The scent of freshly baked Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting wafts through the air, making your mouth water in anticipation. Imagine sinking your teeth into warm, fluffy dough swirled with sweet cinnamon and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that makes every bite feel like a hug for your taste buds.
Growing up, my family had this tradition of Sunday brunch where we’d gather over plates of sticky pastries and fresh fruit. The highlight was always those famous rolls my aunt made—except she didn’t make them from scratch; she used the magic of store-bought dough. But today? Today we’re going all out!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These banana bread cinnamon rolls are incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion
- With their sweet aroma and delightful cream cheese topping, they are visually stunning on any brunch table
- Plus, they are versatile enough to serve as breakfast or dessert!
One time, I made these rolls for a potluck, and let’s just say they vanished faster than my willpower at a cookie store!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious treats:
- Ripe Bananas: Choose bananas that are overly ripe for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for a light texture; it works best in baking.
- Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness; feel free to adjust based on your preference.
- Baking Powder: Ensure it’s fresh for the best rise; check expiration dates!
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is key; it gives those classic roll flavors we all adore.
- Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter to ensure even mixing throughout the batter.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese works best for that rich frosting flavor everyone loves.
- Powdered Sugar: This sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting; sift it for smoothness.
- Milk: A little milk adjusts the consistency of the frosting perfectly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
The Dough Base: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mash those ripe bananas until smooth—no lumps allowed! Add in sugar and melted butter, mixing until combined.
Add Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, being gentle to retain fluffiness.
Knead the Dough: Lightly flour your countertop and turn out the dough onto it. Knead gently until just combined—about 1-2 minutes will do! You want it soft but not sticky.
Shape and Roll Out Dough: Roll out your dough into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Spread softened butter over the surface—this is where magical cinnamon goodness happens next!
Add Filling and Roll Up: Sprinkle sugar mixed with cinnamon evenly over the buttered area. Carefully roll up from one side to form a log shape—slice even pieces using dental floss or a sharp knife.
Bake Your Rolls: Place sliced rolls in a greased baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Let them cool slightly before slathering on that irresistible cream cheese frosting!
Enjoy these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting as a delightful breakfast treat or an indulgent dessert—you’ll never want regular old cinnamon rolls again!
You Must Know
- Mastering Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting transforms breakfast into a delightful treat
- These rolls are fluffy and aromatic, filling your kitchen with warm, inviting scents
- Perfect for brunch or as a sweet snack, they offer comfort with every bite
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing your banana bread dough first. While it bakes, prepare the cinnamon filling to save time and ensure everything is hot and fresh when served.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture. You can also experiment with flavored cream cheese to customize your frosting according to your mood.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make your rolls extra fluffy, let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes before rolling
- Avoid overmixing to keep them light and airy
- If you prefer a sweeter roll, add more sugar to the filling or frosting
Sometimes, I find myself reminiscing about that one breakfast gathering where my friends devoured these rolls so quickly, I barely snagged one for myself!
FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe? Yes, thawed frozen bananas work wonderfully in banana bread.
How can I make my cream cheese frosting fluffier? Beat the frosting longer to incorporate more air and achieve a lighter texture.
What’s the best way to store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful fusion of soft, sweet dough and creamy frosting, perfect for brunch or dessert.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mash ripe bananas until smooth. Mix in sugar and melted butter.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the banana mixture until just combined.
- Lightly flour your countertop and knead the dough for 1-2 minutes until soft but not sticky.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle (½ inch thick). Spread softened butter over it and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into equal pieces using dental floss or a sharp knife.
- Place in a greased baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly before frosting with cream cheese icing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (65g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
