This Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread is the ultimate indulgent yet healthy breakfast or snack. Soft, moist banana bread swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with creamy vegan cream cheese frosting delivers all the flavors of a cinnamon roll in a simple loaf. Sweet, fragrant, and perfectly spiced, this bread is ideal for family mornings, brunches, or as a quick snack. Using overripe bananas, maple syrup, and vegan ingredients keeps it wholesome while still delighting your taste buds. It’s a crowd-pleasing, easy recipe for anyone craving vegan baking that’s both comforting and naturally sweetened.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Moist, flavorful banana bread with a rich cinnamon swirl
• Easy vegan ingredients that are pantry-friendly
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or snack time
• Beginner-friendly baking that delivers bakery-style results
• Can be made gluten-free with all-purpose gluten-free flour
• Topped with decadent vegan cream cheese frosting for a treat
Ingredient Breakdown
Overripe Bananas – Naturally sweet and moist, they form the base of this healthy banana bread.
Vegan Butter – Adds richness and keeps the loaf soft while maintaining plant-based ingredients.
Maple Syrup – A natural sweetener that complements the bananas and cinnamon perfectly.
Almond or Oat Milk – Keeps the bread moist while being dairy-free.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances sweetness and adds a warm aroma.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Leavening agents that ensure a light, fluffy texture.
Cinnamon – Brings the signature warm spice for the cinnamon swirl.
Flour & Rolled Oats – The base structure of the bread; oats add texture and heartiness.
Brown Sugar & Melted Butter (for swirl) – Creates the cinnamon roll layers inside the bread.
Powdered Sugar, Vegan Butter, Vegan Cream Cheese (for frosting) – Combines into a sweet, creamy topping that elevates the bread into a dessert-worthy treat.
Pro Tips
Use very ripe bananas for natural sweetness and a moist texture.
Mix dry ingredients gently into the wet to avoid overworking the batter.
Spread the cinnamon swirl carefully for even layers throughout the loaf.
Test doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
Allow the bread to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour to make the loaf allergy-friendly.
Nut-Free Option – Replace almond milk with oat milk for a nut-free version.
Extra Spice – Add nutmeg or cardamom to the batter for more depth.
Maple-Free Sweetener – Use coconut sugar or agave syrup as a substitute for maple syrup.
Add-Ins – Mix in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for variety.
Serving Suggestions
Slice and serve for breakfast with coffee or tea, or enjoy as a mid-morning or afternoon snack. Pairs beautifully with dairy-free yogurt or a drizzle of additional maple syrup for extra indulgence. It’s also perfect for brunch boards or holiday mornings, offering both flavor and visual appeal.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
This bread keeps well at room temperature in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Refrigerate for up to a week, and the flavors intensify over time. Freeze individual slices for quick breakfasts or snacks—thaw and enjoy with or without frosting. Preparing the cinnamon swirl ahead of time can also speed up baking for busy mornings.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Banana bread is a classic American quick bread that rose in popularity during the Great Depression when home cooks sought to use overripe bananas and avoid food waste. This vegan cinnamon roll variation merges the comforting nostalgia of banana bread with the indulgence of a cinnamon roll, making it a modern twist on a beloved traditional recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen bananas? Yes, thaw and mash them before using; they work perfectly in this loaf.
Can I make it nut-free? Absolutely. Substitute almond milk with oat or soy milk.
Is it okay to use regular butter instead of vegan butter? Yes, for a non-vegan version, regular butter works fine.
Can I make mini loaves or muffins? Yes, divide the batter into smaller pans or muffin tins; reduce baking time slightly.
How long does frosting stay fresh? Keep frosting-topped bread refrigerated; it stays good for 3–4 days.
Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, mix mashed bananas, melted vegan butter, maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla extract.
- Add baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, flour, and oats. Stir until combined.
- Pour half the batter into the loaf pan.
- Mix melted vegan butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the swirl. Spread half over the batter.
- Add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the cinnamon swirl mixture.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the bread completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, mix powdered sugar, melted vegan butter, and softened cream cheese. Spread over the cooled bread.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy.
