Sweet, Spiced & Topped with Cream Cheese Icing

These Banana Cinnamon Rolls are a tender, sweet twist on classic cinnamon rolls—infused with ripe banana for natural moisture and warmth. With a gooey cinnamon-brown sugar filling and a silky cream cheese topping, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting snack.

A must-bake for banana lovers and cinnamon roll enthusiasts!


Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • 🍌 Banana-Infused Dough: Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and a subtle fruity depth.
  • 🌿 Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl: A rich, spiced center with optional nutty crunch.
  • 🧈 Buttery Softness: Melt-in-your-mouth texture from the perfect flour-to-fat ratio.
  • 🧁 Cream Cheese Icing Magic: Balances richness with tangy sweetness.
  • ⏱️ Quick Rise & Roll Method: Ready in under 3 hours—ideal for weekend baking.

Ingredients (Makes 12 rolls):

For the Dough:

  • 240ml (1 cup) warm milk (105–115°F / 40–45°C)
  • 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (or instant yeast, no proofing needed)
  • 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar
  • 115g (½ cup) melted unsalted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature for smooth blending)
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust if using salted butter)
  • 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour (or bread flour for chewier rolls)
  • 240g (2 medium) mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 tbsp)

For the Filling:

  • 115g (½ cup) unsalted butter , softened (or vegan spread)
  • 220g (1 cup) brown sugar , packed
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon (or Ceylon for milder flavor)
  • 60g chopped walnuts or pecans (optional – adds texture)

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

  • 115g (½ cup) cream cheese , softened
  • 60g (½ cup) unsalted butter , softened
  • 180g (1½ cups) powdered sugar (or confectioners’ sugar substitute)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract (or almond extract for variation)

Instructions:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, combine:

  • Warm milk
  • Yeast
  • Granulated sugar

Let sit for 5 minutes , or until foamy and fragrant—this ensures the yeast is active.


Step 2: Mix the Dough

Add:

  • Melted butter
  • Eggs
  • Salt
  • Mashed bananas

Mix well until fully combined and slightly thickened.

Gradually add flour , mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.


Step 3: Knead & Rise

Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let rise for 1 hour in a warm spot until doubled in size.


Step 4: Make the Filling

In a bowl, blend:

  • Softened butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon

until smooth and spreadable.

Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans if desired.


Step 5: Assemble the Rolls

Punch down the dough and roll it into a 20×14-inch (50×35 cm) rectangle on a floured surface.

Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border on one long edge.

Tightly roll the dough from the long side, sealing the edge with water or egg wash.

Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut into 12 equal pieces .


Step 6: Second Rise & Bake

Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish , leaving space between them.

Cover and let rise for 30 minutes while preheating oven to 350°F (175°C) .

Bake for 25–30 minutes , or until golden brown and bubbling.


Step 7: Frost While Warm

In a bowl, whip:

  • Cream cheese
  • Butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

until smooth and spreadable.

Spread over warm rolls before serving—this allows the icing to melt slightly into the rolls.

Each bite brings together:

  • Moist, banana-soft dough base
  • Sticky, spicy cinnamon-sugar swirl
  • Silky, tangy cream cheese finish
  • And optional nutty crunch

Tips for Success:

  • 🥣 Banana Tip: Use ripe bananas (with brown speckles) for maximum flavor and moisture.
  • 🧈 Butter Hack: Softened butter ensures smooth blending—never use cold butter for filling or frosting.
  • 🥟 Cutting Trick: Wrap dental floss around the roll and pull through for clean slices.
  • 🥄 Icing Adjustment: Add 1–2 tbsp milk if icing is too thick.
  • ❄️ Make Ahead Magic: Freeze unbaked rolls and bake from frozen with 5 extra minutes.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Perfect with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk.
  • Great as a breakfast treat or afternoon snack.
  • Ideal for gifting or meal prep—reheat in oven for best texture.

Nutritional Information (per roll, makes 12 – approximate):

(With regular butter and cream cheese – per serving)

  • Calories: ~300 kcal
  • Protein: ~4g
  • Carbohydrates: ~40g
  • Fat: ~15g
  • Fiber: ~1g
  • Sugar: ~20g

These Banana Cinnamon Rolls prove that banana can elevate more than just bread—it can transform pastries too. With their soft, sweet layers and creamy frosting—they’re a must-bake for lovers of bold, comforting baked goods.

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