Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

The idea for these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls was born on a lazy Sunday morning when I had two ripe bananas sitting on the counter and a serious craving for cinnamon rolls. I couldn’t choose between baking my usual banana bread or making cinnamon rolls—so I combined them. The result? Warm, fluffy, cinnamon-swirled rolls infused with banana flavor and topped with a thick cream cheese frosting.

These rolls are perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or anytime you want something cozy, sweet, and special. If you love the moist tenderness of banana bread and the comforting swirl of cinnamon rolls, this recipe is your dream come true.

Why Banana Bread and Cinnamon Rolls Are a Match Made in Heaven

Using Ripe Bananas in Dough

Ripe bananas don’t just add flavor—they add natural moisture and sweetness to the dough. The banana puree gets mixed right into the base, giving these cinnamon rolls that signature banana bread taste without needing extra sugar.

Texture: Moist Meets Fluffy

Banana bread tends to be dense, but in this recipe, the banana blends into a yeast-based dough. The result is a fluffy cinnamon roll with a soft, tender bite that melts in your mouth, especially when topped with rich cream cheese frosting.

The Ultimate Cinnamon Swirl and Frosting Combo

Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Filling

This filling is simple but classic: brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter. Once rolled up, the mixture melts into every spiral, creating that gooey cinnamon swirl everyone craves.

Cream Cheese Frosting Perfection

For the frosting, all you need is cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla. You’ll want to frost the rolls while they’re still warm, so the topping melts slightly and drips into every crevice.

Baking and Storing Like a Pro

Letting the Dough Rise Right

Patience pays off here. Let your dough rise twice—once in the bowl, and again after rolling and slicing the cinnamon rolls. This gives you airy, fluffy layers that hold their shape and soak up all that cinnamon-sugar goodness.

Best Way to Store and Reheat

These rolls are best fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven, and they’ll be just as gooey and satisfying.

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

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• Author: Chloe
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a cozy twist on classic rolls, made with ripe bananas, filled with cinnamon sugar, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

4 cups all-purpose flour

2 1/4 tsp instant yeast

2 medium ripe bananas, mashed

1/2 cup warm whole milk

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 tsp salt

3/4 cup brown sugar (for filling)

1 tbsp ground cinnamon

2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for filling)

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

2 tsp vanilla extract

1–2 tbsp milk (optional, for frosting consistency)

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Instructions

1. Warm milk to 110°F. Stir in yeast and 1 tsp sugar. Let sit 5 minutes.

2. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, eggs, sugar, and melted butter. Add yeast mixture.

3. Stir in flour and salt. Knead until dough is smooth and elastic (7–10 minutes).

4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour until doubled.

5. Roll dough into 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over surface.

6. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly.

7. Roll tightly and slice into 12 pieces. Place in greased 9×13 pan.

8. Cover and let rise 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F.

9. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.

10. Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add milk if needed.

11. Frost warm rolls and serve immediately.

Notes

Use very ripe bananas for best flavor and moisture.

Make ahead: Assemble rolls the night before and bake in the morning.

Store leftovers covered and reheat gently before serving.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 340
• Sugar: 26g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: Banana Bread, Cinnamon Rolls, Brunch Recipes

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Warm milk to 110°F. Stir in yeast and 1 tsp sugar. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, eggs, sugar, and melted butter. Add yeast mixture.
3. Stir in flour and salt. Knead by hand or mixer until dough is smooth and elastic (7–10 minutes).
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour until doubled.
5. Roll dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over surface.
6. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over butter.
7. Roll up from long edge and cut into 12 slices. Place in a greased 9×13 inch pan.
8. Cover and let rise another 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F.
9. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
10. Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add milk for thinner consistency.
11. Frost warm rolls and serve immediately.

FAQ About Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Can I make them the night before?
Yes! Assemble the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them rise at room temp for 30–40 minutes before baking.

Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Freeze unbaked rolls in the pan, then thaw and bake as usual. Or freeze baked (unfrosted) rolls and frost fresh after reheating.

What if I don’t have ripe bananas?
Place unripe bananas in a 300°F oven for 15 minutes to ripen quickly.

Can I make them dairy-free?
Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese to adapt this recipe easily.

How long do they stay fresh?
Best within 2 days at room temperature or up to 4 days refrigerated. Reheat for best texture.