Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread
Combine the flavors of a cinnamon roll and banana bread in one delicious loaf. This Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread is not just a treat; it’s perfect for brunch, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack. The delightful aroma will fill your kitchen, and everyone will be asking for seconds. Plus, this recipe is super simple to make and caters to both vegan and gluten-free diets!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The mix of cinnamon and bananas creates a unique taste that pleases the palate.
- Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a tasty loaf ready in no time.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it plain, with toppings, or alongside your favorite spread.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free Friendly: Suitable for a variety of dietary needs, making it great for gatherings.
- Perfect for Ripe Bananas: This recipe is an excellent way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter.
Tools and Preparation
To make the process smooth and enjoyable, gather the essential tools before you start baking. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Whisk
- Loaf pan
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: A must-have for combining ingredients efficiently without spills.
- Loaf pan: Ensures even baking and gives your bread the perfect shape.
- Spatula: Great for mixing batter smoothly and scraping down sides of bowls.
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread Base
- 3 overripe mashed bananas
- 4 tbsp melted vegan butter
- 3/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup unsweetened almond or oat milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Swirl Mixture
- 1 1/2 cup regular or gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 4 tbsp melted vegan butter
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Glaze
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp melted vegan butter
- 2 oz softened vegan cream cheese
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cinnamon roll banana bread bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Loaf Pan
Grease a loaf pan with a little melted vegan butter or line it with parchment paper. This step prevents sticking and makes it easy to remove the bread after baking.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
1. The mashed bananas,
2. Melted vegan butter,
3. Maple syrup,
4. Almond or oat milk,
5. Vanilla extract.
Whisk together until smooth.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
In the same bowl, add:
1. Baking powder,
2. Baking soda,
3. Cinnamon,
4. Salt.
Mix until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Combine Flour and Oats
Gently fold in:
1. All-purpose flour,
2. Rolled oats.
Stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix!
Step 6: Prepare the Swirl Mixture
In a separate bowl, mix:
1. Melted vegan butter,
2. Light brown sugar,
3. Cinnamon.
This mixture will create that delightful swirl in your bread.
Step 7: Assemble in Loaf Pan
Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Then layer half of the swirl mixture on top before adding more batter and finishing with the remaining swirl mixture on top.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Prepare Cream Cheese Glaze
While it’s cooling, prepare your glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, melted vegan butter, and softened vegan cream cheese until smooth.
Step 10: Serve
Once cooled slightly, drizzle with cream cheese glaze before slicing and serving warm!
Enjoy this delightful Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread as a sweet addition to any occasion!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread
Cinnamon roll banana bread is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack, these suggestions will enhance your experience.
Toasted with Toppings
- Nut Butter: Spread almond or peanut butter for added protein and richness.
- Maple Syrup: Drizzle pure maple syrup on top for extra sweetness.
- Fruit Slices: Add banana or fresh berries for a refreshing touch.
As a Dessert
- Vegan Ice Cream: Serve warm slices with a scoop of vegan ice cream for a delicious contrast.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Top with vegan cream cheese frosting for a decadent finish.
With Coffee or Tea
- Coffee Pairing: Enjoy alongside your morning coffee for the perfect pick-me-up.
- Herbal Tea: Pair with herbal tea for a soothing afternoon break.
How to Perfect Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread
To ensure your cinnamon roll banana bread turns out amazing every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Overripe Bananas: Choose bananas that are very ripe; they add natural sweetness and moisture.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use proper measuring tools to get the right flour and liquid ratios.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to keep the bread tender and fluffy.
- Check Doneness with a Toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when done.
- Cool Before Slicing: Let the bread cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing to prevent squishing.
Best Side Dishes for Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread
Cinnamon roll banana bread pairs beautifully with various side dishes, making it even more enjoyable. Here are some great options to consider:
- Greek Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang.
- Chia Seed Pudding: This nutritious option complements the sweetness of the bread perfectly.
- Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit balances flavors and adds brightness to your plate.
- Granola Parfait: Layer with granola and yogurt for a delightful breakfast treat.
- Smoothie Bowl: Serve alongside a refreshing smoothie bowl packed with vitamins.
- Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal makes for a hearty breakfast when eaten together.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make your Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread turn out perfectly. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Using unripe bananas: Unripe bananas lack the sweetness and flavor needed for great banana bread. Always choose overripe bananas for the best results.
- Skipping the vegan butter: Vegan butter adds moisture and richness. Don’t skip it or substitute with oil, as it can alter the texture.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can lead to a dense loaf. Always use a spoon to fill your measuring cup and level it off.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the right temperature for baking.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make your bread tough. Stir just until combined for a light, fluffy texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Freezing Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 20-30 seconds, but be careful not to dry them out.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a pan over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread, along with their answers.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour to enjoy a delicious gluten-free version of Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread.
How do I know when my banana bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready!
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for added flavor and texture in your Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread.
How should I store leftover banana bread?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread is not only delightful but also versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts or chocolate chips according to your preferences. The warm cinnamon aroma fills your kitchen, making it impossible to resist trying a slice!
Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of our Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread, where the sweetness of ripe bananas meets the warm spices of cinnamon. This delightful loaf is perfect for brunch, dessert, or an afternoon snack, becoming a favorite among family and friends. Its rich aroma will envelop your kitchen, inviting everyone to enjoy a slice (or two). Best of all, this recipe is incredibly easy to make and caters to both vegan and gluten-free diets, ensuring that everyone can join in on the deliciousness!
Ingredients
- 3 overripe bananas
- 4 tbsp melted vegan butter
- 3/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup almond or oat milk
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- Light brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, mix mashed bananas, melted vegan butter, maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt; mix well.
- Gently fold in flour and oats until just combined.
- For the swirl mixture, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
- Layer half the batter in the pan, add half the swirl mixture, then top with remaining batter and swirl mixture.
- Bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool slightly before drizzling with cream cheese glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
