🍌 Banana Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

Soft, fluffy banana-infused cinnamon rolls topped with tangy cream cheese frosting — your new favorite twist on a classic treat.

📝 Recipe Card

Servings: 12 rolls
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Dietary Badges: Vegetarian, Nut-Optional (walnuts can be omitted)

Ingredients

For the Dough

• Warm milk (about 110°F)

• Active dry yeast

• Granulated sugar

• Melted unsalted butter

• Large eggs (room temperature)

• Salt

• All-purpose flour

• Mashed ripe bananas

For the Filling

• Softened unsalted butter

• Brown sugar (light or dark)

• Ground cinnamon

• Chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Icing

• Softened cream cheese

• Softened unsalted butter

• Powdered sugar

• Vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast
   Combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Make the dough
   Mix melted butter, sugar, eggs, and salt into the yeast mixture. Add mashed bananas. Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead & rise
   Knead dough for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (about 1 hour).

4. Prepare the filling
   In a bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

5. Roll & fill
   Roll out dough into a rectangle. Spread the filling mixture evenly and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.

6. Shape rolls
   Roll up tightly from the long edge. Slice into 12 even rolls.

7. Second rise
   Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.

8. Bake
   Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden.

9. Make the icing
   Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy.

10. Frost & serve
    Spread icing over warm rolls. Enjoy!

Quick Tips

• Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor.

• No walnuts? Simply omit for a nut-free version.

• Rolls can be prepped the night before and baked fresh in the morning.

🍽️ Introduction

Sometimes, cinnamon rolls just need an upgrade. These Banana Cinnamon Rolls blend the classic gooey cinnamon swirl with the comforting sweetness of ripe bananas. Topped with tangy cream cheese icing, they’re a show-stopper for brunch or a cozy treat anytime. (Confession: I ate three straight out of the oven.)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Making the Dough

• Activate yeast: The milk should feel like a warm bath — too hot and it’ll kill the yeast.

• Mix ingredients: Don’t worry if the dough feels sticky at first; it will smooth out with kneading.

First Rise

• Let the dough double in size. This can take up to 90 minutes, depending on room temperature.

Filling & Shaping

• Roll dough: Aim for a ¼ inch thickness.

• Spread filling: Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.

• Roll & cut: Dental floss works great for slicing clean rolls!

Second Rise & Baking

• The rolls should puff up again before baking. This helps achieve the signature fluffiness.

• Bake until just golden — overbaking dries them out.

Icing

• Beat the icing until completely smooth to avoid lumps. Spread while rolls are still warm so it melts into the swirls.

🥣 Ingredient Insights & Substitutions

• Milk: Whole milk is ideal, but 2% works too.

• Butter: Salted butter can be used — just reduce added salt slightly.

• Bananas: The riper, the better (brown spots are perfect).

• Walnuts: Pecans or no nuts are fine substitutes.

• Flour: All-purpose flour is standard. For a whole wheat version, replace up to 50% of the flour.

🔄 Variations & Serving Suggestions

Flavor Variations:

• Add chocolate chips to the filling.

• Swap walnuts for pecans or omit for nut-free rolls.

• Sprinkle a touch of sea salt on the frosting for a sweet-salty finish.

Dietary Variations:

• Nut-Free: Omit walnuts.

• Dairy-Free: Substitute almond milk and dairy-free butter/cream cheese.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve warm with coffee or chai. Great for brunch gatherings or holiday mornings.

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead

Storage:
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 5 days.

Reheating:
Warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.

Make-Ahead Tip:
Prepare rolls the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking in the morning.

🔎 FAQs

Can I freeze the unbaked rolls?
Yes! Freeze after shaping. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then proceed with the second rise.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?
Use a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk with a splash of vanilla.

Can I use bread flour?
Yes — it will make the rolls slightly chewier.

💬 Personal Note

This recipe was inspired by a batch of overripe bananas and a Sunday craving for cinnamon rolls. The banana not only adds flavor but also keeps the rolls incredibly moist. Trust me — once you try these, plain cinnamon rolls will feel like a missed opportunity.

❤️ Tried This Recipe?

Tag your rolls with #MyBananaRolls on Instagram or drop a comment below! I’d love to see how they turned out and hear your tweaks or serving ideas.