Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Will Change Your Breakfast Forever

When I first created this Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread, I remember thinking that it might simply be another sweet loaf for busy mornings. However, as soon as I pulled it from the oven, the warm aroma of cinnamon, maple syrup, and bananas filled my kitchen in a way that instantly reminded me of weekend breakfasts from my childhood. Because I grew up loving both banana bread and cinnamon rolls, I always wanted to merge those two comforting flavors into one recipe. Therefore, this loaf became something special for me. As I sliced into it, the soft crumb, the cinnamon swirl, and the creamy frosting made it feel like a treat that transforms an ordinary morning into a moment worth slowing down for.

Although this recipe feels indulgent, it stays surprisingly simple. Moreover, the combination of mashed bananas and warm cinnamon ensures that every bite stays moist without being overly sweet. Since the cinnamon swirl melts into the loaf as it bakes, you get a beautiful ribbon of flavor that contrasts with the tender banana base. Because the frosting goes on after cooling, it adds a final creamy layer that tastes similar to a classic cinnamon roll topping.

You’ll love this recipe because it offers bakery-level comfort with minimal effort. Additionally, the ingredients are easy to find, and the steps stay straightforward enough for even a beginner baker. While the flavor feels rich and cozy, the recipe uses vegan-friendly staples, which makes it appealing to a wider audience. Furthermore, this loaf works well for breakfast, dessert, or even a mid-day snack. Since it keeps well and reheats beautifully, it becomes a practical make-ahead option for busy families.

This recipe is also very versatile. For instance, you can use either almond milk or oat milk, and you can choose gluten-free flour if needed. Because the batter stays forgiving, small adjustments in texture or sweetness still turn out a delicious loaf. In addition, you can customize the cinnamon swirl intensity or add extra oats for more heartiness.

Another advantage is that the recipe remains budget-friendly. Since bananas, oats, and flour are common pantry ingredients, you can prepare this loaf without making an expensive grocery trip. Moreover, the vegan butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon are items many bakers already keep on hand, which allows this recipe to fit easily into everyday cooking.

Ingredients:

  • 3 overripe mashed bananas

  • 4 tbsp melted vegan butter

  • ¾ cup maple syrup

  • 1 cup unsweetened almond or oat milk

  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free)

  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • 1 ½ cup all-purpose or gluten-free flour

  • 1 cup rolled oats

Cinnamon Swirl:

  • 4 tbsp melted vegan butter

  • ⅓ cup light brown sugar

  • 2 tbsp cinnamon

Frosting:

  • ¾ cup powdered sugar

  • 2 tbsp melted vegan butter

  • 2 oz softened vegan cream cheese

    HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE • STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS • QUICK AND EASY • CUSTOMIZABLE • CROWD-PLEASING

    When I prepare this Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread, I like to start by gathering all my ingredients, because this step ensures the process feels smooth and enjoyable. Since this recipe comes together in a single bowl for the batter, it stays simple enough for busy mornings. Moreover, the swirl and frosting require only quick mixing, which means the entire preparation moves faster than many traditional baked goods. Although the final result looks impressive, the actual steps remain easy to follow.

    How to Make This Recipe

    To begin, I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C), because this allows the loaf to bake evenly from the moment it goes into the oven. While the oven warms, I grease a loaf pan. Since sticking can ruin the clean shape of the bread, this step becomes essential. Then, I take a medium mixing bowl and add my mashed bananas. Because I use overripe bananas, the natural sweetness intensifies, and the texture becomes softer, which makes the batter blend more smoothly. After that, I pour in the melted vegan butter, maple syrup, almond milk, and Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free). When I mix these wet ingredients together, the aroma already begins to smell warm and inviting.

    Once the wet mixture looks consistent, I add the baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Then, I sprinkle in the flour and rolled oats. While stirring everything together, I make sure not to overmix, because keeping some air in the batter helps the loaf rise better. Additionally, the oats add a pleasant chewiness that balances the softness of the banana base.

    Step-by-Step Instructions for Making

    First, I pour half the batter into my greased loaf pan. Since the cinnamon swirl will go in layers, dividing the batter ensures even distribution. Next, I prepare the swirl by mixing the melted vegan butter, light brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. As soon as the mixture thickens slightly, I spread half of it over the first layer of batter. Because this swirl melts into the loaf during baking, it creates a beautiful pattern and adds extra warmth.

    Then, I pour the remaining half of the batter over the swirl. After smoothing the top, I add the second half of the cinnamon mixture. Because the swirl caramelizes slightly in the oven, the top gains a golden, fragrant finish. Once everything is layered, I place the loaf in the center of the preheated oven. The bread bakes for 50 to 60 minutes, and I check it by inserting a toothpick into the center. When the toothpick comes out clean, the loaf is ready. Although the aroma becomes irresistible, I let the bread cool fully before adding the frosting.

    When the loaf cools, I prepare the frosting by mixing the powdered sugar, melted vegan butter, and softened vegan cream cheese. Since the texture should remain smooth, I whisk until the frosting becomes creamy and spreadable. Once ready, I gently spread it over the cooled loaf. Because the frosting adds the final cinnamon-roll-inspired touch, this step completes the experience.

    Quick and Easy

    Although the recipe looks luxurious, the steps stay quick. Because everything mixes without special equipment, it remains perfect for beginners. Moreover, cleanup stays minimal. Since the batter, swirl, and frosting use basic bowls, you won’t deal with complicated tools.

    Customizable

    This recipe adapts easily to different dietary needs. For example, you can swap almond milk with oat milk. You can also use gluten-free flour without altering the texture significantly. Additionally, adjusting the amount of cinnamon allows you to control the intensity of the flavor. Because the frosting goes on last, you can even serve the loaf without it if you prefer a less sweet version.

    Crowd-Pleasing

    Whenever I serve this loaf, it disappears quickly. Because the flavors appeal to both adults and children, it works beautifully for brunch tables, office snacks, potlucks, or weekend breakfasts. Moreover, the cinnamon swirl adds a visual element that makes every slice look inviting. Since the bread stays moist for days, it also works well as a make-ahead treat.

    FAQs

    Can I use gluten-free flour in this recipe?
    Yes, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour. Moreover, the batter stays flexible enough to handle the swap without altering the texture too much. Since the oats add structure, the loaf remains soft and stable.

    Can I replace almond milk with another milk option?
    Yes, you can use oat milk instead. Because both options offer similar consistency, the batter mixes smoothly and bakes evenly. Additionally, the flavor stays mild, which keeps the cinnamon and banana notes dominant.

    Do I have to add the frosting?
    No, you can skip it. However, the frosting adds the classic cinnamon roll touch. Since it spreads easily over the cooled loaf, it enhances both flavor and appearance. Yet the bread still tastes delicious without it.

    How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
    Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the loaf is ready. Because every oven varies slightly, checking at the 50-minute mark prevents overbaking.

    Can I store this banana bread?
    Yes, you can store it at room temperature for up to two days. Additionally, refrigerating it keeps it fresh for up to five days. Since the loaf freezes well, you can also freeze slices for future use.

    Print

    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

    Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Will Change Your Breakfast Forever

    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    No reviews

    This Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread blends the warmth of classic banana bread with the sweetness of a cinnamon swirl. It creates a soft, moist loaf with a creamy frosting that delivers the comforting flavor of cinnamon rolls in an easy, homemade bake.

    • Total Time: 70 minutes
    • Yield: 1 loaf 1x

    Ingredients

    Scale

    For the Bread:

    • 3 overripe mashed bananas

    • 4 tbsp melted vegan butter

    • ¾ cup maple syrup

    • 1 cup unsweetened almond or oat milk

    • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free)

    • 1 ½ tsp baking powder

    • 1 tsp baking soda

    • 1 tsp cinnamon

    • ¼ tsp salt

    • 1 ½ cup all-purpose or gluten-free flour

    • 1 cup rolled oats

    For the Cinnamon Swirl:

    • 4 tbsp melted vegan butter

    • ⅓ cup light brown sugar

    • 2 tbsp cinnamon

    For the Frosting:

    • ¾ cup powdered sugar

    • 2 tbsp melted vegan butter

    • 2 oz softened vegan cream cheese

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.

    • Mix mashed bananas, melted vegan butter, maple syrup, almond or oat milk, and Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free).

    • Add baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, flour, and rolled oats. Stir until combined without overmixing.

    • Pour half the batter into the loaf pan.

    • Mix melted vegan butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the swirl. Spread half the mixture over the batter.

    • Pour the remaining batter over the swirl and spread the rest of the swirl mixture on top.

    • Bake for 50–60 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean.

    • Cool the loaf completely.

    • Mix powdered sugar, melted vegan butter, and softened vegan cream cheese to make the frosting.

    • Spread the frosting over the cooled bread and serve.

    Notes

    • Do not overmix the batter to keep the loaf soft.

    • Allow the bread to cool fully before adding frosting to prevent melting.

    • You can adjust cinnamon intensity in the swirl mixture.

    • Author: Layla
    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 55 minutes

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star