Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the comforting flavors of banana bread with the sweet, spicy swirl of cinnamon rolls. Soft, fluffy dough enriched with ripe bananas is filled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture, baked until golden, and topped with a luscious cream cheese icing for a perfect breakfast or dessert treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk, warmed to about 110°F
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Icing
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the surface and let sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, remaining granulated sugar, melted butter, and eggs until well combined.
- Mix Dough Ingredients: Add the activated yeast mixture to the banana mixture and stir. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
- Prepare the Filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon together until smooth and cohesive. Set aside.
- Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Fill and Roll: Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape.
- Slice and Arrange: Cut the rolled dough into 12 even pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss. Place the rolls cut side up in a greased baking dish, leaving some space between each roll.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes until puffed and nearly doubled in size.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Cream Cheese Icing: While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Ice and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Spread the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and flavor in the dough.
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast.
- You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it for a slower rise and more flavor development.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream cheese with appropriate plant-based alternatives.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently before serving.
Keywords: banana bread cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls, banana bread recipe, sweet rolls, cream cheese icing, breakfast rolls
