Banana bread cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting are the delightful combination of two beloved treats that will make your taste buds dance. Imagine biting into a warm roll that’s soft, gooey, and bursting with the comforting flavors of ripe bananas and fragrant cinnamon while topped with luscious cream cheese frosting.
These rolls aren’t just food; they’re a hug in pastry form! Picture a Sunday morning where the aroma of fresh-baked goodness fills your kitchen and coaxing everyone out of bed becomes an easier task than herding cats. You might even hear the angels sing when you pull these beauties from the oven!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These scrumptious rolls combine familiar flavors in a unique twist that’s sure to impress
- The prep is straightforward, making it perfect for both novice bakers and pros alike
- They boast beautiful swirls and an inviting aroma that makes them hard to resist
- Versatile enough for breakfast or dessert, they’ll become a family favorite in no time
I once made these banana bread cinnamon rolls for brunch with friends, and let’s just say I barely got a chance to enjoy one before they vanished! Everyone was raving about them, asking for seconds.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ripe Bananas: Choose bananas that are overly ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour works best here; sifted helps achieve a light texture.
- Brown Sugar: The deeper flavor of brown sugar complements the bananas beautifully.
- Cinnamon: Opt for freshly ground cinnamon for an aromatic kick that enhances the overall flavor.
- Yeast: Use active dry yeast; ensure it’s fresh for optimal rise.
- Butter: Melted butter adds richness; I prefer unsalted to control seasoning.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese creates a heavenly frosting; full-fat varieties yield the creamiest texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enriches the flavor profile; avoid imitation if possible.
- Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess to both dough and frosting; you can use almond milk if desired.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, mash 3 ripe bananas until smooth. Warm 1 cup of milk slightly (not hot) and mix in 1 packet of yeast until frothy. Combine mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract into the yeast mixture.
Add Flour and Knead: Gradually stir in 4 cups of all-purpose flour along with 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix until combined; then knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Let it Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Allow it to rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—around 1-2 hours should do it.
Create the Filling: While waiting for dough magic to happen, mix together ½ cup of brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This filling will pack all those delightful flavors.
Shape Your Rolls: After rising time is up, punch down the dough! Roll it out into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick on a floured surface. Spread softened butter over the surface before sprinkling your cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly.
Cut and Prepare For Baking: Carefully roll up the dough tightly from one end to another into a log shape. Cut into 12 equal pieces using dental floss or a sharp knife for clean edges. Arrange them in a greased baking dish.
Strong>Final Rise Before Baking : Cover your rolled-up beauties with plastic wrap again and let them rise for about 30 minutes until puffy.
Bake Away!: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake those gorgeous rolls for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top and smelling irresistible!
Create Cream Cheese Frosting : While they bake away happily in their oven paradise, beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with ½ cup of butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar gradually along with vanilla extract until creamy perfection forms.
The Final Touch : Once out of the oven (and after cooling slightly), generously slather your cream cheese frosting onto each roll while still warm so it melts just right!
Now you stand back marveling at your creation—banana bread cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting! Just be prepared when family or friends ask you how you created such magic because these will disappear faster than you can say “more please.”
Enjoy every gooey bite as you sip coffee or tea—a perfect pairing!
You Must Know
- Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting deliver a delightful twist on breakfast
- The warm, sweet aroma fills your kitchen, making it hard to resist
- These rolls are perfect for brunch gatherings or cozy weekends when you want something special without too much fuss
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by making the banana bread dough first; let it rise while you prepare the filling and frosting. This sequence saves time and ensures everything is fresh and warm when serving.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor. You can also experiment with flavored cream cheese for a unique twist on the frosting.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat them in the microwave for about 15 seconds for that just-baked warmth.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect rolls, ensure your bananas are overripe; they add sweetness and moisture
- When rolling the dough, avoid overstuffing to keep them from bursting during baking
- Lastly, allow the frosted rolls to cool briefly before serving; this enhances the flavors beautifully
The first time I made these banana bread cinnamon rolls, my friends devoured them in minutes. Their smiles and delighted “Mmmms” made every flour-covered moment worth it!
FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, thawed frozen bananas work perfectly for making banana bread dough.
How do I know when my rolls are done baking?
When golden brown on top and a toothpick comes out clean, they’re ready!
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare them the night before and bake them fresh in the morning.
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in these irresistible Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls topped with creamy frosting, a delightful twist perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- ½ cup unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Mash bananas and warm milk. Mix in yeast until frothy, then combine with bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla.
- Add Flour: Gradually stir in flour and salt. Knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.
- Let it Rise: Cover dough in a greased bowl and let rise in a warm place until doubled (1-2 hours).
- Create Filling: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Shape Rolls: Roll the dough into a rectangle, spread butter, sprinkle filling, roll tightly, and cut into pieces.
- Final Rise: Let rolls rise again for 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Make Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese with butter and powdered sugar until creamy.
- Top Rolls: Frost the warm rolls before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (85g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
