Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, fluffy roll that perfectly balances sweet banana flavor and warm cinnamon spice. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be so delightful that even your neighbors might come knocking. Just when you think it can’t get better, you top it all off with a luscious cream cheese frosting that feels like a hug in dessert form. These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are not just a treat; they are an experience.
This recipe has been a family favorite for years; I remember the first time I pulled these heavenly rolls out of the oven. My kids looked at me as if I had just discovered fire. They devoured them faster than I could say “banana.” Whether it’s a lazy Sunday brunch or a special occasion, these rolls bring smiles and satisfaction in every bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are incredibly easy to prepare and require common ingredients from your pantry
- The combination of flavors creates an irresistible treat that looks stunning on any table
- Plus, they are versatile enough to enjoy for breakfast or dessert!
The reaction from my family was priceless; they couldn’t stop asking for seconds—and thirds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Overripe Bananas: Use at least three ripe bananas for optimal sweetness and flavor; the browner, the better.
- All-Purpose Flour: A must-have for that perfect dough texture; sifted flour yields the fluffiest rolls.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is ideal for sweetness in both the dough and filling.
- Active Dry Yeast: Fresh yeast ensures a great rise; check expiration dates before using!
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice; don’t skimp on this essential flavor.
- Milk: Whole milk gives richness to the dough—feel free to substitute almond or oat milk if needed.
- Butter: Melted butter enriches the dough and filling; use unsalted to control saltiness.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is perfect for making that dreamy frosting—bring it to room temperature first!
- Powdered Sugar: Essential for that sweet cream cheese frosting texture; sift for smoothness.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances flavor—go for quality here!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Stir in warm milk and melted butter until combined. Sprinkle active dry yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about five minutes until foamy.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually incorporate sifted flour, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt into your wet mixture. Stir until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface until smooth—about five minutes should do it.
Let it Rise: Place your kneaded dough in an oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm area until doubled in size—typically about one hour.
Make the Filling: While waiting for the dough to rise, mix together cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. Prepare melted butter separately to spread on rolled-out dough later.
Shape Your Rolls: Once risen, punch down your dough gently before rolling it out into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread melted butter overdo followed by an even layer of cinnamon-sugar mix before rolling tightly into a log shape.
Bake Your Rolls: Slice your rolled log into equal pieces (about 12). Arrange them snugly in a greased baking dish and let them rise again briefly while preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Create Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fluffy and smooth—this is where dreams come true!
Enjoy these delightful Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls fresh out of the oven topped lavishly with cream cheese frosting! Each bite offers soft textures complemented by sweet flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
You Must Know
- Baking banana bread cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting combines classic comfort with a delightful twist
- The aroma fills your kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste before they even cool
- Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these treats are truly irresistible
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the banana bread dough while preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough is prepared, roll it out and fill it with cinnamon and sugar before slicing into rolls. This ensures everything bakes evenly and rises perfectly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts or chocolate chips for an extra flavor boost. You can also experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom to personalize the filling. This way, every batch can be uniquely yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For reheating, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them in a toaster oven until they’re perfectly cozy again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture in your rolls
- When rolling out the dough, ensure it’s not too thick; this allows for easy slicing and filling
- Lastly, let the cream cheese frosting set slightly before serving so it doesn’t ooze everywhere
Baking these delicious banana bread cinnamon rolls reminds me of my grandma’s kitchen filled with laughter and sweet aromas during family gatherings. It’s a memory I cherish every time I bake!
FAQ
How long do banana bread cinnamon rolls last?
Banana bread cinnamon rolls can last up to three days when stored properly.
Can I freeze banana bread cinnamon rolls?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking or after cooling completely.
What if I don’t have cream cheese for frosting?
You can use buttercream or a simple glaze as an alternative frosting option!
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 rolls 1x
Description
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are fluffy, sweet rolls infused with ripe bananas and warm cinnamon, topped with creamy frosting—perfect for breakfast or dessert!
Ingredients
- 3 overripe bananas
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Mash bananas in a large bowl. Mix in warm milk and melted butter. Sprinkle yeast on top; let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Combine ingredients: Gradually add sifted flour, sugar, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes.
- Let it rise: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
- Make filling: Mix cinnamon and sugar in a bowl; prepare melted butter separately.
- Shape rolls: Punch down risen dough and roll into a rectangle. Spread melted butter and sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mix evenly. Roll tightly into a log shape and slice into equal pieces.
- Bake: Place sliced rolls in a greased baking dish, let them rise briefly while preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Make frosting: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
- Serve: Top warm rolls with cream cheese frosting before enjoying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (75g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
