Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Recipe
If you’re craving a treat that perfectly combines the cozy warmth of cinnamon rolls with the moist, comforting texture of banana bread, you’ve got to try this Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate—sweet, fragrant, and bursting with flavors that make your kitchen smell heavenly. The gentle sweetness of ripe bananas fused with a cinnamon-sugar swirl turns ordinary banana bread into something truly special and unforgettable. Whether it’s for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this cinnamon-infused twist adds a new level of excitement that you’ll want to share with everyone you know.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating the perfect Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread. Each component plays an important role: from the ripe bananas providing natural sweetness and moisture, to the cinnamon that brings that classic warm spice that cinnamon roll lovers adore.
- 3 overripe bananas: The riper, the better for natural sweetness and moist texture.
- 4 tbsp melted vegan butter: Adds richness and keeps the bread tender.
- 3/4 cup maple syrup: A lovely natural sweetener that complements the banana’s flavor.
- 1 cup almond or oat milk: Provides moisture and keeps this loaf dairy-free and light.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle, sweet aroma.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (regular or gluten-free): The foundation of your bread, offering structure and softness.
- 1 cup rolled oats: Adds texture and heartiness to each slice.
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar: For the irresistible cinnamon swirl—it’s the sweet spot!
- 2 tbsp cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and depth to this bread.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a steady, even heat so your Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread bakes perfectly through without drying out. Lightly grease your loaf pan to prevent sticking and make it easy to release once it’s done.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your mashed overripe bananas with the melted vegan butter, maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy, a sign they’ve blended well together. This wet mixture is the flavorful, moist base of your bread.
Step 3: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This dry blend ensures you get a light, tender crumb and that signature cinnamon flavor dancing throughout the bread.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser loaf. The batter should have a slightly thick but smooth consistency, perfect for swirling.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, mix together the melted vegan butter, light brown sugar, and cinnamon. This simple yet magical mix is what turns your banana bread into a Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread by creating those delightful pockets of sweet, spiced gooeyness inside.
Step 6: Layer and Swirl the Batter
Pour half of your batter into the prepared loaf pan. Drizzle half the cinnamon swirl mixture over it. Add the remaining batter on top and finish by drizzling the rest of the swirl. Take a knife and gently swirl the batter to create beautiful cinnamon ribbons throughout the bread.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step lets the bread set perfectly and makes slicing a breeze.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread
Garnishes
Though this bread is utterly delicious on its own, a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vegan glaze made from powdered sugar and almond milk can take it up a notch. Fresh banana slices or a sprinkle of toasted oats on top add inviting textures and visual appeal that guests will love.
Side Dishes
Serve your Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread alongside a warm cup of coffee or chai tea for an indulgent morning treat. For a heartier snack, pair with a dollop of dairy-free yogurt or nut butter that complements the bread’s cinnamon and banana flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread into a decadent dessert by layering slices with dairy-free ice cream or whipped coconut cream. For a brunch spread, slice it thick and serve with fresh fruit and a maple syrup drizzle, making each bite feel like a special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days, perfect for quick snacks or breakfast on the go.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap slices individually or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy that cinnamon-swirled magic again.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, gently reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave for 20-30 seconds. The cinnamon aroma will fill your kitchen again, and the bread will be tender and inviting like it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use regular butter instead of vegan butter?
Absolutely! Regular butter works perfectly and adds a rich flavor, just like vegan butter. You can choose whichever fits your preference.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free all-purpose flour. Just ensure your oats are certified gluten-free as well for the best results.
Can I substitute another sweetener for maple syrup?
Yes, you can swap maple syrup with agave nectar, honey (if not strictly vegan), or even brown rice syrup to maintain the sweetness and moisture.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The bananas should be very ripe, with lots of brown spots or even fully brown skins. This ensures maximum sweetness and the best moist texture.
Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
Definitely! Just pour the batter into a muffin tin and bake for about 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. It’s a great way to share bite-sized versions of this delicious Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread is truly one of those recipes that feels like a warm, sweet secret passed down among friends. Its irresistible cinnamon swirl paired with the gentle banana sweetness makes it a joy to bake, eat, and share. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself and see how this cozy treat becomes a staple in your kitchen just like it is in mine.
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Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread is a delightful twist on classic banana bread, featuring a rich cinnamon swirl that adds warmth and sweetness. Made with overripe bananas, vegan butter, maple syrup, and almond or oat milk, it’s a moist and flavorful vegan and gluten-free friendly treat perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack.
Ingredients
Batter
- 3 overripe bananas
- 4 tbsp melted vegan butter
- 3/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup almond or oat milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (regular or gluten-free)
- 1 cup rolled oats
Swirl mixture
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp cinnamon
- Additional 1 tbsp melted vegan butter (for swirl mixture)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan to prepare for baking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the overripe bananas and combine with melted vegan butter, maple syrup, almond or oat milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Prepare the cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp melted vegan butter with the light brown sugar and cinnamon until it forms a thick, spreadable consistency.
- Layer the batter: Pour half of the batter into the greased loaf pan. Drizzle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top, then finish with the rest of the cinnamon swirl mixture. Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter to create a marbled effect.
- Bake the bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread—it should come out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and enjoying.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
- If you want a gluten-free version, be sure to use gluten-free all-purpose flour.
- Rolled oats add texture and heartiness to the bread; you can substitute with quick oats if needed.
- Adjust maple syrup amount based on your desired sweetness level.
- Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10th of loaf)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: banana bread, cinnamon swirl, vegan banana bread, cinnamon roll banana bread, gluten-free banana bread, healthy banana bread, breakfast bread
