Imagine biting into a moist slice of banana bread swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with creamy peanut butter glaze. This Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread combines two classic treats into one irresistible dessert that fills your kitchen with warmth.
Whether you need a breakfast treat or afternoon snack, this recipe delivers comfort in every bite. And the best part? You can make it entirely with plant-based ingredients!
Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread
With its perfect balance of sweetness and spice, this banana bread earns a spot in everyone’s favorite recipes. The cinnamon swirl adds bakery-style flair while the peanut butter glaze offers a rich finish. Plus, you only need simple ingredients and one bowl for mixing. This crowd-pleaser works for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you crave something special.
Easy Morning Solution
Busy mornings become brighter when you have a slice ready to go. This banana bread stays moist for days. Simply wrap individual portions and grab them with your coffee.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor
Combining classic cinnamon roll flavors with banana bread creates something extraordinary. Your family will ask for this repeatedly once they taste the sweet swirls and creamy topping.
Recipe
Print
Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread – Peanut Butter and Jilly
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Moist banana bread swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with peanut butter cream cheese glaze. Vegan and gluten-free options included!
Ingredients
- 3 overripe mashed bananas
- 4 tbsp melted vegan butter (60 ml)
- 3/4 cup maple syrup (180 ml)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond or oat milk (240 ml)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (5 ml)
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder (7 g)
- 1 tsp baking soda (5 g)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (2 g)
- 1/4 tsp salt (1 g)
- 1 1/2 cup regular or gluten free all purpose flour (180 g)
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats (90 g)
- 4 tbsp melted vegan butter (60 ml)
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar (67 g)
- 2 tbsp cinnamon (12 g)
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar (90 g)
- 2 tbsp melted vegan butter (30 ml)
- 2 oz softened vegan cream cheese (56 g)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In large bowl, mash bananas until smooth.
- Whisk in melted vegan butter, maple syrup, plant milk, and vanilla.
- Fold in baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, flour and oats until just combined.
- Mix melted vegan butter, brown sugar and cinnamon in small bowl to make paste.
- Pour half banana batter into loaf pan, dollop cinnamon mixture over top.
- Swirl gently with knife, top with remaining batter.
- Bake 45-50 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely on wire rack before glazing.
- Beat powdered sugar, vegan butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Drizzle glaze over cooled banana bread and serve.
Notes
- For richer glaze, add extra tablespoon of cream cheese.
- Store leftover bread covered at room temperature up to 3 days.
- Freeze unglazed slices wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 45 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 301 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 314 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
Ingredients and Substitutions
Base Components
This plant-based recipe remains flexible. Feel free to adjust based on your pantry items or dietary needs:
- Bananas: Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for natural sweetness
- Flour: Regular or gluten-free all-purpose blends work equally well
- Milk: Any unsweetened plant milk like almond or oat keeps it dairy-free
Sauce and Seasonings
The cinnamon swirl and glaze bring signature flavors. For those looking to tweak:
- Cinnamon: Try pumpkin spice for seasonal variation
- Vegan Butter: Substitute coconut oil if preferred
- Powdered Sugar: Maple syrup works for glaze but makes it thinner
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread
Prep Your Pan
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Spray lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash bananas until smooth. Then add melted vegan butter, maple syrup, plant milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients vigorously until fully combined and bubbly.
Add Dry Components
Gently fold in baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, flour and oats just until no dry patches remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
Create Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, mix melted vegan butter with brown sugar and cinnamon into a paste. Pour half the banana batter into the loaf pan, then dollop the cinnamon mixture over it. Use a knife to swirl through the batter gently. Top with remaining batter.
Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake 45-50 minutes. The bread becomes ready when a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let it cool completely before glazing.
Pro Tips for Success
Banana Ripeness Matters
Always use overripe bananas with brown speckled peels. These offer maximum sweetness and moisture. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, bake them at 300°F for 20 minutes to soften.
Meal Planning Application
Pair this sweet bread with savory dishes like a simple lasagna casserole for balanced family meals. The contrast between sweet and savory delights everyone.
Cool Completely Before Cutting
Resist cutting while warm! The texture sets as it cools, providing cleaner slices. For quicker cooling, place the bread pan on a wire rack after baking.
Flavor Variations
Chocolate Lover’s Version
Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips to the batter or mix cocoa powder into the glaze for decadent results.
Nutty Crunch Addition
Fold chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before pouring it into the loaf pan. Alternatively, sprinkle sliced almonds on top with the glaze.
Fruity Twist
Dice strawberries or blueberries to fold into the batter or mix raspberry jam with the cinnamon filling layer.
Serving Suggestions
Breakfast Upgrade
Serve warm slices with fresh berries and a dollop of vegan yogurt for a delightful morning meal.
Dessert Presentation
Transform this banana bread into an elegant dessert by drizzling extra glaze and serving with dairy-free ice cream. For heartier meals, consider pairing with family-favorite ground beef dishes to balance the menu.
Afternoon Tea Pairing
Cut the bread into small squares and serve with chai tea or cold brew coffee for a satisfying snack break.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Countertop Storage
Keep leftover banana bread covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place a paper towel underneath the bread to absorb excess moisture.
Freezer-Friendly
Slice the cooled bread and wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap. Place in freezer bags and store up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.
Reheating Methods
Revive slices by microwaving 15-20 seconds or toasting oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This restores that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
Nutrition Facts per Serving
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein | Fiber | Sugar | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 301 kcal | 10 g | 51 g | 3 g | 4 g | 30 g | 314 mg |
FAQs About Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread
Can I use regular dairy ingredients?
Absolutely. Replace vegan butter with regular melted butter and use dairy milk and cream cheese. The recipe maintains its structure and flavor beautifully.
How do I prevent the swirl from sinking?
Cooking the cinnamon mixture into a thicker paste helps it stay suspended. Also avoid overmixing after adding the swirl layer. Lightly draw your knife through once or twice only.
Why does my banana bread look wet inside?
Underbaking often causes this. Insert a toothpick – if it emerges with batter, continue baking. Elevating the pan with a baking sheet helps ensure even heat distribution.
Can I make this banana bread nut-free?
Yes. Choose oat milk over almond milk and omit peanut butter from glaze. Replace with sunflower seed butter or coconut cream cheese instead.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread recipe delivers cozy flavors and simple preparation in one gorgeous loaf.
Whether baking for Sunday brunch or weekday snacks, every slice satisfies your craving for something sweet yet wholesome. Additionally, its freezer-friendly nature ensures you always have treats on hand for unexpected guests.
For those seeking savory meal pairings, try our quick turkey skillet recipe to round out your menu planning. Now preheat your oven and get ready to fill your home with the incredible aroma of cinnamon and bananas dancing together!
