Introduction

This Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread combines the best of two classics into one delicious treat. Soft banana bread swirled with a cinnamon sugar ribbon and topped with vegan cream cheese frosting makes for a comforting and sweet snack or breakfast.

The image shows a close-up view of a loaf cake sliced with one piece separated and held by a golden fork. The cake has two layers: a dense, moist, textured base layer in a light brown color with bits of darker brown and yellow, showing a crumbly and chunky texture, and a thick, creamy white frosting spread unevenly on top, slightly dripping down the sides. The slice on the fork reveals the rough, grainy texture of the cake with bits of fruit or nuts inside. The cake is placed on a white marbled surface with a rustic wooden board visible on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 overripe mashed bananas
4 tablespoons melted vegan butter
¾ cup maple syrup
1 cup unsweetened almond or oat milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups regular or gluten free all purpose flour
1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
For the cinnamon swirl:

4 tablespoons melted vegan butter
⅓ cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons cinnamon

For the vegan cream cheese frosting:

¾ cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons melted vegan butter
2 oz softened vegan cream cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a metal loaf pan with non-stick spray.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mash the overripe bananas with a fork. Add melted vegan butter, maple syrup, plant-based milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Add the flour and rolled oats to the wet ingredients and mix until a batter forms.
Step 4: Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan. In a small bowl, mix melted vegan butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the cinnamon swirl. Drizzle this mixture over the batter, then gently fold it in with a spoon to create a swirled effect.
Step 5: Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: While the bread bakes, whisk together melted vegan butter, powdered sugar, and softened vegan cream cheese to make the frosting.
Step 7: Let the banana bread cool for a few minutes before drizzling the vegan cream cheese frosting over the top. Enjoy warm for the best flavor and texture!

Tips & Variations

Use very ripe bananas for the best sweetness and moisture.
For a nutty texture, add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
Swap the rolled oats for chopped rolled oats to add more texture.
For a gluten-free option, be sure to use a certified gluten-free flour blend.
If you prefer a less sweet swirl, reduce the brown sugar to ¼ cup.

Storage

Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven before serving to restore softness, especially if frosted.

How to Serve

The image shows a loaf of moist banana bread with one thick slice cut and placed in front. The bread has a golden-brown crust with a soft, textured inside that reveals bits of banana. A generous, creamy layer of white frosting with smooth, swirled texture covers the top of the loaf and slightly drips down the sides. The bread sits on a dark wooden board, set against a white marbled surface in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular butter instead of vegan butter?

Yes, you can substitute regular butter if you are not following a vegan diet. It will provide a similar richness and flavor.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Use bananas that are very ripe with brown spots or even mostly brown skin. This ensures the banana bread is sweet and moist.

Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 87 reviews

This cinnamon roll banana bread is a delightful vegan twist on classic banana bread, featuring a rich cinnamon swirl and creamy vegan cream cheese frosting. Moist, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast or a comforting snack.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices) 1x
Category: Baking
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale

Banana Bread Batter

3 overripe mashed bananas
4 tablespoons melted vegan butter
¾ cup maple syrup
1 cup unsweetened almond or oat milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups regular or gluten free all purpose flour
1 cup old fashioned rolled oats

Cinnamon Swirl

4 tablespoons melted vegan butter
⅓ cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons cinnamon

Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting

¾ cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons melted vegan butter
2 oz softened vegan cream cheese

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a metal loaf pan thoroughly with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bread.
Mix Banana Bread Batter: In a large mixing bowl, mash the overripe bananas using a fork until smooth. Add melted vegan butter, maple syrup, almond or oat milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir well to combine all wet and dry ingredients. Gradually add the flour and rolled oats, mixing until a consistent batter forms without overmixing.
Add Cinnamon Swirl: Transfer the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. In a separate small bowl, mix melted vegan butter, light brown sugar, and cinnamon to create the cinnamon swirl mixture. Drizzle this evenly over the top of the batter. Use a spoon to gently fold or swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter to create a marbled cinnamon effect.
Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the bread turns golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Baking times can vary, so check towards the end to avoid overbaking.
Prepare Frosting: While the bread bakes, prepare the vegan cream cheese frosting by whisking together powdered sugar, melted vegan butter, and softened vegan cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Frost and Serve: Once the banana bread is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a couple of minutes in the pan. Then drizzle the vegan cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Serve warm for the best taste and texture, and enjoy your delicious cinnamon roll banana bread!

Notes

This recipe is naturally vegan, but can be adapted for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Ensure bananas are very ripe to get maximum sweetness and moisture.
Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
For a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase cinnamon in the swirl or batter to 1 ½ teaspoons.
Store leftovers wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
The frosting is optional but adds a delicious creamy topping reminiscent of cinnamon rolls.

Keywords: banana bread, vegan banana bread, cinnamon swirl, vegan cream cheese frosting, cinnamon roll banana bread, baked banana bread, gluten free option