Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls: A Springtime Delight
Banana bread cinnamon rolls are the ultimate fusion of two beloved classics—moist banana bread and gooey cinnamon rolls—topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for spring mornings, these rolls are soft, sweet, and made for sharing. Inspired by cozy weekend brunches and my grandmother’s baking, this recipe has become a seasonal staple in my kitchen.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
- Fusion of Favorites: Merges the comforting taste of banana bread with the indulgence of cinnamon rolls.
- Perfect for Spring: Light, fruity, and aromatic—ideal for brunches and gatherings.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with nuts, chocolate chips, or even a caramel drizzle.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance for stress-free entertaining.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm whole milk (110°F)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 to 4½ cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (for desired consistency)
Step-by-Step Instruction for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
1. Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add sugar, melted butter, mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until it forms a spreadable paste.
3. Assemble the Rolls
- Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a 16×10-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the dough. Sprinkle chopped nuts if using.
- Form the Rolls: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut into 12 equal slices.
- Arrange in Pan: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
4. Second Rise
Cover the pan with a damp cloth and let the rolls rise for another 30–45 minutes until puffy.
5. Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
6. Prepare the Frosting
While the rolls are baking, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, beating until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
7. Frost and Serve
Once the rolls are slightly cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over them. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Success for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
- Use Overripe Bananas: They provide natural sweetness and moisture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Don’t Overflour: Adding too much flour can make the rolls dense. The dough should be slightly sticky.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.
Variations
- Chocolate Chip Banana Rolls: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the filling.
- Caramel Drizzle: Top the frosted rolls with a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Vegan Version: Substitute dairy and eggs with plant-based alternatives.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls ?
A: Yes! Freeze the baked and cooled rolls without frosting. Thaw and warm them before adding fresh frosting.
Q: How long do these rolls stay fresh?
A: Stored in an airtight container, they stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Absolutely. Instant yeast can be mixed directly with the dry ingredients without proofing.
Q: What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
A: No problem! You can mix and knead the dough by hand; it just requires a bit more effort.
Brunch Pairings & Sweet Baking Inspiration
- These rolls are perfect alongside a light Easy Frittata Recipe for a balanced brunch spread.
- Craving more cream cheese magic? Try these Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes—they’re fruity and festive.
- Add some tropical flair with Coconut Cream Pie Cupcakes.
- Bake a bright batch of Lemon Cupcakes with Blueberry Buttercream for a citrusy finish.
- Feeling floral and fun? You’ll love the pastel charm of Spring Blossom Cookies.
- Go extra fancy with Vanilla Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Cupcakes—perfect for showers or tea parties.
- For another fruity twist, bake Strawberry Brownies with your leftover jam or berries.
- Want a savory brunch hero? These Breakfast Enchiladas Summer Recipe bring the heat and heartiness.
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Soft and gooey banana bread cinnamon rolls topped with cream cheese frosting. A spring brunch dream for your table!
- Mixing Bowl
- Rolling Pin
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish
Dough
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- 4 to 4½ cups all-purpose flour
Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tbsp butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp milk (for consistency)
Activate yeast in warm milk. Add sugar, butter, mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla. Mix well.
Gradually mix in flour and salt. Knead until dough is smooth. Let rise until doubled in size.
Roll out dough, spread filling mixture, roll into a log, and slice into rolls.
Place rolls in a greased pan, cover and let rise again. Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes.
Make frosting by beating all ingredients until smooth. Spread over warm rolls and serve.
Refrigerate leftover rolls and reheat gently. Customize with chocolate chips or caramel for variation.
Conclusion
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful twist on two classic favorites. Perfect for spring gatherings, brunches, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, they bring warmth and joy to any table. The combination of moist banana-infused dough, spiced cinnamon filling, and creamy frosting is sure to make this recipe a cherished addition to your baking repertoire.
