If you have a soft spot for both cinnamon rolls and banana bread, then you are going to absolutely adore this Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Recipe. This delightful treat perfectly marries the warm, spicy swirl of cinnamon roll goodness with the moist, comforting texture of banana bread. Whether you’re looking to brighten up your morning coffee or impress friends at your next brunch, this recipe delivers a flavor-packed, tender loaf that feels like a big cozy hug with every bite.

A loaf shaped cake with two main layers is shown on a wooden board over a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a moist, chunky texture with a golden brown color, showing bits of banana and small pieces within it. The top layer is a thick spread of smooth, creamy white frosting covering the entire surface and dripping slightly down the edges. One thick slice has been cut from the loaf and sits in front, revealing the inside texture and some frosting on the cut side. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Recipe are straightforward yet essential, working in perfect harmony to build layers of flavor, texture, and that signature golden color you crave. Each component contributes something special, from the natural sweetness of bananas to the rich, gooey cinnamon swirl that makes this bread stand out.

3 overripe mashed bananas: The natural sweetness and moisture base keep the bread tender and perfectly sweet.
4 tbsp melted vegan butter: Adds richness and moistness while keeping the recipe vegan-friendly.
3/4 cup maple syrup: A wholesome sweetener that deepens the flavor complexity.
1 cup unsweetened almond or oat milk: Adds a creamy texture without overpowering other flavors.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Elevates the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
1 1/2 tsp baking powder: Provides the essential lift for a perfect crumb.
1 tsp baking soda: Helps with leavening and ensures the bread rises nicely.
1 tsp cinnamon: The heart of the cinnamon roll element; warm and fragrant.
1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
1 1/2 cup regular or gluten free all-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone of the bread’s structure.
1 cup old fashioned rolled oats: Adds wonderful texture and a subtle nuttiness.
4 tbsp melted vegan butter (for swirl): Creates the luscious cinnamon swirl inside the bread.
1/3 cup light brown sugar: Gives the swirl a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
2 tbsp cinnamon (for swirl): Intensifies that classic cinnamon roll flavor within the bread.
3/4 cup powdered sugar (for frosting): For a delicate sweetness in the smooth vegan cream cheese frosting.
2 tbsp melted vegan butter (for frosting): Makes the frosting silky and indulgent.
2 oz softened vegan cream cheese: Adds tang and creaminess, completing the cinnamon roll effect on top.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Space

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a metal loaf pan with non-stick spray. Getting this ready beforehand ensures your bread will bake evenly and release easily from the pan.

Step 2: Mix the Banana Bread Batter

In a large mixing bowl, mash the overripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted vegan butter, maple syrup, plant-based milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Then, fold in the flour and rolled oats gently to create a thick, hearty batter. This batter is where the moist, tender crumb magic begins for your banana bread.

Step 3: Create and Swirl the Cinnamon Mixture

Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. In a small bowl, mix together the melted vegan butter, light brown sugar, and cinnamon to form the luscious cinnamon swirl. Drizzle this mixture over the top of the batter and use a spoon to gently fold it just a bit to create beautiful swirls that will bake into your bread. This step is key to achieving that irresistible cinnamon roll look and flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Bread

Pop your loaf pan into the oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the bread is a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. While the loaf is baking, it’s the perfect time to prepare the vegan cream cheese frosting.

Step 5: Prepare the Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting

Whisk together the melted vegan butter, powdered sugar, and softened vegan cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This frosting will add a delightful tang and melt-in-your-mouth richness that perfectly complements the cinnamon swirl, finishing your bread with a bakery-quality touch.

Step 6: Frost and Enjoy

After baking, let your cinnamon roll banana bread cool for a few minutes before drizzling the creamy frosting over the top. Serving it warm allows the frosting to melt slightly, creating an extra indulgent experience that’s hard to forget.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Recipe

The image shows a loaf of banana bread with two layers: the bottom layer is the moist, textured banana bread in light and medium brown tones with visible bits of banana inside, and the top layer is a thick, creamy white frosting spread unevenly over the top, covering most of the surface and slightly dripping down the sides. A slice of the banana bread is cut and placed in front, showing the inside texture and some frosting on its edges. The bread rests on a wooden board over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Feel free to elevate your Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Recipe with a sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts or pecans for crunch, or even a light dusting of extra cinnamon on top of the frosting. These simple garnishes add visual appeal and textural contrast that will wow your guests.

Side Dishes

This loaf pairs wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of dairy-free yogurt to balance the richness. A steaming mug of coffee, chai tea, or even a cold glass of almond milk also complements the cinnamon and banana flavors perfectly, making for a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your cinnamon roll banana bread thick or thin and toast the slices lightly for a warm, crisp exterior. You can even use leftover slices to make decadent vegan banana bread French toast. For brunch gatherings, serve individual slices with a small bowl of the vegan cream cheese frosting on the side for dipping, turning each bite into a luscious experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover cinnamon roll banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it great for quick breakfasts or snacks during the busy week.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Reheating

Reheat your cinnamon roll banana bread slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-8 minutes to bring back that just-baked warmth. You can also microwave slices for about 15-20 seconds if you’re in a hurry, then add a little extra frosting or vegan butter for that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I use regular butter instead of vegan butter in the Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! Regular butter works just as well if you’re not strictly vegan. It will add a slightly richer flavor, but the texture and overall outcome will remain deliciously moist.

Is it necessary to use overripe bananas?

Yes, overripe bananas are key to this recipe. They are softer and sweeter, which means they blend easily and provide natural sweetness without extra sugar, keeping your bread moist and flavorful.

Can I substitute the oat or almond milk with dairy milk?

Of course! You can use any milk you prefer. Dairy milk will work fine and slightly change the flavor profile, but the bread will still be incredibly tasty and moist.

How do I make the cinnamon swirl more pronounced?

To intensify the cinnamon swirl, make sure to dollop the cinnamon sugar mixture onto the batter and fold it gently without overmixing to keep defined swirls that bake into the bread beautifully.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour. The oats are naturally gluten-free but ensure they’re certified gluten-free if you’re very sensitive to gluten.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you make this Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-tos. It’s the kind of recipe that brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen, combining two classic favorites into one unforgettable loaf. Give it a try and enjoy every delicious, cinnamon-spiced slice!