Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Recipe

If you’ve ever craved the cozy aroma of a cinnamon roll meeting the sweet comfort of banana bread, this Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread is going to be your new favorite obsession. Imagine rich ribbons of cinnamon sugar swirling through moist, banana-packed bread, all crowned with a creamy vegan cream cheese frosting that melts into every slice. It’s hearty enough for breakfast, indulgent enough for dessert, and honestly? Impossible to resist, especially when served fresh and warm from the oven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread starts with simple pantry staples that come together for the most glorious flavor and texture. Every ingredient plays a delicious part, creating a bread that’s moist, tender, and full of comforting warmth.

• Overripe Bananas: The riper, the better—these bring natural sweetness, rich banana flavor, and plenty of moisture.
• Melted Vegan Butter: Adds richness and enables the batter to stay super soft and fluffy; you’ll use this in three places for maximum flavor.
• Maple Syrup: Natural sweetness with a hint of caramel-y depth—trust me, it elevates the entire loaf.
• Unsweetened Almond or Oat Milk: Keeps everything tender and perfectly moist without overpowering the other flavors.
• Vanilla Extract: A must for that warm, bakery-style flavor that makes everything taste a little more homemade.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These give your banana bread a lift so it’s light, not dense.
• Cinnamon: The essential spice, both in the batter and the swirl—don’t be shy, it’s what puts the ‘cinnamon roll’ in the name!
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance out all the sweetness and bring out the flavors.
• All Purpose Flour (reg or gluten-free): Gives your bread structure while keeping it tender; use gluten free if needed.
• Old Fashioned Rolled Oats: Adds hearty texture and a lovely toothsome bite.
• Light Brown Sugar: For the cinnamon swirl, this melts into syrupy pockets of caramel richness with every bite.
• Powdered Sugar: Absolutely essential for that creamy, dreamy frosting on top.
• Vegan Cream Cheese: Whips up into a tangy, classic frosting that finishes the loaf beautifully.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Let’s get started! Preheat your oven to 375°F and give your metal loaf pan a generous coating of nonstick spray. This ensures your Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread will pop out easily and keeps the edges perfectly golden.

Step 2: Mash and Mix the Banana Bread Batter

In a large mixing bowl, use a fork or potato masher to squish up those overripe bananas until they’re nice and smooth. Add in the first portion of melted vegan butter, maple syrup, plant milk, vanilla, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until everything is well combined, then gently fold in the flour and oats. Your batter should look thick and slightly lumpy—it’s totally okay if you spot a few banana bits!

Step 3: Swirl in the Cinnamon Roll Magic

Scrape the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. In a small bowl, whip up the cinnamon swirl by mixing melted vegan butter, light brown sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle this mixture right over your batter, then use a spoon or butterknife to gently swirl it in. You’ll create beautiful streaks of gooey cinnamon throughout your banana bread—this is where the magic happens!

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the loaf in your preheated oven and bake for 55–60 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown top and a loaf that springs back lightly when pressed in the center. Check for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the thickest part—it should come out mostly clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 5: Make the Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting

While your Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread bakes, whisk together the powdered sugar, last portion of melted vegan butter, and softened vegan cream cheese. It should be thick, glossy, and easy to drizzle—add a splash of plant milk if it feels too stiff.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Let your loaf cool for just a few minutes (if you can wait!). Drizzle the vegan cream cheese frosting all over the top, letting it cascade down the sides. Slice it up while still warm and enjoy—the swirl, the frosting, the aroma—all simply irresistible.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread

Garnishes

I love to go the extra mile by sprinkling a little extra cinnamon on top of the frosted loaf, or even a handful of toasted chopped pecans for crunch. If you want to get fancy, try a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving for that bakery-style finish.

Side Dishes

This bread is wonderful all on its own, but if you’re making a special breakfast, serve slices with fresh fruit, dairy-free yogurt, or a side of strong, hot coffee. It also pairs beautifully with a simple fruit salad or a tangy berry compote.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch, cut the Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread into thick slices and arrange on a platter, drizzled with extra frosting and scattered with fresh berries. Or, cube it up and layer with yogurt and fruit in parfait glasses for a show-stopping dessert. For gifting, wrap cooled slices in parchment and tie with twine—a thoughtful treat anyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days—if it lasts that long. For longer storage, pop it in the fridge where it stays fresh and moist for five to six days.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this banana bread! Let it cool fully, slice, and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap or parchment. Store the slices in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the countertop whenever you want a treat.

Reheating

To bring your bread back to life, warm slices gently in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a toaster oven until just heated through. The frosting will melt slightly, making each bite soft and gooey—just like it was fresh out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use regular dairy products instead of vegan?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in regular butter, milk, and cream cheese if you’re not vegan. The recipe works just as beautifully either way, so use whatever you love or have on hand.

What’s the best way to ripen bananas quickly?

If your bananas aren’t quite ready, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 15 minutes on a baking sheet. The skins will blacken and the insides will get super sweet and mashable, perfect for Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread.

Can I make this gluten free?

Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Make sure your oats are certified gluten free, too, for a completely gluten-free loaf.

How do I know when the banana bread is done?

The best method is to insert a toothpick in the center toward the end of baking time. It should come out with just a few moist crumbs—not wet batter. If it looks too gooey, give it a few more minutes.

Can I double the recipe?

You can! Double all the ingredients and bake in two loaf pans, or use one extra large pan (add more time and check for doneness). This bread is always a hit for crowds or gifting.

Final Thoughts

I can’t say enough good things about this Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread—it’s one of those recipes that brings people together and instantly feels like home. Whether it’s for a cozy breakfast, a cheerful brunch, or just a little midweek treat, give this recipe a try and I guarantee you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

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