Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

If you love the cozy flavors of banana bread but crave something a little more indulgent, you’re going to adore this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe. It’s like two classic favorites rolled into one delicious bite—with the soft, sweet banana bread dough swirled with cinnamon sugar, then topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Seriously, it’s the kind of treat that makes your kitchen smell heavenly and your whole day a little brighter.

I first tried making these when I had some overripe bananas sitting on my counter, and I was blown away by how simple and rewarding the process was. Whether you need a brunch centerpiece, a weekend breakfast treat, or just some feel-good comfort food, these rolls deliver every time—and I think you’ll enjoy making them as much as I do!

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients for these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe come together to create that perfect balance of moist, sweet, and spiced goodness. I recommend using ripe bananas for maximum flavor, and feel free to grab quality cream cheese for a smooth, tangy glaze that contrasts beautifully with the cinnamon sugar.

• Ripe bananas: The riper, the better! They bring natural sweetness and moisture to the dough.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning during baking.
• Brown sugar: Gives a lovely caramel note that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
• Melted butter: Adds richness and keeps the dough tender.
• Egg: Helps bind everything and contributes to a soft texture.
• Vanilla extract: Just a splash brightens the flavors wonderfully.
• All-purpose flour: This is the base for your dough—make sure to measure carefully for best results.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents keep your rolls fluffy and light.
• Salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing flavors.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice that makes these rolls irresistible.
• Cream cheese: Softened for the glaze – it adds tang and creaminess.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths out the cream cheese glaze.
• Milk: Helps thin the glaze so it drizzles perfectly over the rolls.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on the season or who’s coming over. These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe easily adapt, so don’t hesitate to experiment a bit with add-ins or substitutions to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Nutty twist: I like tossing in chopped walnuts or pecans inside the cinnamon swirl for a nice crunch. It adds texture and nutty flavor that balances the sweetness.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. Just keep an eye on the dough’s consistency; sometimes a touch more milk or water helps.
• Spiced upgrade: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to the dough for a warming spice mix that’s perfect in cooler months.
• Fruit addition: Mix in some raisins or dried cranberries into the cinnamon sugar swirl to surprise your taste buds with a bit of chewiness.

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

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready once your rolls are assembled. Line a baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking—this little step saved me from wasted time peeling rolls off pans after baking more than once!

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mash your ripe bananas well. Then add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is combined and the batter looks smooth. This is where the magic starts happening—make sure no big lumps of butter remain!

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Doing this helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and spice throughout your dough—trust me, this makes a difference.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix here or your rolls might get tough. The dough should still be soft but manageable.

Step 5: Roll Out and Add the Cinnamon Sugar

Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently roll it into a rectangle roughly half an inch thick. I like to mix equal parts brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the filling—that mix is the heart of these rolls. Sprinkle it liberally over the dough, then carefully roll it up tightly from one long edge to form a log.

Step 6: Slice and Prepare for Baking

Cut your log into 1-inch thick slices. I find using a sharp serrated knife works best to avoid squishing the rolls. Place them cut-side up in your prepared baking dish, leaving a little space for them to grow as they bake.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Bake your rolls at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. You want them golden brown and cooked through but not dry. The smell at this stage is irresistible—get your coffee ready!

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the rolls bake, whip together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until silky smooth. The glaze should be pourable but not too runny—it’s the perfect finishing touch that takes these cinnamon rolls over the top.

Step 9: Glaze and Serve

Once your rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, generously drizzle the cream cheese glaze over them. I like to serve these warm so the glaze melts into every nook and cranny, but they’re also wonderful at room temperature.

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

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or some crushed nuts on top of the glaze for an appealing look and extra texture. If you’re feeling fancy, a few banana chips or a dusting of cocoa powder adds great visual contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with fresh fruit or a simple yogurt parfait to balance the richness. A hot cup of coffee or tea is really all you need to elevate brunch or breakfast here.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy brunch spread, try placing the rolls in a decorative round pan to form a pull-apart centerpiece. I’ve also wrapped individual rolls in parchment as favors at holiday brunches—it’s a fun way to share these treats with friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep them moist, I place a damp paper towel on top before sealing the container—this little trick keeps them soft and delicious.

Freezing

Freezing works great! Before baking, you can freeze the unbaked rolled log or the sliced rolls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, just thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual. This saved me so many times when my sweet tooth struck unexpectedly.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers wrapped loosely in foil at 300°F for about 10 minutes to refresh the texture without drying them out. A quick zap in the microwave works too—just 15-20 seconds with a damp paper towel cover prevents toughness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe has become one of my favorite ways to update a classic comfort food. Every time I make them, friends and family ask for seconds (and sometimes thirds). I love how approachable this recipe is—you don’t need fancy skills to create something truly scrumptious. Give it a try the next time you’re craving something warm, sweet, and homey—you won’t regret it!

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