If you are ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to a truly delightful twist on two classic favorites, you are going to love this Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Vegan Frosting and Banana Slices Recipe. Imagine the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon rolls meeting the moist, rich texture of banana bread, all generously topped with luscious vegan frosting and fresh banana slices for a vibrant finish. It’s a perfect recipe that combines indulgence and wholesomeness, guaranteed to make your mornings or brunches extra special. Whether you’re vegan or simply adventurous in the kitchen, these cinnamon rolls will quickly become your go-to treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but absolutely essential. Each one plays a unique role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color, ensuring your Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Vegan Frosting and Banana Slices Recipe is packed with flavor and has that irresistible, tender crumb.
- 1 cup unsweetened plain almond milk: Adds moisture and tenderness while keeping the recipe dairy-free.
- 3 Tbsp vegan butter: Infuses the dough and filling with rich, buttery flavor without animal products.
- 1 packet instant/fast-acting yeast (2¼ tsp): The magic ingredient for light, fluffy rolls with the perfect rise.
- 1 Tbsp cane sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to the dough.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors while balancing sweetness.
- 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana: The star ingredient that brings natural sweetness, moisture, and that unmistakable banana flavor.
- 2 ¾ – 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, with a mix of unbleached and whole-wheat pastry flours for texture and nutrition.
- 1/4 cup vegan butter (for filling): Creates a moist, rich cinnamon swirl throughout the rolls.
- 1/3 cup cane sugar (for filling): Sweetens the cinnamon sugar filling perfectly.
- 1/2 – 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon: The fragrant heart of your cinnamon rolls—adjust to your taste!
- ~20 very thin banana slices: Fresh slices that add a fresh, sweet burst and beautiful presentation.
- 1/3 cup raw walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor to complement the soft rolls.
- 1 Tbsp vegan butter & 1 Tbsp sugar (for topping): Gives the baked rolls a shiny, sweet finish.
- Dairy-free cream cheese frosting: For a dreamy, tangy touch that takes these rolls to the next level.
- Powdered sugar glaze (optional): A simple, sweet drizzle as an alternative frosting for lighter sweetness.
How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Vegan Frosting and Banana Slices Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by warming almond milk and vegan butter gently until melted and warm to the touch, about 110°F (43°C). This exact temperature is key to activating your yeast without killing it. Sprinkle yeast over the warm mixture and let it bloom for 10 minutes, until foamy and alive with bubbles. This process guarantees those soft, airy rolls that everyone loves. Next, stir in cane sugar, salt, and your mashed banana to infuse the dough with moisture and natural sweetness. Gradually incorporate the flour, stirring as you go, until it thickens. Then, transfer the dough to a floured surface to knead until you achieve a slightly springy, elastic ball. This kneading step is where gluten develops, giving your rolls structure and chew. Place the dough into an oiled bowl, cover it with a cloth, and allow it to rise for about one hour until it doubles in size. This fermentation time deepens flavor and lightens texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Once your dough has beautifully risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle approximately 12 by 20 inches. This generous size gives you plenty of area for filling. Brush melted vegan butter all over the dough, then generously sprinkle your cinnamon and cane sugar mixture for that signature sweet, spicy swirl. Arrange your incredibly thin banana slices on top to create pockets of fresh sweetness in every bite. If you love a little crunch, sprinkle crushed walnuts or pecans evenly across the filling before gently rolling the dough into a tight log. Slice this log into 1½ to 2-inch thick sections, forming your classic cinnamon rolls with a banana bread twist.
Step 3: Assemble and Let Rise
Carefully arrange the rolls into a greased 8×8-inch pan or a similarly sized round baking dish. Brush their tops with more melted vegan butter and sprinkle with sugar and nuts to add a beautiful glossy finish and textural contrast. Cover the pan loosely and let the rolls rise again while your oven gently preheats to 350°F (176°C). This second rise is a crucial step that ensures your rolls bake up fluffy and light, with a tender crumb.
Step 4: Bake the Rolls
Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 28-35 minutes, or until the rolls turn a perfect golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen by now will be utterly irresistible. Once baked, allow them to cool slightly—that delightful “warm but not burning” temperature is perfect for frosting.
Step 5: Add Frosting or Glaze
For the finishing touch, slather your rolls with luscious dairy-free cream cheese frosting. It brings an irresistible tang and creamy texture that’s a match made in heaven with the soft banana bread cinnamon rolls. If you prefer something lighter, drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the warm rolls instead. Both options deliver that perfect balance of sweetness and richness that will make these cinnamon rolls unforgettable.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Vegan Frosting and Banana Slices Recipe
Garnishes
Adding extra banana slices and a sprinkle of crushed nuts on top right before serving not only adds a stunning visual but also boosts texture beautifully. A light dusting of cinnamon powder or a few delicate mint leaves can elevate presentation and freshness.
Side Dishes
These cinnamon rolls are delicious enough to stand on their own, but pairing them with a warming cup of chai tea, rich coffee, or a cool glass of vanilla almond milk makes for an incredibly cozy experience. A fresh fruit salad on the side can add a juicy, refreshing contrast to the sweet, dense rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer your rolls on a rustic wooden board for a family-style vibe, or stack them in a tiered cake stand at brunch for an impressive centerpiece. Serve individual rolls in small dessert plates with a dollop of extra vegan frosting or a scoop of coconut whipped cream to impress your guests with creativity and charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers—and you might, though they tend to disappear fast!—store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and moist. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 4 days, but bring them back to room temperature or warm gently before serving to revive their softness.
Freezing
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Vegan Frosting and Banana Slices Recipe freeze beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before reheating for a fresh-baked feel anytime you crave a sweet comfort treat.
Reheating
Reheat rolls gently in a preheated 350°F (176°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave a single roll for 20-30 seconds for a quick warm-up. Adding a few drops of water to the container before microwaving helps keep them moist. Top with fresh frosting or glaze after warming for best results.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute any plant-based milk you prefer, or even dairy milk if you’re not strictly vegan. The liquid mainly keeps the dough moist and activates the yeast.
Can I make these rolls gluten-free?
Gluten-free baking is a bit tricky because yeast dough needs gluten to rise properly. You could experiment with a gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast breads, but results may vary. For best results, stick with all-purpose or pastry flours.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper, the better! Look for bananas with lots of brown spots or even fully brown skins. These have the sweetest, most intense flavor and will make your rolls deliciously moist.
What if I don’t have dairy-free cream cheese for frosting?
No worries! A simple powdered sugar glaze works beautifully, or you can make your own frosting with coconut cream and a touch of vanilla extract for a creamy alternative.
Can I add other fillings besides banana slices and nuts?
Definitely! Feel free to add raisins, dried cranberries, or even vegan chocolate chips for a personal twist. Just be careful not to overload the filling, so the rolls bake evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Vegan Frosting and Banana Slices Recipe is a celebration of flavors and textures that truly feels like a warm hug in food form. It’s a recipe that invites everyone to indulge mindfully, with wholesome ingredients and a comforting finish. Whether you’re sharing it with friends on a lazy weekend morning or surprising someone with a plant-based sweet treat, these rolls will become a cherished favorite. So, grab those ripe bananas and get rolling because this recipe is pure joy in every bite.
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Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Vegan Frosting and Banana Slices 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 soft, sweet texture of cinnamon rolls. Made with ripe bananas, a cinnamon-sugar filling, and optionally topped with dairy-free cream cheese frosting or a powdered sugar glaze, these vegan and dairy-free rolls are perfect for breakfast or dessert. The dough is enriched with almond milk and vegan butter, giving each roll a tender crumb and a subtle buttery flavor.
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 (ratio: 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 (~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 or pecans for topping (optional)
- Dairy-free cream cheese frosting (optional)
- Powdered sugar glaze (optional, see notes)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, warm the almond milk and vegan butter together either in 30-second intervals in the microwave or over medium heat on the stove until melted and warm (about 110°F/43°C). Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it activate for 10 minutes. Stir in the cane sugar, salt, and mashed banana. Gradually add the flour while stirring. When the dough becomes too thick to stir, knead it on a floured surface until it forms a slightly springy ball. Place the dough into an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling: Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into an approximately 12 x 20-inch rectangle. Brush the surface evenly with melted vegan butter. Sprinkle the cane sugar and ground cinnamon mixture over the buttered dough. Arrange the thin banana slices evenly across, then sprinkle crushed walnuts or pecans if using.
- Assemble the rolls: Gently roll the dough into a tight log from one long edge. Slice the log into 1 1/2 to 2-inch wide sections with a sharp knife.
- Second rise: Place the sliced rolls into a greased 8×8-inch or equivalent round baking pan. Brush the tops with melted vegan butter and sprinkle with sugar and additional chopped nuts if desired. Cover the pan and allow the rolls to rise while you preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C).
- Bake the rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 28 to 35 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top and are cooked through. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
- Add frosting or glaze (optional): Once cooled slightly, top the rolls with dairy-free cream cheese frosting or a simple powdered sugar glaze as per your preference to enhance sweetness and creaminess.
Notes
- For the powdered sugar glaze, mix powdered sugar with a small amount of almond milk or lemon juice until desired consistency is reached and drizzle over cooled rolls.
- You can adjust the amount of cinnamon in the filling to suit your taste between 1/2 to 1 tablespoon.
- Use very ripe bananas for best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Optionally add nuts in the filling and on top for extra texture and flavor.
- The recipe is vegan and dairy-free, perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
- Store leftover rolls covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
