If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the cozy warmth of cinnamon rolls with the wholesome goodness of banana bread, you’re in for a real treat with this Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread. It’s a perfect harmony of sweet, spiced swirl meeting moist, tender banana loaf, topped off with a luscious vegan cream cheese frosting that simply melts in your mouth. This delightful recipe not only satisfies your craving for comfort food but does so with plant-based ingredients that bring both taste and heartiness to every bite. Trust me, once you try this Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread, it will quickly become your go-to for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.

Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread comes together with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating its irresistible flavor and texture. From the natural sweetness of ripe bananas to the warming kick of cinnamon and the tender crumb achieved by vegan butter and almond milk, each element is essential.

3 overripe mashed bananas: Adds natural sweetness and moisture, making the bread tender and rich.
4 tbsp melted vegan butter: Brings a subtle buttery flavor and richness without dairy.
3/4 cup maple syrup: A natural sweetener that complements the bananas perfectly.
1 cup unsweetened almond or oat milk: Provides moisture and helps keep the bread light.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic touch.
1 1/2 tsp baking powder: Helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
1 tsp baking soda: Works with the acidic bananas for lift and tenderness.
1 tsp cinnamon: Infuses the bread with that signature warm, spicy note.
1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
1 1/2 cup regular or gluten free all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together.
1 cup old fashioned rolled oats: Adds texture and wholesome heartiness.
4 tbsp melted vegan butter (for the swirl): Creates a rich, buttery cinnamon swirl.
1/3 cup light brown sugar: Sweetens and deepens the cinnamon swirl.
2 tbsp cinnamon (for the swirl): Amp up the cinnamon flavor in the swirl layer.
3/4 cup powdered sugar (for frosting): Sweetens and smooths the frosting.
2 tbsp melted vegan butter (for frosting): Adds richness to the cream cheese frosting.
2 oz softened vegan cream cheese: Gives the frosting a tangy, creamy finish.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to grease your metal loaf pan with non-stick spray so your bread comes out easily without sticking to the sides. Trust me, this simple step makes cleanup a breeze and keeps your bread intact.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients and Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, mash those perfectly overripe bananas using a fork until smooth and luscious. Then, add the melted vegan butter, maple syrup, your choice of plant milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together so the flavors meld beautifully before adding the dry ingredients.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add the flour and oats to your wet mixture. These bring structure and heartiness to the bread. Mix everything just until you get a thick batter – be careful not to overmix, or you might end up with a denser loaf than you want. The oats also lend a lovely texture that makes each bite a little more interesting.

Step 4: Create the Cinnamon Swirl

Transfer your batter into the greased loaf pan, smoothing the top. In a small bowl, combine melted vegan butter, light brown sugar, and cinnamon to create the iconic cinnamon swirl. Drizzle this mixture over your batter, then use a spoon to gently fold the swirl in just enough to create a marbled effect. This step is where your bread starts to look as good as it tastes.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop your loaf into the oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes. You’ll want to watch for a golden brown color on top and do the toothpick test to make sure it’s fully baked inside. The aroma while it bakes is downright irresistible – your kitchen will smell like a cozy bakery!

Step 6: Whip Up the Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting

While your bread is baking, whisk together melted vegan butter, powdered sugar, and softened vegan cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. This frosting adds a tangy, rich finish that perfectly balances the sweet spiced bread.

Step 7: Drizzle and Enjoy

Once the bread has cooled for a couple of minutes outside the oven, drizzle the frosting over the top. Serve while still warm for the ultimate indulgence, or save it for later – either way, every bite will remind you why Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread is a total crowd-pleaser.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top of the frosting for a pretty finishing touch. Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts also add a delightful crunch that complements the soft bread beautifully.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of your favorite coffee or chai tea for breakfast or afternoon snack. For a richer brunch, serve it alongside fresh berries or a splash of coconut yogurt to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gatherings, slice the bread into smaller squares and serve as finger food alongside mini vegan cream cheese dollops. You can also transform leftovers into decadent French toast or even crumble it over dairy-free ice cream as a sweet, spiced topping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread stays fresh tightly wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer life, refrigeration works well but be sure to bring it to room temperature before enjoying again.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe container. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Reheating

Warm your slices gently in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds or in a toaster oven until just heated through. Adding a little more frosting or vegan butter right before eating heats up the cozy cinnamon roll vibe perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use regular butter instead of vegan butter in this recipe?

Absolutely! While this recipe is designed to be vegan, regular butter can be swapped in without a hitch, giving the bread a classic buttery flavor.

What’s the best way to mash bananas for this bread?

Use a fork or potato masher to mash until smooth but still a bit chunky for texture. Overripe bananas with lots of brown spots make the sweetest, most flavorful bread.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

It’s best to stick with old-fashioned rolled oats because they add the perfect chewy texture. Quick oats might make the bread a bit denser and less textured.

Does this bread contain a lot of sugar?

The natural sweetness from bananas and maple syrup means you don’t need much added sugar. The cinnamon swirl and frosting add sweetness but balanced so the bread isn’t overly sugary.

Can I make this bread gluten free?

Yes! Use your favorite gluten free all-purpose flour blend to make this Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread gluten free without sacrificing taste or texture.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread is truly one of those rare recipes that feels like a warm hug in loaf form. It blends familiar, comforting flavors with plant-based ingredients to create something utterly delicious and wholesome. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your kitchen—it’s one recipe that’s sure to bring smiles every single time.