As the sun begins to set and the day winds down, the cozy aroma of freshly baked banana bread fills my kitchen, instantly transforming it into a warm haven of comfort. There’s nothing quite like the enchanting scent of cinnamon wafting through the air, inviting friends and family to gather around the table. This Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Banana Bread not only boasts rich flavors and a delightful cinnamon swirl, but it also champions the simplicity of plant-based baking.
With just a handful of pantry staples and overripe bananas, I found myself creating this scrumptious loaf that impresses vegans and non-vegans alike. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast alongside your morning coffee or serving it as a sweet dessert drizzled with vegan cream cheese frosting, this treat will quickly become a favorite in your home. Plus, with the option to add nuts or chocolate chips, the variations are endless, allowing you to tailor each loaf to your taste. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that brings a little magic to any moment!
Why is Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Banana Bread irresistible?
Irresistible Aroma: As it bakes, your kitchen will be filled with the warm, comforting scent of cinnamon and bananas, making it hard to resist a slice straight from the oven.
Simplicity: With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers looking to create something delicious without fuss.
Versatile Enjoyment: Each loaf can be enjoyed any time of day—be it breakfast, a snack, or dessert, making it a go-to for various occasions.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Even those who aren’t vegan will be reaching for seconds, thanks to the rich taste and moist texture that appeal to all palates.
If you’re eager for more delicious ideas, check out our guide to plant-based desserts for inspiration!
Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Banana Bread Ingredients
For the Batter
- Overripe Bananas – Provides natural sweetness and moisture; use extremely ripe bananas for optimal flavor.
- Melted Vegan Butter – Adds richness and fat; substitute with coconut oil if desired.
- Maple Syrup – Acts as a sweetener; agave syrup can be an alternative for a similar sweetness profile.
- Unsweetened Almond/Oat Milk – Provides moisture; any plant-based milk works here, keeping the recipe fully vegan.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; use pure vanilla for best results, while imitation vanilla can suffice in a pinch.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Leavening agents that allow the bread to rise; ensure they’re fresh for best results.
- Ground Cinnamon – Offers spice and warmth; increase the amount for a stronger cinnamon flavor if desired.
- Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor; use sea salt or table salt interchangeably.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; gluten-free flour can be substituted for a gluten-free version.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats – Adds texture and heartiness; quick oats can be used but may alter texture slightly.
For the Cinnamon Swirl
- Light Brown Sugar – Sweetens the cinnamon swirl; can be replaced with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
For the Frosting
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the cream cheese frosting; for a lower sugar option, use a sugar alternative.
- Softened Vegan Cream Cheese – Provides creaminess and tang in the frosting; Tofutti or any plant-based cream cheese will work beautifully.
Make sure you gather all these ingredients to whip up a delightful Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Banana Bread that everyone will love!
How to Make Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Banana Bread
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan generously for easy removal later, or line it with parchment paper if you prefer.
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Mash the overripe bananas in a mixing bowl until mostly smooth, leaving a few small lumps for texture. Add in the melted vegan butter, maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy.
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Mix the dry ingredients by adding baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt into the banana mixture. Stir until thoroughly incorporated, but be careful not to overmix.
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Fold in the all-purpose flour and rolled oats gently until no floury streaks remain. The batter should be thick and well-combined without any lumps.
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Pour half of the prepared banana batter into the greased loaf pan, ensuring an even layer.
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Create the cinnamon swirl by mixing together light brown sugar, melted vegan butter, and a dash of cinnamon in a bowl. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the batter and use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it through the batter.
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Top the pan with the remaining banana batter. Again drop more cinnamon swirl mixture on top and gently swirl for a beautiful finish.
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Bake in your preheated oven for 50–60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when the bread is ready.
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Cool the loaf in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Frost the cooled bread by mixing powdered sugar, melted vegan butter, and softened vegan cream cheese until you achieve a smooth consistency. Spread it generously over the top of the loaf.
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Slice, serve, and enjoy every delightful bite of your Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Banana Bread!
Optional: Top with chopped nuts or chocolate chips for an extra flavor twist!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Banana Bread Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own!
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Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful crunch. The added texture pairs perfectly with the moist bread.
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Chocolate Indulgence: Fold in 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra sweet surprise. This variation is perfect for dessert lovers craving a sweet finish.
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Nut Butter Swirl: Mix in a swirl of almond or peanut butter instead of some cinnamon filling for added richness. The nutty flavor beautifully complements the banana and cinnamon.
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Whole Wheat: Swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. This adds more nutrients while keeping the bread soft and delightful.
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Spiced Version: Enhance flavor by adding 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg or pie spice to the batter for warming notes. This little addition evokes cozy autumn vibes in every bite.
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Zesty Citrus: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to brighten the flavors of the bread. The citrus notes harmonize wonderfully with the sweetness of the bananas.
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Dried Fruit: Toss in 1/2 cup of chopped dried apricots or raisins for a chewy surprise. This adds a delightful burst of sweetness in every slice.
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Sugar-Free Option: Replace the maple syrup with a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit sweetener for a lower-sugar option, making it suitable for sugar-conscious diets.
Each of these variations will take your Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Banana Bread to new levels of flavor and enjoyment!
How to Store and Freeze Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Banana Bread
Room Temperature: Keep the bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain its moisture and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the bread for up to a week. Wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
Freezer: Slice the bread and freeze it unfrosted in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and frost afterwards for the best presentation.
Reheating: To enjoy it warm, pop slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or toast them briefly to bring back its cozy texture.
Expert Tips for Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Banana Bread
- Ripe Bananas: Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture; yellow bananas with brown spots are ideal.
- Gentle Mixing: Avoid overmixing the batter to keep your Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Banana Bread fluffy; mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Cinnamon Swirl Technique: Swirl the cinnamon filling gently to maintain beautiful layers—too much mixing will lose the effect!
- Cooling Time: Let the bread cool completely before frosting to prevent melting; this ensures a delightful presentation.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, or freeze unfrosted for later enjoyment.
Make Ahead Options
These Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Banana Bread loaves are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the wet and dry ingredients separately and then combine them just before baking. Additionally, you can also make the cinnamon swirl mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply refrigerate the batter in an airtight container to prevent browning. When you’re ready to bake, pour the mix into your prepared pan, add the cinnamon swirl, and pop it in the oven. This way, you’ll have that warm, freshly baked banana bread ready with minimal morning effort!
What to Serve with Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Banana Bread?
Pair this delightful loaf with something special to create the ultimate experience for your taste buds.
- Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries or blueberries perfectly contrasts the sweet, warm flavors of banana bread, enhancing your enjoyment.
- Golden Almonds: A sprinkle of crunchy, toasted almonds adds texture that complements the soft crumb, inviting you in for another slice.
- Coconut Yogurt: A dollop of creamy coconut yogurt brings a luscious tartness to each bite, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
- Vegan Coffee Cake: For a brunch extravaganza, serve alongside a slice of vegan coffee cake to elevate your gathering with flavors everyone will adore.
- Homemade Chai Latte: Sip on a warm, spiced chai latte that echoes the bread’s cinnamon notes, creating a cozy atmosphere for afternoon relaxation.
- Vanilla Coconut Ice Cream: Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla coconut ice cream for an indulgent dessert that’s both comforting and refreshing for any occasion.
- Sweet Maple Glaze: Drizzle a homemade maple glaze over each slice for an extra touch of sweetness and a delightful sheen that’s irresistible.
These pairing suggestions will not only enhance your experience but also make every gathering feel like a celebration!
Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Banana Bread Recipe FAQs
What kind of bananas should I use for the best flavor?
Absolutely! The best bananas for this Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Banana Bread are those that are very ripe, with plenty of brown spots. These overripe bananas provide the natural sweetness and moisture that make the bread deliciously fluffy and flavorful.
How should I store the banana bread, and how long will it last?
For optimal freshness, store your Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to prolong its life, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just ensure it’s tightly wrapped to keep moisture in!
Can I freeze this banana bread for later?
Yes indeed! To freeze, slice the bread and place it in a freezer-safe container, unfrosted, for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw individual slices at room temperature or reheat them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Frost only after thawing for the best results.
What if my banana bread turns out dense?
Very often, dense banana bread comes from overmixing the batter. To keep your Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Banana Bread light and fluffy, mix until just combined. Also, make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, as expired leaveners can hinder rise.
Is this banana bread suitable for my gluten-free friends?
Absolutely! You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check the labels of other ingredients, like baking powder, to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.
Can pets eat banana bread?
While bananas themselves are safe for dogs in moderation, it’s best to keep banana bread away from pets. Ingredients like sugars and vegan butter can upset their stomachs. Stick to plain banana slices for a pet treat instead!
Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Banana Bread That Everyone Will Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan generously or line it with parchment paper.
- Mash the overripe bananas in a mixing bowl until mostly smooth. Add in the melted vegan butter, maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Mix the dry ingredients by adding baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt into the banana mixture. Stir until incorporated, but do not overmix.
- Fold in the all-purpose flour and rolled oats gently until combined without lumps.
- Pour half of the prepared banana batter into the greased loaf pan.
- Create the cinnamon swirl by mixing light brown sugar, melted vegan butter, and a dash of cinnamon. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the batter and swirl it in.
- Top the pan with the remaining banana batter and swirl some remaining cinnamon mixture on top.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 50–60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.
- Cool the loaf in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Frost the cooled bread by mixing powdered sugar, melted vegan butter, and softened vegan cream cheese until smooth. Spread it over the loaf.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy your Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Banana Bread!