The heavenly aroma of freshly baked banana bread laced with cinnamon swirls is pure bliss. This Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread combines the irresistible flavors of cinnamon rolls with the moist, tender texture of banana bread. In less than an hour, you’ll have a delightful, decadent treat that works wonderfully for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack.
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves bananas or cinnamon. It’s great for leisurely weekends or to impress guests at a gathering. You can make this ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The moistness of overripe bananas ensures a tender crumb.
- A luscious cinnamon swirl brings an extra dimension of flavor.
- It can be made in under an hour, perfect for busy mornings.
- The use of vegan ingredients makes it suitable for various diets.
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients to prepare your delicious loaf.
For the Bread
- 3 overripe mashed bananas
- 4 tbsp melted vegan butter
- 3/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup unsweetened almond or oat milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cup regular or gluten free all purpose flour
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
For the Cinnamon Swirl
- 4 tbsp melted vegan butter
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp melted vegan butter
- 2 oz softened vegan cream cheese
Use gluten-free flour to make it suitable for gluten-free diets.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Bananas: Use applesauce for a lighter texture.
- Maple syrup: Agave nectar works well.
- Almond milk: Any non-dairy milk can be used.
How to Make It
Let’s get to baking!
Mash the bananas
Mash the overripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
Combine wet ingredients
In the same bowl, add melted vegan butter, maple syrup, almond or oat milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
Mix dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just incorporated.
Add oats
Fold in the old fashioned rolled oats gently until evenly mixed throughout the batter.
Prepare the swirl mixture
In a small bowl, combine melted vegan butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to create the cinnamon swirl mixture.
Layer in the pan
Pour half of the banana bread batter into a greased loaf pan. Drizzle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter and swirl mixture.
Bake the bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool completely
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the frosting
In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, melted vegan butter, and softened cream cheese until smooth.
Frost and serve
Once completely cooled, drizzle the cream cheese frosting over the top of the banana bread and serve.
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Yes, for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Microwave for 15-20 seconds, or until warm.
Tips for Best Results
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the bread fluffy.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before frosting for best consistency.
- Store the frosting separately if not serving immediately to maintain freshness.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy it warm with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Pair slices with fresh fruit for a delightful breakfast.
- Serve at a brunch gathering alongside other pastries and baked goods.
