These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a yummy twist on a classic treat! Soft, sweet rolls filled with bananas and cinnamon are topped with a creamy frosting that makes them perfect for breakfast or dessert.
You’ll be tempted to have a second (or third) helping, and I can’t blame you! They smell amazing while baking. Just wait until you spread that cream cheese frosting on top—pure joy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: Mashed ripe bananas are key for moisture and flavor. If you’re out of bananas, unsweetened applesauce can be a good substitute, though it’ll change the flavor slightly.
Active Dry Yeast: This is important for the rise! If you prefer, you can use instant yeast—just skip the activation step. You can also use a quick-acting baking powder (but the texture and flavor will differ).
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred to control salt levels. For a dairy-free option, substitute with coconut oil or vegan butter.
Cream Cheese: The frosting gets its tangy flavor from cream cheese. You could replace it with a non-dairy cream cheese for a vegan choice, or even Greek yogurt if you’re looking for something lighter.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare Dough for Cinnamon Rolls?
Making the dough is straightforward, but here are some essential tips for success. First, make sure your yeast is fresh; it should foam when activated. When mixing, combine dry and wet ingredients gently to avoid overworking the dough, which should be soft but not sticky.
- Start kneading on a floured surface after mixing until smooth and elastic. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes.
- Let your dough rise in a warm spot. If your kitchen is chilly, placing it in a turned-off oven with the light on can help it rise effectively.
Getting the dough right will give you those fluffy, tender rolls that everyone loves! Enjoy baking these delightful banana bread cinnamon rolls!
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium bananas)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/3 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Filling:
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 to 2 Tbsp milk or cream (optional, to thin frosting)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and 2 hours for rising and baking time. You can expect to spend around 30-40 minutes for actual hands-on work in the kitchen, followed by some rising time for the dough. It’s well worth the wait for those fluffy, soft cinnamon rolls!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to help your rolls rise!
2. Prepare Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly until very smooth. Then add in the sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until well blended. Next, stir in the foamy yeast mixture until fully combined.
3. Add Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough begins to form. If the dough is too sticky, slowly add in more flour until it’s soft but not sticky to touch.
4. Knead Dough:
Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead it for about 6-8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. This step is key for developing the gluten that gives the rolls their structure!
5. First Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
6. Prepare Filling:
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the brown sugar and cinnamon until it forms a smooth paste. This sweet mixture will create a delicious swirl in your rolls!
7. Roll Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release some of the air. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 12×16 inches in size.
8. Add Filling:
Spread the cinnamon-sugar butter evenly over the entire surface of the rolled-out dough, making sure to cover it well.
9. Form Rolls:
Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Be sure to pinch the seam closed to keep the filling from spilling out.
10. Cut Rolls:
Slicing the log into 12 equal pieces (each about 1 to 1.5 inches thick) will create your rolls. You can use a sharp knife or dental floss for a clean cut!
11. Second Rise:
Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, leaving a bit of space between each. Cover again and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they look puffy.
12. Preheat Oven:
While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when they are!
13. Bake Rolls:
Once the rolls have puffed up nicely, bake them in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown. If they are browning too quickly, place a piece of foil over the top to prevent burning.
14. Make Frosting:
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, followed by the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. If the frosting is too thick, add in milk or cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach desired consistency.
15. Frost Rolls:
Once the rolls are out of the oven and cooled slightly, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top while they are still warm. This allows it to melt slightly into the rolls—yum!
16. Serve:
Enjoy these banana bread cinnamon rolls warm for the most delightful flavor! They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of the day!
These indulgent banana bread cinnamon rolls combine the tender moistness of banana bread with the cozy spiced swirl and tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch treat!
FAQ for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work well, but be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. This will give you the right consistency for the dough.
Can I Make These Cinnamon Rolls Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover them tightly in the baking pan, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This will save you time in the morning!
How Should I Store Leftover Rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just remember to reheat before serving!
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese Frosting?
Definitely! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can replace the cream cheese frosting with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Alternatively, a vegan cream cheese or buttercream frosting can also be used for dairy-free versions.
