These banana bread cinnamon rolls are a fun twist on a classic! Soft and fluffy, these rolls are filled with sweet cinnamon and topped with creamy cream cheese frosting that is just oh-so-delicious!
Honestly, who can resist a warm roll fresh out of the oven? I love to enjoy them with a cup of tea—it’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds! Plus, they’re a perfect way to use those ripe bananas lying around.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are essential for this recipe, as they provide natural sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have ripe ones, you can ripen them quickly by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or so.
Butter: I recommend unsalted butter for this recipe to better control the saltiness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, melted coconut oil works nicely as a substitute.
Active Dry Yeast: This ingredient helps the dough rise. If you have instant yeast on hand, you can use that instead without needing to activate it beforehand.
Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture and flavor for the frosting. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese.
What’s the Best Way to Knead Dough?
Kneading the dough is important for developing gluten, which gives the rolls their soft texture. Here’s a simple way to knead:
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and push it down with the palms of your hands.
- Fold the dough in half, then rotate it a quarter turn.
- Repeat this process for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Don’t rush it—this helps your rolls achieve that perfect, pillowy texture!
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients You Will Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk (optional, to thin if needed)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe requires about 20 minutes for prep, and the total baking and rising time is around 2.5 hours. You’ll spend a little time mixing and rolling out the dough, waiting for it to rise, and then baking it to golden perfection. The reward is fresh, warm cinnamon rolls topped with luscious cream cheese frosting!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it gets nice and foamy. This shows that your yeast is working and ready to help the dough rise!
2. Mix the Dough Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, granulated sugar, melted butter, and egg. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, pour the foamy yeast mixture into the banana mixture and stir to combine. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring as you go. You want to create a soft dough.
4. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This step is important for getting that wonderful texture!
5. Let the Dough Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. Patience is key here!
6. Prepare the Cinnamon Filling:
While the dough is rising, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl until everything is well blended. This will create your delicious filling!
7. Shape the Rolls:
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 16 inches wide by 12 inches tall. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface.
8. Roll and Slice:
Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut this log into 12 equal slices and place them evenly spaced in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
9. Second Rise:
Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap or a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes until they look puffy and delightful. This helps them get that lovely fluffy texture!
10. Bake the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
11. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting by beating the softened cream cheese and butter together until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. If the frosting is too thick, add milk a tiny bit at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
12. Frost and Enjoy:
Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 10 minutes before spreading the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful treat!
This recipe yields warm, fluffy banana bread cinnamon rolls topped with delicious cream cheese frosting—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack!
FAQ for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting
Can I Use Overripe Bananas?
Absolutely! In fact, overripe bananas are ideal for this recipe as they are sweeter and easier to mash. Just make sure they are still safe to eat!
Can I Make the Dough in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time! After the first rise, you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature and rise again before shaping the rolls.
How Do I Store Leftover Rolls?
The rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge or freeze them for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese in the Frosting?
Yes! If you prefer a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or whipped mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be slightly different!
