Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

If you’re looking to elevate your breakfast or brunch game, these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe are an absolute must-try. Imagine the luscious flavors of moist banana bread swirled into soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls, then generously topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese icing. This delightful fusion will have your kitchen smelling heavenly and your taste buds dancing with joy. It’s like two favorite treats combined into one glorious masterpiece that everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s building the dough’s soft texture, delivering that irresistible cinnamon spice, or creating the luscious icing to top it all off.

• Milk (1 cup lukewarm): Warming the milk helps activate the yeast, making your dough light and airy.
• Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons + 4 tablespoons + 4 tablespoons): Butter enriches the dough and filling with creamy goodness and tenderizes the crumb.
• Granulated sugar (½ cup): Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors in the dough.
• All-purpose flour (4 ½-5 cups): The foundation for the dough; adding it gradually ensures the perfect dough consistency.
• Instant yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): Helps the dough rise beautifully and develop that soft texture.
• Salt (1½ teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering sweetness.
• Mashed banana (½ cup): Naturally sweet and moist, bananas bring that rich banana bread essence into the rolls.
• Light brown sugar (½ cup): Injects caramel notes that complement the cinnamon perfectly in the filling.
• Cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The warm spice star of the filling, creating cozy, irresistible flavor.
• Bananas (2 large, thinly sliced): Fresh slices add texture and amplify the banana bread vibe in every bite.
• Heavy cream (¼ cup slightly warmed): Poured over the rolls before baking to keep them wonderfully moist.
• Cream cheese (4 ounces softened): The base of the icing, providing smooth creaminess with a slight tang.
• Powdered sugar (1 ½ cups): Sweetens and thickens the icing for that perfect spreadable consistency.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, aromatic depth to the cream cheese icing.

How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Warm Milk Mixture

Start by warming the milk along with the butter and granulated sugar until the butter is completely melted and the temperature hits about 120°F to 130°F. This temperature range is crucial—it activates the yeast without killing it, which means your dough will get the perfect rise and fluffiness we all want.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In your mixer bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and salt. Pour in the warm milk mixture and mashed bananas, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. This banana addition is your magic touch, lending the dough the moistness and subtle sweetness characteristic of banana bread.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Switch to a dough hook if you’re using a stand mixer and knead on medium speed for about 6 to 8 minutes. The dough may feel sticky at first, but that’s okay! Just sprinkle in extra flour a tablespoon at a time if needed. You’re aiming for a dough that’s smooth, elastic, and just barely sticky—this will give you soft, tender rolls that aren’t dense or tough.

Step 4: First Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat every surface. Cover it and let it rise until doubled in size, typically about 1 to 1 ½ hours. During this time, the yeast works its magic, creating lightness and amazing texture in your rolls.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Roll your dough out onto a floured surface into an 18×12 inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter over the dough, leaving a small border at the top edge. Then, sprinkle the brown sugar mixed with cinnamon evenly on top. Finally, layer the banana slices to bring that fresh, fruity bite inside each roll.

Step 6: Roll and Cut

Carefully roll the dough from the long side, tucking it tightly to form a log. Pinch the seam to seal, then slice into 12 uniform rolls. Fun tip: use dental floss for clean, even cuts without squashing the soft layers.

Step 7: Second Rise

Arrange the rolls spiral side up in a greased 9×13 inch pan, then cover and let rise until puffy and nearly doubled, about 45 minutes. This second rise ensures the rolls will be soft and fluffy after baking.

Step 8: Bake the Rolls

Before they go in the oven, pour the warmed heavy cream over the rolls, which keeps them moist as they bake. Then bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes, until they’re beautifully golden brown and filling the kitchen with intoxicating cinnamon and banana aromas.

Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

While the rolls cool slightly, beat the softened cream cheese with butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until you achieve a fluffy, luscious icing. This icing is the perfect creamy topping that melts into the warm rolls for a heavenly finish.

Step 10: Ice the Rolls

Spread your cream cheese icing generously over the still-warm cinnamon rolls. The warmth helps the icing soften and seep into all those delightful swirls, making each bite irresistibly rich.

How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Garnishes

For a beautiful presentation, add a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the cream cheese icing. A dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey can also amplify both flavor and appeal. These little touches add texture and a gourmet feel to your Cinnamon Rolls.

Side Dishes

Serve these rolls alongside a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea for the ultimate cozy morning treat. A small bowl of fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt pairs wonderfully, balancing the sweet richness with some refreshing brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls as mini pull-apart buns in small ramekins for a charming individual presentation. You could also layer pieces with fresh sliced strawberries and a drizzle of maple syrup for a dessert-inspired brunch plate that surprises and delights your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled and iced, store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This preserves their soft texture and delicious flavor without any sogginess or loss of freshness.

Freezing

If you want to save some rolls for later, freeze them un-iced in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a resealable freezer bag for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and warm gently before icing.

Reheating

Warm leftover or thawed rolls in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 325°F for 10 minutes. Re-spread a small amount of cream cheese icing if needed to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast but adjust the milk temperature to around 105°F to 110°F to avoid killing the yeast. Also, expect rise times to be slightly longer, but the end result will still be delicious.

How ripe should my bananas be for the recipe?

Use bananas that are very ripe with plenty of brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture. The mushier they are, the better flavor and tenderness they’ll impart to the dough and filling.

Is it possible to make these rolls gluten-free?

While this recipe relies on all-purpose flour’s gluten for structure, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. You may need to tweak hydration levels, and the texture will be a bit different but still tasty.

Can I prepare these rolls the night before baking?

Absolutely! You can do the first rise, shape the rolls, and then cover and refrigerate them overnight. Remove from fridge and let them come to room temperature and rise slightly before baking for fresh rolls in the morning.

What is the best way to ensure soft, fluffy rolls?

Don’t over-knead the dough and avoid adding too much flour. Also, be patient during the rising phases. The warmth and time are what create that perfect softness and fluffiness you crave in cinnamon rolls.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about biting into warm, gooey Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe that makes every morning feel celebratory. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe brings a comforting twist to a classic favorite. I encourage you to give this a try—your friends and family will be asking for seconds, and you’ll love the cozy, homemade feeling it brings to your table.

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