bananas work well; just make sure they are well-mashed.
How do I tell when my cinnamon rolls are done?
Look for a golden brown color; they should spring back when lightly pressed.
What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?
You can substitute Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese for a similar creamy texture.

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulge in these fluffy banana bread cinnamon rolls, drizzled with rich cream cheese frosting—a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or dessert!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 rolls 1x
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas and mix in sugar, melted butter, and vanilla until well combined.
- Gradually sift in flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix gently until just combined, creating a soft dough.
- Lightly flour your surface; knead the dough briefly and roll it out into a rectangle about ½ inch thick.
- Brush melted butter over the dough and sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly. Roll tightly into a log and slice into 1-inch pieces.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish, allowing space for rising. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
- While cooling, whip together cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the frosting until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (75g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg