Who doesn’t love the warm, sweet aroma of cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven? Now, imagine if you could have that delightful experience with a twist. Enter Vegan Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls! This mouthwatering recipe takes the classic cinnamon roll and infuses it with the rich flavor of ripe bananas. Not only is this treat perfect for breakfast, but it also makes for a wonderful dessert or snack. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan or just curious to try something new, this recipe is sure to impress with its incredible taste and delightful texture.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about making these delicious Vegan Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls, from the essential ingredients to simple steps and expert tips. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be coming back for seconds (or thirds)!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
- Delicious and Unique Flavor: The combination of sweet bananas and rich cinnamon creates a uniquely delicious taste experience that is unlike any ordinary cinnamon roll.
- Vegan Friendly: This recipe is completely plant-based, making it suitable for vegans and anyone looking to reduce their animal product intake.
- Easy to Make: While it might sound daunting, the step-by-step guide will make it simple and enjoyable to prepare.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These rolls are not just for breakfast; they can be enjoyed as a treat any time of the day. Serve them at family gatherings, brunches, or even as an afternoon pick-me-up.
- Frosting Extra: The vegan cream cheese frosting takes these rolls to an entirely new level, adding a sweet and creamy finish that you’ll love.
Vegan Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
Description
These Vegan Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect fusion of two cozy favorites—soft banana bread and gooey cinnamon rolls—topped with luscious vegan cream cheese frosting. Sweet, soft, and indulgent, with a hint of banana in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- ¾ cup (180g) unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or any milk of choice), warmed to 115°F
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard ¼ oz package)
- ¾ cup mashed ripe banana (about 2 medium bananas, measured)
- ¼ cup (57g) melted vegan butter (or regular butter if not vegan)
- 4 cups (480g) bread flour
- ¾ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- ¾ cup (142g) dark brown sugar
- 1½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup (57g) vegan butter (or regular butter), softened
- 1 medium banana, thinly sliced
- ½ cup (56g) chopped walnuts (optional but recommended)
For the Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz (112g) vegan cream cheese (or regular cream cheese), softened
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter (or regular butter), softened
- ¾ cup (85g) powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Optional Add-Ons:
- Sprinkle of nutmeg for extra warmth
- Chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist
- Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for chewy texture
- A drizzle of maple syrup in the frosting for added sweetness
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: Warm the almond milk to 115°F. Stir in sugar and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine yeast mixture, mashed banana, melted butter, flour, and salt. Mix and knead until smooth (8–10 minutes by hand or with dough hook). Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Roll out the dough: Once risen, roll dough into a large rectangle (about 14×18 inches). Spread softened vegan butter over the dough. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Arrange banana slices and chopped walnuts evenly.
- Shape and cut: Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Slice into 12 rolls and place into the prepared dish. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Let cool slightly before frosting.
- Make the frosting: Beat together vegan cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth. Spread over warm rolls.
Notes
- You can prep the rolls the night before and refrigerate after shaping. Let them come to room temp before baking in the morning.
- For a fluffier texture, use bread flour. All-purpose flour also works in a pinch.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes rise time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: undefined
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Vegan Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls, Vegan Breakfast Rolls, Banana Cinnamon Swirls, Dairy-Free Cinnamon Rolls, Eggless Banana Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need for Vegan Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
For the dough:
- ¾ cup (180g) unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or milk of choice), warmed to 115 degrees F
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active yeast (1/4-ounce package yeast)
- ¾ cup mashed ripe banana (from about 2 medium bananas, but make sure you measure)
- ¼ cup (57g) melted vegan butter (or regular butter if not vegan)
- 4 cups (480g) bread flour
- ¾ teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- ¾ cup (142g) dark brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup (57g) vegan butter (or regular butter), softened
- 1 medium banana, thinly sliced
- ½ cup (56g) chopped walnuts, optional but recommended
For the vegan cream cheese frosting:
- 4 oz (112g) vegan cream cheese (or regular cream cheese), softened
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter (or regular butter), softened
- ¾ cup (85g) powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Optional Add-Ons
- A sprinkle of nutmeg for added warmth and flavor.
- Chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
- Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a chewy texture.
- A touch of maple syrup for additional sweetness in the frosting.
How to Make Vegan Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls: Step by Step
Step 1: Warm the Milk
Start by warming the almond milk to around 110 degrees F. To do this, place the milk in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it for about 45 seconds. It should feel warm, like bathwater. Once warm, transfer the milk to a mixing bowl, and add the granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active yeast on top and let it sit for a few minutes until it bubbles.
Step 2: Mix in Bananas and Butter
Add the ¾ cup of mashed banana (make sure it’s measured) and the melted vegan butter to the bowl with the yeast mixture. Gently stir everything until it’s just combined.
Step 3: Combine Flour and Salt
Next, in a separate bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually mix this dry blend into the banana mixture using a wooden spoon. Keep stirring until a dough begins to form.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Now it’s time to knead! Attach the dough hook to your mixer and knead the dough on low speed for about 8-10 minutes. The dough should form a nice ball and feel slightly sticky. If you prefer, you can also knead the dough by hand on a well-floured surface.
Step 5: Let it Rise
Once kneaded, transfer the dough to a large bowl that has been lightly greased with olive oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place a warm towel over it. Allow the dough to rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size. The time may vary depending on the humidity and temperature in your kitchen.
Step 6: Roll Out the Dough
After the dough has doubled in size, turn it out onto a well-floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a rectangle measuring approximately 14×16 inches. Spread the softened vegan butter over the surface of the dough, leaving about a ¼ inch margin at the far side.
Step 7: Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the dark brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the buttered dough, using your fingers to rub it in gently. This helps the sugar stick better to the dough. Next, add the thinly sliced banana and, if desired, sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
Step 8: Roll and Cut
Tightly roll the dough starting from the 14-inch side (the smaller side). Make sure to keep it tight as you go and seal the edges well. You may want to trim the ends as they will likely have less filling. Using a serrated knife or dental floss, cut the rolled dough into 1-inch sections. You should be able to get about 12 rolls.
Step 9: Second Rise
Place your banana cinnamon rolls in a greased 9×11 inch baking pan. For easy cleanup, you might want to line the bottom with parchment paper. Cover the rolls with plastic wrap and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes or until they puff up and start to touch each other.
Step 10: Preheat the Oven
As the rolls rise, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 11: Bake the Rolls
Remove the plastic wrap and towel from the rolls, and then place them in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25-35 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden brown. The goal here is to leave them soft in the middle, so a light golden color is what we want. After baking, let them cool for 5-10 minutes before frosting.
Step 12: Make the Frosting
While your rolls cool, whip up the cream cheese frosting. In the bowl of an electric mixer, or simply in a medium bowl, combine the softened vegan cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Beat it all together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
Step 13: Frost and Enjoy!
Spread or drizzle the frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Serving Suggestions for Vegan Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
These rolls are perfect on their own, but you can elevate the experience with a few serving suggestions:
- With Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of fresh fruit to cut the sweetness and add freshness.
- Morning Beverage: Pair with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a refreshing glass of almond milk for a delightful breakfast.
- A Scoop of Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert, add a scoop of vegan ice cream on top of a roll.
- Maple Drizzle: Drizzle some pure maple syrup over the frosting for an extra layer of sweetness.
Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Vegan Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
- Use Overripe Bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your dough will be. Make sure to mash them well before adding them to the mixture.
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your liquids are at the correct temperature to activate the yeast. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast.
- Humid Conditions: If your kitchen is particularly humid, you might need to add a bit more flour to your dough to avoid stickiness.
- Rolling Technique: Keep the dough tight as you roll it to ensure the filling stays inside.
- Even Cutting: Make small indentations along the rolled dough where you plan to cut—this can help ensure even slices.
Easy Variations for Vegan Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
While the classic version is fantastic, you may want to try some fun variations:
- Nutty Delight: Replace walnuts with pecans or add a mix of your favorite nuts.
- Chocolate Lovers: Stir in vegan chocolate chips into the dough for a richer flavor.
- Fruit Fusion: Incorporate dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries along with the banana slices for added texture.
- Spiced Up: Add a dash of nutmeg or cloves into the filling for a spiced twist on the classic.
Storage Tips to Store Vegan Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
- Room Temperature: If you’re planning to eat the rolls within a day, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, these rolls can be kept in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure they are in a sealed container.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to a month. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm briefly in the oven or microwave.
Conclusion
Vegan Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. With their soft texture, rich banana flavor, and sweet cinnamon filling, they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip these up for breakfast, dessert, or any time you crave a sweet treat. Plus, you can customize them to fit your taste preferences! So grab your apron and get ready to indulge in these fabulous rolls. With just a bit of time and love, you can create a dish that will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also impress family and friends alike.
FAQs About Vegan Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Can I use any type of milk?
Yes, you can substitute almond milk with any milk of your choice, including oat milk, soy milk, or dairy milk if you are not vegan.
What if I don’t have bread flour?
All-purpose flour can be used instead; however, the texture may be slightly different. Bread flour helps create a chewier texture.
How can I make these rolls gluten-free?
To make gluten-free banana cinnamon rolls, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum.
Can these rolls be made ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then refrigerate it overnight. The next day, let it sit at room temperature before rolling and baking.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
The rolls should be slightly golden brown around the edges. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Enjoy making your Vegan Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls, and happy baking!
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