Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread

This Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread combines two beloved classics into one decadent loaf. The base is tender, moist banana bread swirled with a rich, buttery cinnamon filling giving it that classic cinnamon roll flavor. Each slice is finished with a luscious layer of vegan cream cheese glaze, turning breakfast into a bakery-worthy experience.

Not only is this loaf simple to make, but it’s also fully plant-based and gluten free friendly. It’s the perfect treat for cozy weekends, brunch gatherings, or even gifting during the holidays. Serve it warm for the ultimate indulgence and watch it disappear slice by slice!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

Banana Bread Batter:

• 3 overripe mashed bananas

• 4 tbsp melted vegan butter

• ¾ cup maple syrup

• 1 cup unsweetened almond or oat milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1½ tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1½ cups regular or gluten-free all-purpose flour

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

Cinnamon Swirl:

• 4 tbsp melted vegan butter

• ⅓ cup light brown sugar

• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• ¾ cup powdered sugar

• 2 tbsp melted vegan butter

• 2 oz softened vegan cream cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch metal loaf pan with non-stick spray.

2. In a large bowl, mash bananas. Add vegan butter, maple syrup, plant milk, vanilla, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.

3. Stir in flour and oats until combined into a smooth batter.

4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. In a small bowl, mix cinnamon swirl ingredients. Spoon over batter and use a spoon to swirl.

5. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

6. While the bread cools slightly, mix powdered sugar, vegan butter, and cream cheese for the frosting.

7. Drizzle frosting over the warm loaf and serve.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 301 kcal | Servings: 12 servings

The Comfort-Filled Magic of Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread

Few baked goods bring together the warmth of tradition and the thrill of fusion like Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread. This delightful treat, a hybrid of two beloved breakfast icons, captures the essence of a cozy morning in one comforting slice. Whether you’re seeking a nostalgic nod to childhood memories or exploring creative baking trends, this recipe wraps you in the familiar scent of cinnamon and the tender sweetness of ripe bananas. Moist, fluffy, swirled with brown sugar, and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze this banana bread is far more than just breakfast. It’s a love letter to comfort food.

Where Two Classics Meet

Banana bread has long been the go-to for home bakers looking to use up overripe bananas. It’s humble, forgiving, and endlessly adaptable. Cinnamon rolls, on the other hand, are often saved for more indulgent occasions an aromatic, spiced, and sticky delight that feels like a warm hug on a slow morning. Combining the two may sound surprising at first, but the pairing is genius.

The banana bread provides a soft, moist, and naturally sweet base that is ideal for soaking up the rich, buttery cinnamon swirl. The cinnamon roll elements bring in that iconic spiced depth and dessert-like decadence, while the cream cheese frosting on top transforms this loaf into something truly celebratory. It’s like waking up on your birthday but it’s just a regular Tuesday.

A Recipe for Everyone: Vegan and Gluten-Free Friendly

What elevates this cinnamon roll banana bread even further is its inclusive recipe. It was crafted by Jillian Glenn of Peanut Butter and Jilly, a food blogger known for her plant-based and gluten-friendly creations. The recipe is 100% adaptable for those who follow vegan or gluten-free diets, yet it’s so satisfying that even those with no dietary restrictions won’t miss a thing.

Instead of eggs, the mashed bananas act as the binding agent, which also enhances the sweetness and moistness of the bread. Plant-based milk and vegan butter seamlessly swap into the batter, while gluten-free flour blends like King Arthur’s Measure for Measure ensure a tender crumb that doesn’t fall apart. This recipe is an invitation not a restriction. Everyone is welcome at this table.

A Sensory Celebration

From the moment you start preparing the batter, the kitchen fills with the earthy aroma of bananas and cinnamon. As the loaf bakes, that scent intensifies, mingling with buttery notes and the gentle sweetness of oats. It’s not uncommon for family members (or curious roommates) to wander into the kitchen, drawn in by the smell alone.

The texture is a showstopper, too. Moist and dense like a good banana bread should be, yet filled with rich, gooey pockets of cinnamon swirl that melt slightly into the surrounding crumb. The addition of oats provides a wholesome texture and body, while the frosting tangy, sweet, and creamy adds a luxurious final touch. Every bite delivers warmth, spice, sweetness, and comfort in equal measure.

Perfect for Every Occasion

This bread is as versatile as it is delicious. Serve it as a morning treat with coffee or tea, and it becomes the highlight of a lazy Sunday brunch. Warm it up slightly for dessert and pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Pack a slice in your lunchbox, or wrap up a loaf for a friend in need of a little pick-me-up. It’s equally appropriate for holiday mornings, birthday breakfasts, or weekday indulgence.

Because it travels well and stays moist for several days, it’s also a fantastic option for potlucks, road trips, or bake sales. Want to make it extra special? Bake it in mini loaf pans and give them out as gifts just don’t forget the frosting.

Customization: Make It Yours

One of the most exciting aspects of cinnamon roll banana bread is how customizable it is. You can add chopped nuts for extra crunch walnuts or pecans work beautifully or mix in dairy free chocolate chips for a little more indulgence. Love fruit? Swirl in some apple chunks or raisins. Prefer your banana bread without frosting? Leave it off and let the cinnamon swirl shine solo.

For a more decadent version, double the cinnamon swirl and add it to the center as well as the top. For a lighter touch, reduce the brown sugar and opt for a light dusting of powdered sugar instead of frosting. This bread gives you the bones of a great recipe and the freedom to run with it.

Tips for Perfect Results

While this banana bread is fairly foolproof, a few tips will ensure the best results:

• Use very ripe bananas: The darker and spottier, the better. They provide natural sweetness and moisture.

• Don’t overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to avoid a tough loaf.

• Swirl gently: When adding the cinnamon mixture, fold it in lightly to create beautiful streaks rather than mixing it all in.

• Cool before frosting: Allow the bread to cool slightly so the frosting doesn’t melt off completely, but apply it while the bread is still warm for that luscious melt-in effect.

• Check for doneness: Ovens vary, so use a toothpick to test the center. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Storage and Make-Ahead

Cinnamon roll banana bread keeps well and even gets better over time. Once cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week. Keep in mind that refrigeration may dry it slightly, so wrapping it in foil or plastic wrap is recommended.

To reheat, microwave a slice for 20–30 seconds to revive its warmth and softness. This bread also freezes beautifully. Slice it before freezing for grab-and-go convenience just pop a slice in the toaster or microwave for a quick treat.

Planning ahead? You can prepare the batter the night before, refrigerate it, and bake it fresh the next morning. This is especially useful during holidays or when hosting brunch.

More Than a Recipe A Memory Maker

There’s something truly heartwarming about this recipe. It’s not just the ingredients or the baking process it’s the feelings it evokes. Maybe it’s the smell that transports you back to your grandmother’s kitchen. Maybe it’s the first bite that reminds you of a cozy snow day. Or maybe it’s simply the joy of sharing something homemade and special with the people you love.

Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread is more than a trendy fusion or a clever twist on a classic. It’s a reminder that food is deeply emotional. It ties us to people, places, and moments we cherish. It’s a small but powerful way to turn an ordinary day into something special.

Conclusion: 

If you’ve never tried Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread, consider this your invitation to make something that’s as joyful to eat as it is to bake. With its adaptable ingredients, cozy flavor profile, and crowd-pleasing nature, it’s a recipe that belongs in every baker’s rotation.

It’s perfect for those looking to explore vegan or gluten-free options without sacrificing taste, and it’s just as satisfying for traditional palates. Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to the kitchen, this loaf offers a low stress, high reward experience.

So preheat your oven, grab those ripe bananas, and swirl in some cinnamon love. Your kitchen will smell like a dream and your taste buds will thank you.