Name: Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2-3 pieces ripe bananas (mashed); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/3 cup melted butter; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; Brown sugar and cinnamon mixture (equal parts, about 1/4 cup each recommended); 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened); 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon milk

I’m so excited to share this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe—it’s like getting the best of both worlds in one bite! Imagine the cozy sweetness of banana bread swirling around the warm, comforting spices of cinnamon rolls, all topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Trust me, this combo has become one of my go-to treats for brunches or weekend mornings when you want something special but totally doable.

What makes these rolls stand out is how the ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth soft. If you’ve ever loved banana bread or cinnamon rolls but wished they could combine, you’re in for a real treat. Plus, the cream cheese glaze is easy to whip up and gives just the right tangy touch that balances all the flavors perfectly!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here work beautifully together to create that tender, flavorful dough and irresistible glaze. Bonus: most of these are pantry staples, so you probably have everything on hand already!

Ripe bananas: The riper, the better! They add natural sweetness and moisture which makes these rolls wonderfully soft.
Granulated sugar: Balances the banana’s sweetness without overpowering it.
Brown sugar: Adds a lovely caramel-like depth that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
Melted butter: Brings richness and tenderness to the dough.
Egg: Helps bind everything together for that soft structure.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweet, warm flavors with a subtle fragrance.
All-purpose flour: Forms the base of your dough, giving it structure without being too heavy.
Baking powder and baking soda: The perfect combo for just the right rise and fluffiness.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice that makes these rolls smell like pure comfort.
Cream cheese: Softened for the glaze, it adds that tangy creaminess that makes these rolls a knockout.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze with a silky texture.
Milk: Lightens the glaze just enough so it’s perfect for drizzling.

Variations

I love how flexible the Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe is — you can easily tweak it to fit your mood or dietary needs. Here are a few ways I’ve played around with it:

Nutty Twist: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans inside the cinnamon sugar swirl gives a wonderful crunch and a boost of texture. One time, I used toasted pecans and it elevated the baked rolls beautifully!
Gluten-Free Version: I swapped the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and found the rolls still turned out soft and flavorful, though a bit more delicate to handle.
Extra Cinnamon Love: For cinnamon die-hards, I sprinkle a bit more cinnamon on top before baking for an extra punch of that aromatic spice.
Vegan Modification: Using flax egg and coconut oil instead of butter works well, and the glaze can be made with vegan cream cheese and plant milk for a dairy-free treat.

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

Step 1: Mix Your Wet Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking pan with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Then grab a big mixing bowl and mash your ripe bananas until smooth – the riper they are, the more flavor you’ll get! Add in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until the mixture looks creamy and well combined. I always find that using a sturdy spoon or even a hand mixer helps achieve a nice smooth texture.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well mixed. The cinnamon here is key—it gives that warm, inviting aroma, so don’t skimp! This dry mix will add structure and just the right fluffiness to your batter.

Step 3: Bring It All Together and Roll

Now slowly fold your dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture, being careful not to overmix—just combine until everything is blended. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently roll it out into a rectangle about half an inch thick. Spread a mixture of cinnamon and brown sugar evenly over the dough—a simple blend of each in equal parts works wonders. Then, carefully start rolling from one edge, creating a tight log. Trust me, this tight rolling helps keep your cinnamon swirl looking perfect in the final rolls.

Step 4: Slice and Bake to Perfection

Slice your log into 1-inch thick rolls and place them snugly in your parchment-lined pan. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through—your kitchen is going to smell incredible by now! Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes so they don’t overbrown. The edges should look golden and the centers set.

Step 5: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Glaze

While your rolls bake, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a bit of milk until silky smooth. This glaze is simple but transforms these rolls from ordinary to showstopper—the tang from the cream cheese cuts through the sweet and spice beautifully. Once the rolls are out of the oven and still warm, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. If you like, you can even spread it thickly so every bite gets that creamy finish.

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

The image shows a batch of nine cinnamon rolls arranged closely on white parchment paper, with one roll slightly pulled out at the bottom right. Each roll has a golden-brown spiral base with dark cinnamon layers inside and is generously covered in a creamy, thick, off-white frosting. The frosting spreads unevenly, with some parts pooling around the rolls, highlighting the soft texture on top of the warm buns. The background and surface have a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra cinnamon or some finely chopped nuts on top of the glaze just before serving — it adds texture and a lovely finishing touch. Sometimes a few sliced bananas for extra fruitiness make it feel a little more special too.

Side Dishes

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe are perfect on their own but pair beautifully with a fresh fruit salad or a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea. On lazy mornings, I like to make a simple yogurt bowl on the side for some contrast in texture and flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch spread or special occasion, I’ve arranged these rolls on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper and scattered some fresh berries and mint leaves around for a pop of color. You can also serve them in individual ramekins for a cute, cozy vibe that guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep for up to three days. When I’m ready to enjoy them again, I bring them to room temperature or warm gently to refresh that soft texture.

Freezing

Freezing works like a charm! I like to freeze the unbaked rolled log before slicing and baking. Wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, it keeps well for up to three months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight and bake as usual for fresh, warm rolls any day.

Reheating

For reheating, a quick 15-20 second zap in the microwave keeps the rolls soft and gooey, especially with the cream cheese glaze on top. Alternatively, warming them in a low oven helps retain that freshly-baked texture—it’s worth the extra time if you have it!

FAQs

Can I make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe without fresh bananas?

While fresh ripe bananas are ideal for flavor and moisture, you can use thawed frozen bananas or banana puree from a jar in a pinch. Just make sure they’re mashed finely and well incorporated so your rolls stay soft and sweet.
How do I know when the cinnamon rolls are done baking?

The rolls should turn golden brown on top with slightly darker edges. You can gently press the center to check for springiness—if it bounces back, they’re ready. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Is the cream cheese glaze necessary?

The glaze adds a tangy sweetness that complements the banana and cinnamon beautifully, but you can enjoy the rolls plain or with a simple dusting of powdered sugar if you prefer less sweetness or dairy-free options.
Can I prepare these banana bread cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble and refrigerate the rolls overnight before baking. Just cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and bake fresh in the morning for warm, delicious rolls.
What’s the best way to make sure my rolls come out soft?

Using very ripe bananas and avoiding overmixing the dough are key. Also, don’t overbake—pull them out once they’re golden and springy. Adding a bit of melted butter and a cream cheese glaze adds moisture and softness that stays even after cooling.

Final Thoughts

This Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s a comforting, delicious twist that makes mornings feel like a celebration. I love how the flavors come together so naturally, and the easy steps mean you can whip it up anytime without fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it—you’ll enjoy every warm, gooey bite just as much as I do!