Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

If you love the idea of combining the cozy warmth of cinnamon rolls with the moist, fruity goodness of banana bread, then this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe is absolutely for you. I’ve made these more times than I can count, especially on lazy weekend mornings when I want something comforting but still a little special. The ripe bananas add a natural sweetness and moisture that takes the cinnamon rolls to the next level.

What I adore about this recipe is how versatile it is—it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even an indulgent afternoon snack with your favorite cup of coffee or tea. Plus, the cream cheese glaze brings that classic tangy finish that balances beautifully with the warm spices and banana flavor. You’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again once you see how easy and rewarding it is to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients all work together harmoniously to give you that perfect banana bread cinnamon roll experience—moist, fluffy, and bursting with flavor. When shopping, pick the ripest bananas you can find; they make all the difference in sweetness and texture.

• Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better for sweetness and moisture—don’t shy away from bananas with brown spots!
• Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering.
• Brown Sugar: Brings a deep, caramelized flavor that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
• Melted Butter: Be sure it’s cooled slightly to avoid cooking the egg in the batter.
• Egg: Helps bind everything together and create that tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash adds warmth and depth to the dough.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure but keeps the rolls soft.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents work together to give a nice rise and lightness.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it!
• Ground Cinnamon: The star spice for that classic cinnamon roll taste.
• Cream Cheese: Softened for the glaze, adding creamy tanginess.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and smooths the glaze.
• Milk: Just a little to get that perfect glaze consistency.

Variations

I love that you can tweak this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe to suit your mood or dietary needs. For me, experimenting with flavors is half the fun, and it’s always nice to have options on hand.

• Vegan Version: I’ve swapped the egg for flaxseed meal mixed with water and used vegan cream cheese for the glaze, and honestly, they turned out beautifully fluffy and moist.
• Nutty Twist: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans into the cinnamon sugar filling gives a lovely crunch and extra flavor complexity.
• Spice It Up: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves with the cinnamon for a holiday spin that feels cozy and festive.
• Gluten-Free: Using a gluten-free flour blend works well, but I recommend checking the dough’s texture; you might need to adjust flour amounts slightly to avoid stickiness.

How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Prep Ready

First thing’s first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper. This step is crucial because you want the oven ready to go the moment your rolls are shaped—no waiting around and risking flat dough. The parchment paper ensures easy cleanup and stops sticking, which is a huge win in my book.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mash 2-3 ripe bananas until nice and smooth—lumps are fine if you like a rustic texture, but I usually go for fully mashed. Then stir in granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter (make sure it’s not hot!), egg, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until it’s all combined and you have a lovely, slightly thick batter. This part smells incredible—why isn’t banana butter a thing yet?

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly, which is key for getting those fluffy rolls. Once mixed, gradually fold the dry mixture into your wet banana batter. Be gentle here—overmixing can make the dough tough instead of tender.

Step 4: Roll Out and Fill

Turn your dough out onto a generously floured surface. I like to pat it down gently and then roll it into a rectangle about 1/2-inch thick—a good thickness that bakes through nicely without drying out. For the cinnamon swirl, sprinkle a mix of equal parts brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the dough. When you roll it up tightly from one end to the other, you’ll see those beautiful swirls in every slice!

Step 5: Slice and Bake

Cut the log into 1-inch thick rolls—you can use a sharp knife or dental floss to get clean slices without squashing them. Place each roll into the prepared baking dish, leaving just a bit of space to expand. Pop them into the oven for about 20-25 minutes, until they’re golden brown and spring back lightly to the touch. If your oven runs hot, keep an eye after 18 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

While your rolls are baking, whip together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and pourable. This glaze is the finishing touch and makes all the difference—a creamy, tangy topper that melts into the warm rolls. I like to spread it generously right after baking, so it seeps into those swirls.

How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple and just add a light dusting of cinnamon or some finely chopped toasted nuts on top for a little crunch. Sometimes fresh banana slices or a few edible flowers can turn things into quite the centerpiece for brunch. These small touches make the presentation feel extra special without too much effort.

Side Dishes

These banana bread cinnamon rolls are pretty indulgent themselves, but I love pairing them with fresh fruit salad or a scoop of Greek yogurt on the side to balance the sweetness. A cup of strong coffee or spicy chai tea is my go-to pairing for the perfect flavor combo that wakes me up and satisfies my sweet tooth.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or brunch gatherings, I’ve presented these rolls in a round cake pan to mimic a cinnamon roll “cake,” which always looks impressive. I also sometimes drizzle the cream cheese glaze in a crisscross pattern and sprinkle with colored sugar or edible gold dust for a festive touch. Trust me, people love the extra flair, and it tastes just as divine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge—usually it keeps for up to 3 days perfectly. Before I eat the next day, I let them come to room temperature or warm them slightly, which brings back that fresh-out-of-the-oven softness.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing the unbaked cinnamon roll log before slicing; just wrap it tightly and freeze for up to a month. When you want fresh rolls, thaw in the fridge overnight, slice, and bake as usual. This trick has saved me on many busy mornings when I wanted homemade rolls without the time commitment.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the rolls in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes—covering loosely with foil if needed to prevent over-browning. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave for 20-30 seconds works in a pinch, especially if you add a little extra cream cheese glaze on top to refresh that gooey feel.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe is truly close to my heart—there’s something so comforting about waking up to the warm smell of cinnamon and bananas baking in the oven. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy the process as much as you enjoy the final result. It’s one of those crowd-pleasers that feels special but is totally doable, and I promise your kitchen will smell unforgettable. Happy baking, friend!

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