1 Shares

There’s nothing quite like the warm and inviting aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home, especially when it’s infused with the sweet scent of cinnamon. When I first experimented with this recipe, I was taken by surprise—who would have thought that the classic comfort of banana bread could be elevated with gooey cinnamon swirls? This Vegan Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread is not just a delightful fusion; it’s your new go-to for both breakfast and dessert. With its moist texture, rich banana flavor, and a luscious frosting finish, each slice is a sweet embrace for the senses. Whether you’re looking for a cozy morning treat or a show-stopping addition to your brunch spread, this unique recipe is designed to impress everyone at the table. Join me in creating a dish that celebrates the joy of homemade goodness while being delightfully vegan!

Why is Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread a must-try?

Warm aroma: The blend of cinnamon and bananas creates an irresistible scent that fills your kitchen with comfort.
Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip this up in no time, perfect for busy mornings.
Uniquely delicious: The gooey cinnamon swirls elevate classic banana bread into something extraordinary, making every bite a heavenly experience.
Vegan-friendly: This recipe accommodates plant-based diets without sacrificing flavor or texture, appealing to everyone at your table.
Versatile serving: Enjoy it for breakfast, dessert, or brunch, and impress guests with a delightful vegan treat that tastes indulgent.
Great for sharing: Whether for family gatherings or cozy get-togethers, this Banana Bread is bound to be a crowd-pleaser that disappears quickly!

Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Ingredients

For the Batter

3 overripe mashed bananas – Adds natural sweetness and moisture; optimal to use for best flavor.
4 tablespoons melted vegan butter – Provides fats for richness; can substitute with coconut oil for a different flavor.
¾ cup maple syrup – A natural sweetener; honey or agave syrup can be used as alternatives.
1 cup unsweetened almond or oat milk – Adds moisture; substitutes: any non-dairy or regular milk can be used.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances flavor profile; use fresh vanilla bean for a more intense taste.
1½ teaspoons baking powder – Provides leavening for a light structure.
1 teaspoon baking soda – Works with the acid in the recipe to ensure rising.
1 teaspoon cinnamon – Core flavor component providing warmth and spice.
¼ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness; essential for enhancing overall flavor.
1½ cups all-purpose flour (regular or gluten-free) – Forms the structure; whole wheat can be used for a heartier texture.
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats – Adds texture and chewiness; quick oats can substitute but may alter texture slightly.

For the Cinnamon Swirl

4 tablespoons melted vegan butter – Enhances richness and helps create the swirl.
⅓ cup light brown sugar – Provides sweetness and caramel flavor; can use darker brown sugar for a richer taste.
2 tablespoons cinnamon – Adds more of the desired cinnamon flavor.

For the Frosting

¾ cup powdered sugar – A sweet topping for a perfect finish.
2 tablespoons melted vegan butter – Adds creaminess to the frosting.
2 oz softened vegan cream cheese – Provides a creamy texture; non-vegan cream cheese can be used for a non-vegan variant.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread

Preheat Oven: Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a loaf pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 overripe mashed bananas, 4 tablespoons melted vegan butter, ¾ cup maple syrup, 1 cup almond or oat milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk until all ingredients are well blended.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together 1½ teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1½ cups flour, and 1 cup rolled oats; stir gently until just combined—avoid overmixing for a tender texture.
Prepare Batter Layers: Pour half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
Create Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix 4 tablespoons melted vegan butter, ⅓ cup light brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons cinnamon. Dollop half of this mixture over the batter and use a knife to swirl it gently.
Add Remaining Batter: Carefully pour the remaining batter on top of the cinnamon swirl and finish with the rest of the swirl mixture, swirling again gently to create a beautiful marbled effect.
Bake: Place your loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool: Once baked, let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Frosting: In a small bowl, combine ¾ cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons melted vegan butter, and 2 ounces softened vegan cream cheese. Mix until smooth and spreadable, then frost your cooled banana bread.
Serve and Enjoy! Slice your delicious Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread and serve it warm or at room temperature, reveling in the delightful flavors.

Optional: Add chopped walnuts on top before baking for an extra crunch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread?

Imagine waking up to the scent of freshly baked Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread wafting through your home, ready to be paired with delightful accompaniments.

Vegan Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vegan ice cream adds a touch of indulgence, melting perfectly on warm slices for dessert bliss.
Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, this topping complements the rich banana flavor and adds a tropical touch.
Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright and refreshing, the tartness of berries and citrus cuts through the sweetness, providing balance to each bite.
Maple Syrup Drizzle: Drizzling warm maple syrup on top creates an extra layer of sweetness, enhancing the cinnamon experience beautifully.
Hot Coffee: A steaming cup of your favorite coffee pairs wonderfully, highlighting flavors and providing a cozy morning vibe.
Smoothie: A fruity smoothie, perhaps with banana or berry notes, makes for a healthy and satisfying breakfast option, perfect alongside your banana bread.
Nutty Granola: Serve with a sprinkle of nutty granola for added crunch—a delightful contrast to the soft, moist cake.

Each pairing enhances the experience, turning your treat into a whole meal that’s comforting and satisfying!

Expert Tips for Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread

Use Overripe Bananas: They bring out the best natural sweetness and moisture, ensuring your banana bread is tender and flavorful.
Avoid Overmixing: Gently mix the dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can make the texture dense and heavy.
Perform the Toothpick Test: Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few wet crumbs to avoid underbaking.
Cool Before Frosting: Allow the banana bread to cool completely before adding frosting for a beautiful presentation and to prevent melting.
Experiment with Add-ins: Consider adding nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and flavor, making your Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread even more delightful.

Make Ahead Options

These delightful Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread slices are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can mix the wet ingredients (bananas, vegan butter, maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla) and the dry ingredients (flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt) separately up to 24 hours in advance. Just store each mixture in the fridge in airtight containers to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine the two mixtures, add the cinnamon swirl, and pour into the loaf pan. Bake as instructed, and enjoy the same delicious warmth and flavor as if you had made it fresh the same day! This way, you can enjoy a homemade treat within minutes during busy mornings or relaxed weekend brunches.

Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Variations

Customize this delightful treat to suit your taste buds and dietary needs!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version everyone can enjoy.
Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a lovely crunch and earthy flavor.
Chocolate Twist: Fold in ¾ cup of vegan chocolate chips for a rich, decadent touch that chocolate lovers will adore.
Extra Spicy: Increase the cinnamon to 2 teaspoons or add a pinch of nutmeg for an added warmth that elevates every bite.
Fruity Fun: Mix in ½ cup of diced apples or pears for a juicy burst of flavor that complements the bread’s moistness.
Frosting-Free: Skip the frosting for a lighter version that’s still satisfying but focuses on the cinnamon and banana goodness.
Maple Glaze: Drizzle a simple vegan maple glaze on top for an extra layer of sweetness without the fuss of frosting.
Savory Touch: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for an intriguing sweet-salty flavor contrast that surprises the palate.

How to Store and Freeze Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2-3 days. This keeps the bread fresh and moist without the need for refrigeration.
Fridge: For longer storage, refrigerate the bread for up to 5 days. Be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out. Warm slices before serving to enjoy the best texture.
Freezer: Freeze slices of Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread for up to 3 months. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge or warm briefly in the microwave.
Reheating: To refresh the bread, either microwave for a few seconds or place in a toaster oven until warmed through. This will restore its delightful, gooey consistency.

Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Recipe FAQs

What kind of bananas should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for this Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread. They provide the natural sweetness and moisture essential for a tender crumb. Look for bananas with brown spots or even completely brown skins, as they’re at their peak flavor.

How should I store my Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread?
You can store your Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread at room temperature for 2-3 days in an airtight container to keep it fresh and moist. If you prefer a longer shelf life, refrigerate it for up to 5 days, just remember to wrap it tightly to avoid drying out.

Can I freeze my Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread?
The more the merrier when it comes to baking! You can absolutely freeze your Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread for up to 3 months. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. To thaw, simply leave them in the fridge overnight or microwave for a few seconds for a quick warm-up.

What if my banana bread is too dense?
Very well! If your Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread turns out dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter. Keep in mind to mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Achieving a delicate texture is all about handling the batter gently!

Are there any allergies I should consider with this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is vegan, making it suitable for those avoiding animal products. However, always check for nut allergies, particularly with ingredients like almond milk or explicitly listed nuts in variations. If in doubt, you can substitute almond milk with oat or soy milk for a safe alternative.