Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Recipe

If you adore the comforting swirl of a cinnamon roll and the cozy, moist texture of classic banana bread, then you’ll absolutely fall in love with this Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread. It combines the best of both worlds: the rich, sweet notes of cinnamon and brown sugar layered throughout soft banana bread that’s bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Each bite feels like a tender hug for your taste buds, making it a perfect treat for breakfast, snack time, or whenever you need a little pick-me-up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to nailing the perfect Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread. Each element plays an essential role—from the ripe bananas that lend natural sweetness and moisture, to the cinnamon that adds that enchanting warm spice, every item is carefully chosen to create a harmony of flavors and textures.

• 3 overripe bananas: The riper, the better for maximum natural sweetness and softness in the bread.
• 4 tbsp melted vegan butter: This adds richness and helps keep the bread tender.
• 3/4 cup maple syrup: A natural sweetener that complements the bananas while lending a subtle depth of flavor.
• 1 cup almond or oat milk: Provides moisture and helps mix the batter without overpowering flavors.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: A splash of warmth that enhances all the other flavors wonderfully.
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (regular or gluten-free): The base that gives structure but keeps the bread soft.
• 1 cup rolled oats: Adds a bit of texture and nuttiness that balances out the sweetness.
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar: Essential for that classic cinnamon roll sweetness and slight chewiness.
• 2 tbsp cinnamon: The hero spice that gives this bread its unmistakable cozy flavor.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

Start by mashing the overripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until creamy with just a few small lumps. Stir in the melted vegan butter, maple syrup, almond or oat milk, and vanilla extract. Mixing these wet ingredients first creates the perfect base for a moist banana bread that melts in your mouth.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, light brown sugar, and cinnamon. This ensures that the cinnamon and sugar are evenly distributed for that classic cinnamon roll swirl effect. Mixing the dry ingredients well helps the bread rise evenly and prevents clumps.

Step 3: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix; stirring just until combined will keep your Banana Bread tender and soft. The oats will add a nice texture contrast, while the cinnamon and brown sugar create that cinnamon roll vibe within the batter.

Step 4: Swirl and Prepare to Bake

To get the iconic cinnamon roll look and taste, reserve a little of the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture to sprinkle and swirl on top of the batter once it’s poured into a loaf pan. For an extra touch, lightly press the swirled topping into the batter to create ribbons of cinnamon magic throughout the bread.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the loaf for about 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. The baked Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread should be golden on the outside with a soft, cinnamon-spiced crumb inside.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread

Garnishes

For a little extra indulgence, drizzle warm vegan glaze or a simple maple icing over each slice. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light dusting of cinnamon powder just before serving also looks stunning and amps up that cinnamon roll feel.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea. Add a handful of fresh berries or a dollop of vegan yogurt on the side to balance the sweetness with a touch of freshness. For breakfast, a smear of nut butter is a deliciously satisfying complement.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice and toast the bread lightly for a crispy edge and serve with a swirl of coconut cream or vegan butter melting into the warm slice. You can also cut it into cubes to make a decadent vegan bread pudding or French toast—turning your Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread into a versatile star of any meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store slices in an airtight container to keep the Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread fresh for up to 4 days at room temperature. Keeping it sealed ensures the bread retains its moisture and cinnamon-sweet flavor.

Freezing

This bread freezes amazingly well! Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf in parchment paper, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, so you can enjoy your Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread whenever a craving hits. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave for 15-20 seconds. You can even add a pat of vegan butter or a light drizzle of maple syrup for an ultra-decadent treat that tastes like it was just baked.

FAQs

Can I use regular butter instead of vegan butter?

Absolutely! Regular butter works just as well if you don’t need the recipe to be vegan – it will add even more richness to your Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread.

What if I don’t have almond or oat milk?

You can substitute with any plant-based milk or even dairy milk. Just use the same quantity to keep the batter’s moisture balanced.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Yes! Feel free to fold in chopped walnuts or vegan chocolate chips before baking for added texture and bursts of flavor. These mix-ins complement the cinnamon and banana perfectly.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The bananas should be very ripe with lots of brown spots to ensure maximum sweetness and softness that will carry through the bread’s texture.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and ensure the oats you use are certified gluten-free for an allergy-friendly version.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread enough—it’s that perfect cozy, flavor-packed recipe to have on hand whenever you want a treat that feels homemade and special. It’s a wonderful way to use up ripe bananas while indulging in the warmth of cinnamon and the comfort of banana bread all in one. Go ahead, bake a loaf and enjoy every wonderful bite with friends and family!

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