The comforting aroma of cinnamon and banana fills the kitchen as this golden loaf bakes to perfection. With its rich cinnamon swirl nestled in soft banana-oat batter, every slice is a warm hug. The crowning touch? A velvety vegan cream cheese frosting that adds just the right amount of sweetness and tang. Whether you’re baking this for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s a recipe guaranteed to impress vegans and non-vegans alike. Quick to whip up with pantry staples and packed with nostalgic flavor, this cinnamon roll banana bread turns any ordinary day into something special. Serve it warm with a cup of coffee or tea and watch it disappear—fast.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Banana Bread Batter:
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3 overripe bananas, mashed
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4 tbsp melted vegan butter
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¾ cup maple syrup
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1 cup unsweetened almond or oat milk
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1½ tsp baking powder
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1 tsp baking soda
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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¼ tsp salt
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1½ cups all-purpose flour (regular or gluten-free)
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1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
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4 tbsp melted vegan butter
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⅓ cup light brown sugar
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2 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
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¾ cup powdered sugar
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2 tbsp melted vegan butter
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2 oz softened vegan cream cheese
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan, optionally lining it with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth. Add melted vegan butter, maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
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Add baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to incorporate, then add flour and oats. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.
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Pour half the batter into the prepared pan.
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In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon swirl ingredients. Drop spoonfuls of half the cinnamon mixture over the batter and gently swirl with a knife.
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Add the remaining batter on top, followed by the rest of the cinnamon swirl. Swirl again lightly.
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Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Once cool, mix the frosting ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Spread generously over the cooled bread.
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Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 8–10 slices
The Sweet Fusion of Two Classics
When it comes to comfort baking, banana bread has always held a special place in kitchens worldwide. Its simplicity, versatility, and ability to turn overripe bananas into something delicious has made it a favorite recipe passed down through generations. On the other hand, cinnamon rolls bring nostalgia and indulgence with their gooey cinnamon filling and cream cheese frosting. Combining these two classics into one dish—Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread—creates a fusion that feels both familiar and exciting. It’s moist, flavorful, and layered with ribbons of cinnamon-sugar goodness, all topped with creamy frosting. The result is a treat that feels like breakfast and dessert at the same time.
The Origin of Banana Bread
Banana bread became popular during the Great Depression when resourceful home bakers sought creative ways to use ripe bananas instead of letting them go to waste. With flour, sugar, and bananas on hand, the recipe quickly grew into a household staple. Over time, variations emerged—from chocolate chip banana bread to nut-studded loaves. Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread represents a modern twist on this beloved tradition. It carries the heart of old-fashioned banana bread but elevates it with an indulgent swirl that makes it stand out among other quick breads.
Why Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Stands Out
This recipe isn’t just another banana bread—it’s a crowd-pleaser for several reasons:
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The perfect texture: Bananas and oats combine to create a loaf that’s moist yet structured. It slices beautifully without crumbling.
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Flavor layers: The banana bread base is naturally sweetened with maple syrup, while the cinnamon swirl adds a burst of spice and warmth. Every bite feels like two desserts in one.
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Vegan-friendly: Made with plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives, it’s suitable for anyone following a dairy-free or vegan lifestyle. Non-vegans won’t notice the difference—it’s just that good.
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Versatility: Enjoy it warm for breakfast, as a coffee companion during the afternoon, or as dessert with a scoop of ice cream.
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Visual appeal: Those cinnamon ribbons baked into the loaf make every slice look bakery-worthy.
Healthier Than It Looks
Despite being indulgent, this banana bread is not as heavy as it seems. Bananas bring natural sweetness and potassium, oats add fiber and texture, and maple syrup replaces refined sugar with a more nutrient-dense alternative. While it’s still a sweet treat, it balances comfort with ingredients that are nourishing in their own right. For those who crave dessert but also appreciate mindful baking, this recipe is a happy middle ground.
Tips for Perfecting the Loaf
Achieving the perfect loaf comes down to a few simple baking principles. Always use overripe bananas, as they provide the best sweetness and moisture. Avoid overmixing the batter, since too much stirring can make the bread dense instead of fluffy. When swirling the cinnamon filling, a few deliberate strokes of the knife are all you need—too much swirling can muddy the layers. Finally, allow the bread to cool completely before frosting. Patience pays off, ensuring the frosting sits beautifully on top rather than melting into the loaf.
Serving Ideas to Make It Extra Special
While delicious on its own, this Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread can be elevated even further depending on the occasion. For brunch gatherings, serve it sliced with fresh berries and a pot of hot coffee or tea. For dessert, warm slices can be paired with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream, creating an indulgent treat reminiscent of a cinnamon roll sundae. If you’re looking for a holiday twist, sprinkle crushed pecans or walnuts over the frosting for added crunch.
Storage and Make-Ahead Benefits
One of the best parts about this recipe is how well it keeps. The loaf stays moist for days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, it can be refrigerated or even frozen without losing its flavor. In fact, freezing the unfrosted loaf and then adding the frosting later makes it a perfect make-ahead recipe for parties, holidays, or unexpected guests. This flexibility means you can bake a couple of loaves at once and always have a special treat ready to go.
Why It’s a Crowd-Pleaser
This banana bread consistently wins hearts because it feels indulgent without being overly complicated. Families love it because kids are drawn to the sweet cinnamon flavor, while adults appreciate its nostalgic combination of banana bread and cinnamon roll. It’s the kind of bake you bring to a potluck and watch disappear quickly. It works equally well for a casual family breakfast or a holiday spread. Few recipes manage to feel both everyday-friendly and special-occasion-worthy, but this one does.
A Vegan Dessert That Surprises Everyone
Many people assume vegan desserts compromise on taste or texture, but this loaf proves otherwise. The plant-based butter gives richness, while vegan cream cheese frosting provides the same tangy-sweet flavor as traditional cream cheese versions. It’s a dessert that demonstrates how vegan baking can be just as indulgent and satisfying as conventional recipes. Even those who don’t follow a plant-based diet will be impressed, making it a universal crowd-pleaser.
Perfect for All Seasons
Unlike some desserts tied to a specific season, Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread fits into every time of year. In autumn, its cinnamon warmth pairs perfectly with pumpkin spice lattes and cozy mornings. In summer, slices topped with fresh berries make for a lighter treat. During the winter holidays, it shines as part of festive brunch tables or dessert spreads. And in spring, it adds a comforting sweetness alongside cups of tea. This timeless versatility makes it a recipe worth keeping on hand year-round.
Creative Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic recipe, there are endless variations to explore. Adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans provides extra crunch. Chocolate chips can transform it into a more decadent dessert. A swirl of nut butter mixed into the cinnamon filling creates a new layer of flavor. For a healthier take, swap half the flour for whole wheat flour or use coconut sugar in place of brown sugar. Each variation adds a new twist while keeping the original spirit of the recipe intact.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread is more than just another loaf—it’s a celebration of two beloved baked goods brought together in one irresistible recipe. With its moist banana base, rich cinnamon swirl, and creamy frosting, it offers layers of flavor and texture that make every bite memorable. Easy to prepare, adaptable for any occasion, and appealing to both vegans and non-vegans alike, it has all the qualities of a recipe that becomes a household favorite. Whether you bake it for brunch, dessert, or simply as a way to brighten a morning, this loaf is proof that the best recipes are those that bring comfort, joy, and a little touch of indulgence into our everyday lives.