Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread (Vegan) Recipe

I absolutely love how this Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread (Vegan) Recipe brings together the cozy, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the wholesome, moist texture of banana bread. It’s quickly become one of my all-time favorite treats to bake when I want something that feels indulgent but still plant-based and nourishing. The sweet cinnamon swirl nestled right in the middle of the bread, paired with a luscious vegan cream cheese frosting, makes every bite feel like a little celebration. This loaf is perfect for lazy weekend mornings or for impressing friends at brunch.

Why You'll Love This Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread (Vegan) Recipe

What really excites me about this recipe is the beautiful harmony of flavors—it’s sweet but not cloying, and that cinnamon swirl adds a warm spiciness that elevates the entire loaf. The mashed overripe bananas keep the bread wonderfully moist and tender, while the oats add just the right amount of texture without overwhelming the soft crumb. I love the way the cinnamon sugar swirl gets slightly caramelized during baking, creating a delightful contrast to the fluffy bread.

Another reason I adore this recipe is how simple it is to make. Even though it looks like an impressive treat, the steps are really straightforward and don’t require any complicated techniques or fancy ingredients. Plus, it’s totally vegan, which means you can share it with just about anyone regardless of dietary preferences. It’s such a crowd-pleaser!

In my experience, this loaf shines at so many occasions. It’s perfect for breakfast alongside your morning coffee or tea, wonderful as an afternoon snack, and honestly, just as delightful for dessert. Hosting brunch? This bread will have your guests asking for seconds. It’s my go-to when I want something that feels decadent but is made mostly from pantry staples and natural ingredients.

Ingredients You'll Need

All the ingredients in this Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread (Vegan) Recipe are simple, everyday pantry essentials that come together beautifully for a deeply satisfying loaf. Each element contributes something special: the bananas bring moisture and sweetness, the cinnamon adds cozy warmth, and the oats provide a subtle wholesomeness that completes the texture. The vegan butter and maple syrup enrich the bread without overpowering the other flavors.

• Overripe mashed bananas: Key for natural sweetness and moist, tender crumb.
• Melted vegan butter: Adds richness and helps create a soft texture.
• Maple syrup: A lovely, subtle sweetness that balances the cinnamon.
• Unsweetened almond or oat milk: Keeps the batter light and dairy-free.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor depth.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Crucial for the perfect rise and fluffiness.
• Cinnamon: The star spice that defines the cinnamon swirl and flavor profile.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
• All-purpose flour (or gluten-free): The main structure builder for the bread.
• Old-fashioned rolled oats: Adds texture and a bit of wholesome heartiness.
• Light brown sugar (for swirl): Provides caramel notes and sweetness in the cinnamon layer.
• Powdered sugar, melted vegan butter, softened vegan cream cheese (for frosting): Combine for a creamy, dreamy topping that finishes the loaf beautifully.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan generously to ensure your bread doesn’t stick and bakes evenly.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted vegan butter, maple syrup, unsweetened almond or oat milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is nicely blended together into a smooth mixture.

Step 3: Add the baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, all-purpose flour, and rolled oats to the wet ingredients. Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon just until combined—be careful not to overmix to keep the bread light and tender.

Step 4: Pour half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing it out evenly with the back of a spoon or spatula.

Step 5: Next, mix together the melted vegan butter, light brown sugar, and cinnamon to create your cinnamon swirl. Spread half of this mixture evenly over the batter layer in the loaf pan.

Step 6: Carefully spoon the remaining batter on top and smooth it out gently. Then, spread the rest of your cinnamon swirl mixture over the top layer of batter.

Step 7: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 50 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, your bread is ready.

Step 8: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before frosting. This helps the frosting stay nicely set without melting.

Step 9: To make the frosting, combine powdered sugar, melted vegan butter, and softened vegan cream cheese in a bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy, then spread it evenly over the cooled loaf.

Step 10: Slice, serve, and enjoy every delicious bite of your homemade Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread (Vegan) Recipe!

Servings and Timing

This Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread (Vegan) Recipe yields 1 loaf, which I usually slice into about 10 generous pieces—perfect for sharing or savoring over several days. The prep time takes roughly 15 minutes, and the baking time is about 50 to 60 minutes, with an additional cooling period of at least 30 minutes before frosting. Total time from start to finish comes to around 70 minutes, making it a wonderful treat to bake mid-morning or early afternoon.

How to Serve This Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread (Vegan) Recipe

I love serving this banana bread slightly warm so the frosting is soft but still luscious. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea—like a chai latte or a robust black coffee—to bring out the cinnamon spices. If you're serving it at a brunch or party, adding some fresh fruit on the side like sliced strawberries or a small bowl of berries makes the presentation pop and adds a fresh contrast to the rich bread.

For a festive touch, I sometimes garnish the top with a light dusting of cinnamon or a few vegan chocolate chips sprinkled over the frosting. If you want to turn it into a more substantial snack or light dessert, a dollop of coconut whipped cream is a dreamy addition. Presentation-wise, slicing it into thick, hearty pieces works best, plated on a rustic wooden board with a linen napkin for that cozy, homemade vibe.

This bread feels just right for a variety of occasions—whether a weekend family breakfast, a cozy holiday morning, or even a casual get-together with friends. I always recommend serving it at room temperature or gently reheated in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes to revive that freshly baked softness and let the cinnamon aroma fill the kitchen.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread (Vegan) Recipe is how easy it is to customize. If you’re gluten-free, simply swap the regular flour for a trustworthy gluten-free all-purpose blend—you’ll barely notice the difference! You can also experiment with different plant milks, like soy or cashew, to adjust the richness and flavor slightly.

For flavor variations, I sometimes add chopped walnuts or pecans right into the batter for a lovely crunch that contrasts with the soft bread. You can also mix in a handful of raisins or vegan chocolate chips if you want to add a little extra sweetness and texture. If you prefer a less sweet loaf, try reducing the maple syrup slightly and increasing the cinnamon swirl for a stronger spice kick.

In terms of cooking methods, if you don’t have a loaf pan, you could try baking this batter in a standard muffin tin to create individual cinnamon roll banana muffins. Just reduce the baking time to around 20-25 minutes and keep a close eye to prevent overbaking. This can be a fun way to serve portions individually for grab-and-go breakfasts or party treats!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your fresh loaf, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a warm or humid climate, refrigerating the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in a sealed container is best to prevent spoilage. Just keep in mind the frosting might firm up a bit when chilled, so it’s good to let slices come to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

This Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread (Vegan) Recipe freezes beautifully. I usually slice it first, then wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw the slices overnight in the fridge or let them sit at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftover slices is to pop them in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes to bring back that soft, warm texture without melting the frosting too much. Alternatively, a quick 20-second zap in the microwave works if you’re in a hurry, but be careful not to overdo it or you’ll risk a gummy texture. Avoid reheating frozen bread without thawing first to ensure even warming.

FAQs

Can I make this Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread (Vegan) Recipe nut-free?

Absolutely! This recipe as is doesn’t include nuts, so it’s already nut-free unless you choose to add nuts as a variation. Just be sure your vegan butter and other ingredients are also free from nut cross-contamination if allergies are a concern.

What if I don’t have vegan cream cheese for the frosting?

You can substitute the frosting by using more vegan butter with powdered sugar for a simple glaze or try coconut cream mixed with powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla extract for a lighter topping that still tastes fantastic.

Can I use regular milk and butter instead of vegan versions?

Yes, you can swap in dairy milk and butter if you aren’t strictly vegan. The bread will still turn out delicious, though the recipe is designed to shine with plant-based alternatives.

How do I know when the banana bread is fully baked?

Always use a toothpick or skewer inserted into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (no wet batter), your bread is done. Overbaking can dry it out, so start checking around 50 minutes.

Can I double this recipe to make two loaves at once?

You can double the ingredients easily, but I recommend baking the loaves separately or in two pans to maintain even cooking. Baking two loaves in the same pan won’t allow heat to circulate properly, and the bread may not bake evenly.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread (Vegan) Recipe enough—it's a delicious, cozy treat that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a longtime banana bread fan or a cinnamon roll lover, this recipe brings the best of both worlds into one irresistible loaf. I hope you enjoy baking and savoring every sweet, cinnamon-swirled bite as much as I do!

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