If you are craving a comfort treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside, then you absolutely must try this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Vegan Frosting Recipe. This delightful fusion takes the beloved flavors of banana bread and swirls them into soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls topped with a luscious, dairy-free frosting that melts in your mouth. Every bite bursts with the sweet aroma of cinnamon and ripe bananas, combined with the richness of a vegan butter glaze and optional crunch from nuts. It’s the perfect recipe to bake for family breakfasts, special brunches, or when you simply want to spoil yourself with something both nostalgic and fresh.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, pantry-friendly, and each plays a crucial role — from creating the tender dough to the aromatic filling and that irresistible vegan frosting finish.
- Unsweetened plain almond milk: Acts as the dairy-free base liquid to activate yeast and moisten the dough.
- Vegan butter: Provides richness in the dough, filling, and finishing touches, imparting a buttery flavor with no dairy.
- Instant/fast-acting yeast: The magic agent that helps the dough rise into those beautifully fluffy rolls.
- Cane sugar: Sweetens the dough and filling while also feeding the yeast for a great rise.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Mature ripe banana: Gives that unmistakable banana bread flavor and moisture, making these cinnamon rolls extra tender.
- All-purpose flour and whole-wheat pastry flour: Combining these adds structure with tender crumb and slight nuttiness.
- Ground cinnamon: The star of the filling for that warm, spicy kick.
- Thin banana slices: Layered inside, these add bursts of fresh banana flavor and a lovely texture contrast.
- Raw walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds crunchy texture and nutty depth to complement the sweet filling.
- Dairy-free cream cheese frosting or powdered sugar glaze: Gives the perfect finishing sweetness and creaminess without dairy.
How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Vegan Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by warming the almond milk and vegan butter until just melted and pleasantly warm to the touch, around 110°F (43°C), which is the perfect temperature to activate your yeast without killing it. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 10 minutes until bubbly and foamy. This step ensures your rolls will rise beautifully. Stir in the sugar, salt, and mashed bananas, then gradually add the flour mixture. Once the dough becomes hard to stir, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead until it forms a smooth, slightly springy ball. Place it in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size—about an hour.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
After your dough has risen, roll it out into a roughly 12 by 20-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Brush the entire surface generously with melted vegan butter, then sprinkle a vibrant mixture of cane sugar and cinnamon evenly across it. Arrange very thin banana slices thoughtfully on top, ensuring each bite will have that sweet fruit burst. If you’re adding nuts, sprinkle them over the bananas for a satisfying crunch and depth of flavor.
Step 3: Assemble and Let Rise
Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from one of the long edges, then slice the log into 1½ to 2-inch thick sections. Place the rolls snugly into a greased 8×8-inch baking pan or a similarly sized round dish. Brush the tops with melted vegan butter and sprinkle with sugar and additional chopped walnuts for an irresistible finish. Cover them once more and allow these beauties to rise again while you preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). This final rise makes sure they’re extra soft and fluffy.
Step 4: Bake the Rolls
Bake your cinnamon rolls for 28 to 35 minutes or until their tops turn a gorgeous golden brown and the air fills with intoxicating cinnamon and banana aromas. Once out of the oven, let them cool slightly—a little patience here elevates the texture before you add the frosting.
Step 5: Add Frosting or Glaze
Finish your creation with a generous swirl of vegan cream cheese frosting for that classic, tangy sweetness that perfectly balances the warm spices. Or, for a lighter touch, drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze to add a subtle shimmer and sweetness. Both options make these rolls utterly irresistible and incredibly luscious.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Vegan Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few crushed toasted walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting not only looks stunning but gives an inviting crunch that complements the soft rolls. A light dusting of cinnamon or a few banana chips scattered on top also adds visual appeal and extra flavor layers.
Side Dishes
Serve these cinnamon rolls alongside a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or creamy oat milk latte to enhance the warm, cozy breakfast vibe. Fresh fruit such as berries or sliced apples provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the rolls. For a brunch spread, pair with vegan scrambled tofu or crispy tempeh bacon for varied textures and savory balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving slices on individual small plates lined with parchment paper for casual gatherings or stack them artfully on a tiered cake stand at brunch. Drizzle extra glaze just before serving for a glossy finish. If you want to wow guests, sprinkle edible flowers or microgreens lightly around the presentation platter for a fresh, unexpected touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain softness. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerating them wrapped tightly can extend freshness for up to four days, but bring rolls back to room temperature before serving to enjoy their tender texture.
Freezing
If you want to save the magic for later, these rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen cinnamon rolls will stay fresh for up to three months, perfect for leisurely weekend breakfasts or last-minute guests.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated rolls by microwaving them for about 30 seconds or warming in an oven set to 350°F (176°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. If reheating frozen rolls, allow a few extra minutes for thawing. Add fresh frosting or glaze after warming for that just-baked charm.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of plant milk?
Absolutely! Any unsweetened plant milk such as soy, oat, or cashew milk will work fine and won’t alter the flavor too much. Just make sure it’s not flavored or sweetened to keep the taste balanced.
Can I make these rolls gluten-free?
Gluten-free baking can be tricky with yeast doughs. You could try a gluten-free all-purpose blend designed for yeast breads, but results will vary. For a guaranteed success, consider a gluten-free banana bread recipe instead, or experiment with xanthan gum and psyllium husk to mimic gluten’s elasticity.
Is it necessary to use vegan butter, or can I substitute oil?
Vegan butter adds flavor and texture that oil can’t quite replicate, especially for the buttery richness in the filling and dough. However, you can substitute melted coconut oil or neutral oil in a pinch, though the taste and texture may be a bit different.
Can I skip the nuts if I have allergies?
Yes, the nuts are totally optional and can be left out without sacrificing the essence of this recipe. You might like to add some vegan chocolate chips or dried fruit instead for a different texture and flavor.
How do I make the powdered sugar glaze?
The simple glaze is just powdered sugar mixed with a small amount of plant milk and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. It’s easy to adjust the thickness by adding more sugar or milk depending on how much glaze you need and how thick you want it.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Vegan Frosting Recipe. It’s an easy way to bring together the best of two beloved treats into one, creating a decadent, crowd-pleasing delight packed with warm banana and cinnamon flavors. Baking these from scratch fills your kitchen with cozy aromas and yields a soft, tender batch that everyone will love. I encourage you to bring this recipe into your kitchen and experience firsthand the joy that comes from sharing a slice of homemade, vegan comfort food with those you care about most.
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Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Vegan Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delight in these soft, fluffy Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls, infused with ripe banana and warm cinnamon, enhanced with a vegan butter glaze and optionally topped with dairy-free cream cheese frosting or a simple powdered sugar glaze. Perfect for a sweet breakfast treat or afternoon snack, these rolls combine the comforting flavors of banana bread with classic cinnamon rolls for a unique twist.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup unsweetened plain almond milk
- 3 Tbsp vegan butter (such as Earth Balance)
- 1 packet instant/fast-acting yeast (1 packet yields ~2 1/4 tsp)
- 1 Tbsp cane sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana
- 2 ¾ – 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (use 2/3 unbleached all-purpose, 1/3 whole-wheat pastry)
Filling
- 1/4 cup vegan butter, melted
- 1/3 cup cane sugar
- 1/2 – 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
- ~20 very thin banana slices (about 1/2 cup)
- 1/3 cup raw walnuts or pecans, crushed (optional)
Topping
- 1 Tbsp vegan butter, melted
- 1 Tbsp sugar (cane or brown)
- Additional crushed walnuts for topping (optional)
- Dairy-free cream cheese frosting (optional)
- Powdered sugar glaze (optional, recipe included in notes)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, warm almond milk and vegan butter in 30-second microwave increments or on the stovetop until melted and warm to 110°F (43°C). Sprinkle yeast over the mixture and let it activate for 10 minutes. Stir in cane sugar, salt, and mashed banana. Gradually add flour, stirring continuously. When the dough thickens and becomes hard to stir, knead it on a floured surface until forming a slightly springy ball. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling: Roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 12 x 20 inches on a floured surface. Brush evenly with melted vegan butter. Mix cane sugar and ground cinnamon and sprinkle over the buttered dough. Arrange thin banana slices evenly on top and sprinkle with crushed walnuts if using.
- Roll and slice: Gently roll the dough lengthwise into a log, then slice into 1 1/2 to 2-inch sections to form rolls.
- Assemble and let rise: Place the rolls cut side up in a greased 8×8-inch or similarly sized round baking pan. Brush the tops with melted vegan butter and sprinkle with sugar and additional crushed walnuts if desired. Cover loosely and allow the rolls to rise again while preheating the oven to 350°F (176°C).
- Bake the rolls: Bake the cinnamon rolls in the preheated oven for 28-35 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove and let cool slightly before adding toppings.
- Add frosting or glaze: Optionally, top the warm rolls with dairy-free cream cheese frosting or drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for added sweetness and moisture.
Notes
- For the powdered sugar glaze: Mix powdered sugar with a small amount of almond milk until desired consistency is reached. Drizzle over cooled rolls.
- Ensure the almond milk mixture is not too hot before adding yeast to avoid killing the yeast.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts for nut-free rolls.
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- These rolls keep well in an airtight container for up to 3 days or can be frozen for longer storage.
