Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Recipe

This Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread is everything you love about cozy weekend mornings—gooey cinnamon swirls, sweet banana flavor, and a heavenly vegan cream cheese frosting—all in one gloriously simple loaf. If you’re always torn between banana bread and a cinnamon roll, this recipe bridges the gap in the most delicious way possible!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how you can turn such humble ingredients into something so bakery-worthy! Each one plays a starring role, from overripe bananas for moisture and sweetness to the generous sprinkle of cinnamon for that signature swirl—here’s why they all matter.

• Overripe Bananas: The more brown spots, the better—they add natural sweetness and ensure ultra-moist texture.
• Melted Vegan Butter: Brings that rich, buttery taste to both the loaf and the cinnamon swirl.
• Maple Syrup: Adds deep, gentle sweetness and helps keep the bread soft and tender.
• Unsweetened Almond or Oat Milk: Keeps things dairy-free while creating the perfect batter consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out all the sweet, warm flavors and makes the kitchen smell amazing!
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Give the loaf its lovely lift and crumb.
• Cinnamon: The undisputed star of the swirl—don’t be shy!
• Salt: Just a pinch brings all the flavors into balance and keeps things from being flat.
• Regular or Gluten Free All Purpose Flour: Both work beautifully—just use your favorite blend for the crumb you love most.
• Old Fashioned Rolled Oats: Adds subtle chew and wholesome heartiness to every bite.
• Light Brown Sugar (for the Swirl): Creates that classic, sticky ribbon throughout the loaf.
• Powdered Sugar, Vegan Cream Cheese, Vegan Butter (for the Frosting): Whip together for the dreamiest topping that sets this bread apart.

Variations

Once you master the basics, Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread is a playground for personalization—feel free to experiment based on what you have or what your cravings call for. Tiny tweaks can make it just right for your tastes or dietary needs!

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the flour for your favorite gluten-free blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free for a perfectly fluffy loaf.
• Add Nuts: Stir in a big handful of toasted walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and richness in every slice.
• Chocolate Twist: Sprinkle chocolate chips into the batter or the cinnamon swirl for a touch of extra decadence.
• Alternative Frostings: Try a simple glaze of powdered sugar and almond milk if you want something extra light and sweet instead of cream cheese.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread

Step 1: Mash & Mix Your Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing your metal loaf pan with nonstick spray for quick release. In a large mixing bowl, mash those ultra-ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth—leaving a few chunks for texture is just fine. Stir in the melted vegan butter, maple syrup, your preferred plant milk, vanilla, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Then gently fold in the all purpose flour and rolled oats until a thick, scoopable batter forms—don’t overmix, or the bread won’t be as tender!

Step 2: Swirl in the Cinnamon Roll Magic

Pour your banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. In a small bowl, combine melted vegan butter, brown sugar, and plenty of cinnamon until it’s glossy and fragrant. Drizzle this mixture right over your batter and then use a spoon or butter knife to gently swirl it into the bread—don’t go too crazy, those gorgeous ribbons are what give Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread its signature look and flavor!

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your pan into the preheated oven and bake for 55–60 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown, your kitchen smells like a dream, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a little swirl on the tester is just fine). Let the loaf cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a rack for glazing.

Step 4: Whip Up That Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting

While the bread bakes, whisk together the vegan cream cheese, melted vegan butter, and powdered sugar until smooth and slightly thick. Drizzle generously over the loaf while it’s still a bit warm—the frosting will set just enough for that classic oozy cinnamon roll effect.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread

Garnishes

Turn every slice into an occasion with a flurry of extra cinnamon dusted on top—or a handful of chopped toasted nuts for extra crunch. A drizzle of warm maple syrup or even a pinch of orange zest can really boost flavor, and make each serving look absolutely drool-worthy!

Side Dishes

Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread is so luscious, it truly shines on its own! But if you’re feeling decadent, serve it with a cold glass of plant-based milk, a mug of robust coffee, or even a dollop of coconut yogurt and fresh berries for a full brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try slicing the loaf thick and toasting individual slices—spread with extra frosting or vegan butter for a cozy, café-style treat. Mini loaves or muffins also make adorable gifts or brunch party additions, and kids absolutely love the swirled surprise inside each bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This bread keeps wonderfully! Store any leftover Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to a week—though it rarely lasts that long!

Freezing

Freeze whole loaves or individual slices (without frosting for best results) by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and storing in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge or a couple of hours at room temp, then frost just before serving for bakery-fresh results.

Reheating

Gently warm slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, or heat in a toaster oven until just soft and warmed through. If reheating from frozen, allow to thaw first, then reheat and frost to revive all that gooey swirl and creamy topping!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever dreamed of the world’s coziest mash-up, this Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread is pure joy in loaf form. I hope you’ll let your kitchen fill with the scent of cinnamon and bananas—and treat yourself to a slice (or three) as soon as you can. Happy baking, friend!

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