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.
