If you love the warm, comforting scent of cinnamon rolls and the rich, moist texture of banana bread, then you are going to absolutely adore this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Vegan Frosting Recipe. This delightful hybrid treats you to soft, pillowy rolls bursting with banana sweetness and swirls of fragrant cinnamon, all topped with a luscious vegan frosting that adds the perfect creamy finish. Whether you’re making it for a weekend brunch or a cozy snack, these cinnamon rolls bring a totally new twist to your baking favorites, making every bite feel like a warm hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Vegan Frosting Recipe is carefully chosen to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the creamy almond milk that keeps the dough tender to the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, these ingredients come together to make magic happen in your kitchen.
- 1 cup unsweetened plain almond milk: Adds creamy moisture without dairy, perfect for vegan baking.
- 3 Tbsp vegan butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender crumb in the dough.
- 1 packet instant/fast-acting yeast: Essential for that fluffy, risen texture in the rolls.
- 1 Tbsp cane sugar: Feeds the yeast and sweetens the dough subtly.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana: Brings natural sweetness and moisture, plus great banana flavor.
- 2 ¾ – 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure; a mix of unbleached and whole-wheat pastry flour adds a nice texture contrast.
- 1/4 cup vegan butter (for filling): Keeps the filling rich and gooey.
- 1/3 cup cane sugar (for filling): Sweetens the cinnamon swirl perfectly.
- 1/2 – 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon: The star spice that makes cinnamon rolls truly irresistible.
- ~20 very thin banana slices: Adds lovely banana bursts inside the rolls.
- 1/3 cup raw walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds crunch and a nutty depth to the filling and topping.
- 1 Tbsp vegan butter (for brushing tops): Creates a glossy, flavorful crust.
- 1 Tbsp sugar (cane or brown) for topping: Adds a subtle caramelized sweetness.
- Dairy-free cream cheese frosting: For the ultimate indulgent finishing touch.
- Powdered sugar glaze (optional): A simple, light alternative to frosting if you prefer a thinner topping.
How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Vegan Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by warming the almond milk and vegan butter until the butter melts and the mixture is pleasantly warm but not hot. This warmth awakens the yeast perfectly. Sprinkle the yeast over the liquid and give it 10 minutes to become frothy, signaling it’s alive and ready. Stir in the sugar, salt, and that precious mashed banana, which not only sweetens but adds a luscious texture. Gradually incorporate your flours, mixing until the dough holds together but still feels soft and slightly springy to the touch. The kneading process on a lightly floured surface develops the gluten network, giving you soft but structured rolls. Let the dough rest in an oiled bowl, covered, so it can rise and double in size, filling your kitchen with a wonderful yeasty aroma.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Once your dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a neat rectangle, about 12 by 20 inches for an ideal swirl. Brush it generously with melted vegan butter, the secret behind a tender, moist filling. Then sprinkle a fragrant mixture of cane sugar and ground cinnamon all over — this is where the magic happens! Carefully layer the thin banana slices evenly on top, and if you’re including nuts, scatter them now for delightful crunch and extra flavor.
Step 3: Assemble and Let Rise Again
Roll the dough gently but firmly into a tight log, keeping those fillings snug inside. Slice the log into 1 1/2 to 2-inch thick rolls—this size is perfect for cooking all the way through without losing softness. Arrange these rolls in a greased baking pan, making sure they have room to puff up without crowding. Before the second rise, brush the tops with melted vegan butter and sprinkle sugar and nuts for a beautiful, flavorful crust. Cover and let the rolls rise again while you preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C), allowing the rolls to get light and airy.
Step 4: Bake the Rolls
Bake your cinnamon rolls for around 28 to 35 minutes until they are golden brown and irresistible. The warmth transforms the dough into cloud-like softness, the sugar caramelizes, and the aroma fills the whole house. Let them cool just a little so they’re comfortable to handle but still warm enough to melt that frosting or glaze beautifully.
Step 5: Add Frosting or Glaze
For the crowning glory, spread a generous layer of dairy-free cream cheese frosting across your warm rolls. The tangy creaminess perfectly balances the sweet, cinnamon-spiced bread. If you prefer something lighter, a simple powdered sugar glaze will add just enough sweetness and shine without overpowering the flavors. Either way, your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Vegan Frosting Recipe reaches pure perfection.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Vegan Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of crushed walnuts or pecans over the frosting adds an inviting crunch and enhances the nutty flavors inside. For a touch of freshness and color, some finely chopped fresh mint or a dusting of cinnamon powder can make the presentation pop and elevate every bite.
Side Dishes
These rolls are a hearty treat on their own, but pairing them with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy vegan chai latte turns breakfast or brunch into a special occasion. A simple bowl of mixed berries or sliced citrus fruit adds a nice contrast of tartness and lightness to balance the sweetness of the rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming brunch display, arrange these rolls on a rustic wooden board or a pretty cake stand with fresh banana slices and cinnamon sticks scattered around. You can also serve individual rolls on small plates topped with extra frosting and a sprinkling of chopped nuts on each for a personalized touch that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Vegan Frosting Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For best texture, gently reheat the rolls to bring back their softness before serving again.
Freezing
You can freeze these rolls either baked or unbaked. If freezing before baking, wrap the rolled dough tightly and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw and let them rise before baking. Baked rolls freeze well wrapped in foil and stored in a zip-top bag for the same time frame, making it easy to enjoy later.
Reheating
Warm leftover rolls in a 300°F (149°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, tented with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, heat individual portions briefly in the microwave — just long enough to soften the frosting and warm the bread without melting it completely.
FAQs
Can I use regular dairy milk instead of almond milk?
Absolutely! While unsweetened almond milk keeps this recipe vegan, regular dairy milk will also work perfectly and add a creamy richness, so feel free to use what you have on hand.
Do I need to use instant yeast or can I use active dry yeast?
Instant yeast works best here since it activates quickly and doesn’t require proofing, but active dry yeast can be used if you proof it first in warm liquid for 5-10 minutes until bubbly.
Can I make the rolls gluten-free?
Gluten-free baking requires a specially formulated flour blend and may need additional binding agents. While this recipe hasn’t been tested gluten-free, you can experiment with gluten-free all-purpose mixes designed for yeast doughs.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The bananas should be very ripe, ideally with lots of brown spots, because they are sweeter and softer, which helps make the rolls tender and full of flavor.
What is the best way to slice the banana for the filling?
Use a very sharp knife to slice the banana as thinly as possible—around 1/8 inch thick—so the slices layer beautifully and bake evenly inside the rolls without adding too much moisture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a new favorite to bake and share, this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Vegan Frosting Recipe checks all the boxes for flavor, texture, and cozy comfort. It’s a perfect way to bring a fresh spin to classic cinnamon rolls with the lusciousness of banana bread and a smooth vegan finish. Trust me, once you try making these, they’ll quickly become your go-to treat for mornings, gatherings, or anytime you want a touch of joy in your day.
Print
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Vegan Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the comforting flavors of banana bread with the sweet, spiced swirl of cinnamon rolls. Using vegan ingredients, including almond milk and vegan butter, this recipe creates a soft, fluffy dough filled with banana slices, cinnamon, sugar, and optional nuts, perfect for a delicious vegan breakfast or dessert treat.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 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 (2/3 unbleached all-purpose, 1/3 whole-wheat pastry)
Filling Ingredients
- 1/4 cup vegan butter
- 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 (optional, crushed, plus more for topping)
Topping Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp vegan butter
- 1 Tbsp sugar (cane or brown)
- Dairy-free cream cheese frosting (optional)
- Powdered sugar glaze (optional, recipe in notes)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, heat the almond milk and vegan butter in the microwave in 30-second increments or over medium heat on the stove until warm and melted. Let the mixture cool to 110°F (43°C), then sprinkle the yeast on top and let it activate for 10 minutes. Stir in the cane sugar, salt, and mashed banana. Gradually add flour while stirring until the dough becomes too thick to stir. Knead on a floured surface until you form a slightly springy dough ball. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling: Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle approximately 12 by 20 inches on a floured surface. Brush the entire surface with melted vegan butter. Mix cane sugar and ground cinnamon and evenly sprinkle the mixture over the dough. Lay the thin banana slices evenly across the dough and sprinkle the crushed walnuts or pecans if using.
- Assemble the rolls and let rise: Carefully roll the dough into a log from one long edge, then slice into 1 1/2 to 2-inch sections. Place the rolls into a greased 8×8-inch or similar-sized round baking pan. Brush the tops with melted vegan butter and sprinkle with additional sugar and walnuts. Cover the pan and allow the rolls to rise again while preheating the oven to 350°F (176°C).
- Bake the rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 28-35 minutes or until golden brown. After baking, let them cool slightly before adding any frosting or serving warm.
- Add frosting or glaze (optional): Top the slightly cooled rolls with dairy-free cream cheese frosting or a simple powdered sugar glaze as desired. The powdered glaze recipe is included in the notes.
Notes
- For the powdered sugar glaze, mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons non-dairy milk and a splash of vanilla extract until smooth.
- To achieve the perfect dough rise, ensure your almond milk mixture is not hotter than 110°F (43°C) before adding yeast to avoid killing it.
- Use ripe bananas for better sweetness and moisture in the dough.
- Feel free to swap walnuts for pecans or omit nuts altogether for nut-free rolls.
- These rolls can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
