Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect fusion of two beloved baked goods. Imagine the warm, comforting flavor of banana bread rolled into the rich, gooey layers of a cinnamon roll—all smothered in a silky, tangy cream cheese frosting. This hybrid creation captures everything you love about classic breakfast pastries while introducing the natural sweetness and moist texture of ripe bananas. Whether you’re baking for a cozy weekend brunch, a special celebration, or just to make your kitchen smell like heaven, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and impress everyone lucky enough to snag a roll.
These cinnamon rolls are more than just a sweet treat—they’re an experience. The banana flavor is subtle yet distinct, perfectly complementing the cinnamon-sugar swirl that defines this breakfast classic. The dough is soft and fluffy, with just enough chew to hold up to the generous slathering of cream cheese frosting. From their golden-brown tops to their gooey, spiraled centers, these rolls deliver warmth, sweetness, and nostalgia in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to adore about these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting that it’s hard to know where to begin. First and foremost, they’re the ultimate mash-up of two classic comfort foods—moist, sweet banana bread and soft, spiraled cinnamon rolls. This recipe takes the cozy familiarity of banana bread and folds it into the rich, gooey charm of cinnamon rolls, creating a hybrid dessert that’s both nostalgic and new. The banana-infused dough brings a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture with just the right hint of natural sweetness and warmth, elevating the roll beyond anything you’ve tried before.
Second, these rolls are a brilliant way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter, but instead of the usual banana bread loaf, you’re treated to golden, spiraled buns laced with cinnamon sugar and dripping in creamy frosting. Third, the cream cheese frosting isn’t just a topping—it’s a decadent cloud of tangy sweetness that balances out the warmth of the cinnamon and the softness of the banana dough. Each bite delivers a perfect trifecta of flavors and textures: fluffy, gooey, and frosted.
Fourth, this recipe is wonderfully beginner-friendly. The dough is forgiving, the steps are easy to follow, and even if you’re new to baking with yeast, the results are incredibly rewarding. Fifth, the recipe is highly customizable to suit your taste—add toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch, mini chocolate chips for a hint of decadence, or even a drizzle of caramel or maple glaze for an extra layer of indulgence.
Sixth, they’re perfect for any occasion—from brunch with friends and holiday breakfasts to cozy weekend baking sessions. These rolls are just as welcome at a baby shower or birthday as they are at your breakfast table on a quiet Sunday morning. Finally, they’re freezer-friendly and make-ahead approved. You can prepare the dough in advance, freeze the baked rolls, and always have a comforting, bakery-style treat at the ready. Whether you’re baking for others or treating yourself, these banana bread cinnamon rolls are sure to become a favorite go-to indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Dough
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2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
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¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
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½ cup granulated sugar
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½ cup mashed ripe bananas (about 1 large banana)
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¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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4 to 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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¾ tsp salt
For the Filling
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¾ cup brown sugar, packed
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2 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
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⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
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Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 ½ cups powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
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1–2 tbsp milk (to adjust consistency)
Preparation (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk and sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
To the yeast mixture, add mashed banana, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Mix on low until well combined.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Gradually add flour and salt to the bowl, 1 cup at a time, mixing with a dough hook or wooden spoon. Start with 4 cups and add more if needed until the dough pulls away from the sides and is slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes using a stand mixer or 8–10 minutes by hand, until smooth and elastic.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 6: Make the Filling
In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside. Lightly flour your surface and roll the risen dough into a large rectangle, approximately 16×12 inches. Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Add nuts if using.
Step 7: Roll and Cut
Tightly roll the dough from the long side into a log. Slice into 12 even rolls using dental floss or a sharp knife. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 8: Second Rise
Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes, or until puffy.
Step 9: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and the centers are cooked through. If the tops brown too quickly, tent with foil halfway through.
Step 10: Make the Frosting
While rolls bake, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and enough milk to reach desired consistency. Beat until light and fluffy.
Step 11: Frost and Serve
Let the rolls cool slightly, then generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. Serve and enjoy!
Variations
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Chocolate Banana Rolls: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolatey twist.
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Maple Glaze Instead: Swap the cream cheese frosting for a maple glaze made with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of milk.
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Caramel Drizzle: Add a drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the frosted rolls.
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Vegan Version: Use dairy-free butter, plant-based milk, and vegan cream cheese for a completely vegan treat.
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Banana Nut Rolls: Stir chopped walnuts into the dough for added texture.
Cooking Note
Make sure your bananas are overripe for the best flavor and moisture. The more speckled and soft, the better. Also, avoid adding too much flour—sticky dough makes fluffier rolls. And don’t skip the second rise—it’s key to achieving that pillowy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cinnamon rolls warm with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting breakfast or brunch. They also make a decadent dessert or afternoon snack. Add fresh fruit on the side or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Tips
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Warm your milk to around 110°F—too hot and it can kill the yeast.
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Use room-temperature eggs to help the dough rise evenly.
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Use unflavored dental floss to slice the dough cleanly without squishing the rolls.
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Let the rolls cool slightly before frosting, so the icing melts into the spirals but doesn’t fully melt off.
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Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Rising Time: 2 hours
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
Nutritional Information (per roll – approx.)
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Calories: 380
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Protein: 5g
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Carbohydrates: 50g
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Fat: 17g
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Saturated Fat: 10g
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Sodium: 180mg
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Sugar: 26g
FAQs
Can I make these cinnamon rolls the night before?
Yes! This recipe is ideal for overnight prep. Simply prepare the dough, roll and slice the cinnamon rolls, place them in your baking dish, and cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate overnight. In the morning, allow the rolls to come to room temperature and complete their second rise for about 45–60 minutes before baking. This makes breakfast or brunch a breeze.
Can I freeze the rolls after baking?
Absolutely. Once the cinnamon rolls have cooled completely, you can wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or microwave for 30–60 seconds. You can also warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. If they’re already frosted, the frosting will melt slightly—still delicious!
Can I use gluten-free flour in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. While the texture may be a little different—slightly more tender or crumbly—the flavor remains every bit as comforting and indulgent. Be sure your blend includes xanthan gum for elasticity, or add it separately according to the package instructions.
Can I make this recipe without a stand mixer?
Definitely. While a stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading easier and faster, this recipe can absolutely be done by hand. Mix your dough ingredients in a large bowl, then knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. It may take a bit more effort, but the results will still be soft and fluffy.
Can I skip the cream cheese frosting?
Technically, yes—but we highly recommend keeping it. The tangy, creamy frosting perfectly balances the sweetness of the banana and the spiced cinnamon swirl, creating that ideal flavor harmony. If you prefer something lighter, you could opt for a vanilla glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar, but the classic cream cheese version really takes these rolls over the top.
Conclusion
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate fusion of two beloved comfort food classics—moist, sweet banana bread and gooey, spiced cinnamon rolls. Together, they create a breakfast or brunch centerpiece that’s both nostalgic and exciting, familiar yet elevated. With their tender banana-infused dough, cinnamon-sugar swirl, and luscious cream cheese frosting, these rolls deliver layers of flavor and texture in every bite. They’re the perfect way to use up ripe bananas while treating yourself and others to something truly special. Whether you’re serving them fresh out of the oven on a cozy weekend morning, prepping them the night before for a stress-free gathering, or freezing them for an indulgent treat down the line, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Try them once, and you’ll keep coming back—because these cinnamon rolls don’t just meet expectations, they redefine them. Soft, sweet, spiced, and unforgettable—they’re everything you want in a homemade baked good and more.
