The moment the warm scent of cinnamon wafted through my kitchen, I was instantly transported to a cozy café, savoring a delicious pastry. That’s when inspiration struck! A delightful blend of two beloved treats – cinnamon rolls and banana bread – was born in my mind. Enter the Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread, where moist, tender banana bread is transformed into a mouthwatering experience, swirled with rich cinnamon and sugar, making it an enchanting breakfast or guilt-free dessert.

Imagine the joy of slicing into this dreamy loaf, revealing pockets of sweet cinnamon swirls nestled in every bite, all while topped with a luscious vegan cream cheese frosting. Not only is this recipe easy to whip up, but it’s also adaptable for various diets, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a piece of this cozy treat. So, if you’re bored of the usual fast food and looking for something homemade and delicious, this is your answer! Grab those overripe bananas and let’s create something magical together.

Why is Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread so special?

Irresistible aroma: As it bakes, your kitchen will be filled with the warm, enticing scent of cinnamon and bananas.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this bread impresses family and friends alike.
Healthier indulgence: With vegan and gluten-free options, it caters to various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Quick and easy: This simple recipe requires minimal prep time, making it ideal for busy mornings.
Versatile delight: Customize with chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to make it your own! Each slice promises a comforting experience that will leave you craving more.

Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Ingredients

For the Batter
• Overripe Mashed Bananas – Provides natural sweetness and moisture; ensure bananas are fully brown for optimal flavor.
• Melted Vegan Butter – Adds richness and moisture; substitute with coconut oil if preferred.
• Maple Syrup – Acts as a natural sweetener; can be replaced with agave syrup, honey (if not vegan), or brown sugar.
• Unsweetened Almond/Oat Milk – For moisture and a dairy-free option; any non-dairy milk works perfectly.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; use pure vanilla for best results.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Leavening agents to help the bread rise; ensure they are fresh for optimal effectiveness.
• Ground Cinnamon – Provides warm spice flavor; adjust to taste for preference.
• Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Regular/Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour – Structure of the bread; use a gluten-free blend if necessary.
• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats – Add texture and heartiness; can be substituted with more flour if needed.

For the Cinnamon Swirl
• Cinnamon Swirl Mixture – Made from melted vegan butter, light brown sugar, and cinnamon; creates delightful flavor swirls in the bread.

For the Frosting
• Powdered Sugar – For the cream cheese frosting; adds sweetness.
• Softened Vegan Cream Cheese – Gives a rich, creamy topping; substitute with regular cream cheese for a non-vegan version.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and kindly grease a 9×5 inch metal loaf pan. This sets the stage for your delightful bread to rise perfectly!
Mash the overripe bananas in a large mixing bowl using a fork until smooth. The riper, the better! This will add incredible sweetness and moisture to your loaf.
Combine the mashed bananas with melted vegan butter, maple syrup, non-dairy milk, vanilla extract, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well for an evenly moist batter.
Fold in the flour and oats until just combined, avoiding over-mixing. Transfer your batter to the prepared pan, making sure everything is nicely settled.
Prepare the cinnamon swirl by mixing melted vegan butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Spoon it generously over the batter and swirl gently with a spoon for delightful pockets of flavor!
Bake the bread for 55-60 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted. Let the oven work its magic!
Make the vegan cream cheese frosting by whisking together powdered sugar, melted vegan butter, and softened vegan cream cheese until creamy and smooth. This will be the icing on the cake—literally!
Cool the bread for a few minutes before drenching the top with frosting. Serve warm and watch everyone enjoy this scrumptious treat!

Optional: Top with additional cinnamon for an extra burst of flavor.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread?

Enjoying this delightful loaf opens up a world of scrumptious pairings to create the perfect meal or snack.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of berries and melons adds a refreshing contrast that brightens each bite.
Creamy Yogurt: Serve with a dollop of coconut or almond yogurt for a rich, creamy complement to the sweetness.
Maple Glazed Pecans: These sweet and crunchy nuts enhance the flavors of your banana bread, adding delightful texture.
Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai beautifully echo the cinnamon flavors, making for a cozy beverage pairing.
Coconut Milk Smoothie: A creamy smoothie with bananas and almond milk ties in well with the flavors in this bread, creating a fun breakfast experience.

Imagine sipping your tea, savoring a slice of warm Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread, while indulging in these delightful sides—perfect for a relaxed morning or a cozy afternoon treat!

Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Variations

Get ready to make this recipe truly your own with some delicious twists and swaps!

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a delightful gluten-free version.
Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that complements the moistness of the bread. The nutty flavor elevates every bite!
Choco-Lovers: Stir in 1/2 cup of dark or dairy-free chocolate chips to the batter for a rich, chocolatey twist that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Spice it Up: Substitute some of the ground cinnamon with nutmeg or ginger for an exciting flavor combination that warms the soul. Just a hint adds depth to the sweetness!
Fruity Surprise: Toss in 1/2 cup of dried bananas or cranberries for bursts of fruity flavor that harmonize beautifully with the banana base.
Coconut Cream: Replace half of the vegan butter with coconut oil for a tropical hint in your frosting, while also giving the bread a hint of rich coconut flavor.
Caramel Swirl: Drizzle a mixture of melted coconut caramel or date syrup into the batter before swirling for a decadent caramel flavor experience.
Zesty Addition: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to brighten up the flavors, contributing a fresh citrus note that contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness.

How to Store and Freeze Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread

Room Temperature: Keep your Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days. This will help maintain its delightful moisture and flavor.

Fridge: If your kitchen tends to be warm, store the bread in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about a week, but may lose some of its original fluffiness.

Freezer: For longer storage, slice the bread and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring you can enjoy this delicious treat anytime!

Reheating: To enjoy warm slices, simply microwave for about 15-20 seconds or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread

Choose Ripe Bananas: Use fully brown bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture. This is crucial for achieving the best texture in your cinnamon roll banana bread.
Mind the Swirl: Don’t skip or reduce the cinnamon swirl mixture—it amplifies flavor. Make sure to swirl it gently for those irresistible pockets of sweetness.
Check for Doneness: Ovens vary, so start checking for doneness at 50 minutes. You want a golden top and a toothpick coming out clean for perfect results.
Store Properly: Allow the bread to cool completely before storing. Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature to retain its moisture and taste.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined to ensure a fluffy texture. Overmixing can lead to a dense bread.

Make Ahead Options

These Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread delights are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the wet and dry ingredients (except the flour and oats) and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain the best quality, add the flour and oats only when you’re ready to bake. Additionally, you can also make the cinnamon swirl mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When it’s time to enjoy, simply follow the baking instructions, then top your freshly baked bread with the vegan cream cheese frosting for a warm and comforting breakfast or dessert that’s just as delicious as if made fresh!

Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the perfect Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread, choose bananas that are fully brown, with dark spots all over. This indicates that they are overripe and will provide the ideal sweetness and moisture for your loaf.

How should I store my Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread?
I recommend allowing the bread to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days. This will preserve its delicious moisture and flavor. If you’re worried about it getting stale, pop it in the fridge, where it can last about a week, though it might be slightly less fluffy.

Can I freeze Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread?
Absolutely! To freeze your bread, slice it and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, followed by foil to prevent freezer burn. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave slightly for 15-20 seconds.

What should I do if the bread doesn’t rise properly?
If your bread doesn’t seem to rise, there could be a couple of reasons. First, make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, as expired leavening agents won’t provide that lovely lift. If you’ve used too much flour while mixing, try folding in the dry ingredients gently and only until just combined. This will help maintain the fluffiness.

Is this recipe suitable for those with allergies or dietary restrictions?
Yes, this Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread is designed to be vegan-friendly and can easily be made gluten-free by using a suitable all-purpose gluten-free blend. Just be sure to double-check the ingredient labels, especially for items like baking powder and flour, to avoid any allergens.