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Vegan Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.2 from 3 reviews

Discover the delightful fusion of two beloved baked goods with these Vegan Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. Soft and fluffy, these rolls combine the rich flavors of banana bread with the classic cinnamon swirl, topped with a creamy vegan cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Perfect for brunch or a comforting treat, they are entirely plant-based, yet decadently satisfying.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • ¾ cup (180g) unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or milk of choice), warmed to 115°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, measured)
  • ¼ cup (57g) melted vegan butter (or regular butter if not vegan)
  • 4 cups (480g) bread flour
  • ¾ teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

  • ⅔ 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

Instructions

  1. Warm the Milk and Activate Yeast: Warm the almond milk to approximately 110°F by microwaving it for about 45 seconds, ensuring it feels like a warm bath. Transfer the warm milk to the bowl of an electric mixer, add granulated sugar, and sprinkle active yeast on top to activate.
  2. Combine Wet Ingredients: Stir in the measured mashed ripe banana and melted vegan butter into the milk-yeast mixture until just combined, creating a flavorful base for the dough.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients and Mix: Stir in the bread flour and salt with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to form, then attach the dough hook to your mixer and knead on low speed for 8-10 minutes until a slightly sticky, smooth dough ball forms. Alternatively, knead by hand on a floured surface for the same duration.
  4. First Rise: Place the dough ball in a large bowl greased with olive oil. Cover with plastic wrap and a warm towel, allowing the dough to rise for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size, depending on home humidity and temperature.
  5. Shape and Prepare Filling: Transfer the risen dough to a well-floured surface and roll it out into a 14x16 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a ¼ inch margin on one side. In a separate bowl, mix dark brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture over the butter, gently pressing it in to stick well. Add thin banana slices and chopped walnuts on top.
  6. Roll and Cut the Dough: Starting from the shorter (14-inch) side, tightly roll the dough into a log shape, sealing the edges to prevent filling leakage. Trim about an inch from the ends for even rolls. Use a serrated knife or dental floss to cut the log into 12 even 1-inch rolls, marking dents prior to cutting if desired.
  7. Second Rise: Place the rolls seam-side down in a greased 9x11 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap and a warm towel, and allow to rise again for 30-45 minutes until the rolls puff up and touch each other.
  8. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove coverings and bake the rolls for 25-35 minutes, aiming for a lightly golden brown edge without overbaking to maintain softness in the center. Let the rolls cool for 5-10 minutes post baking.
  9. Prepare Frosting: While baking, beat together softened vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and fluffy, using an electric mixer or medium bowl and spoon.
  10. Frost and Serve: Spread or drizzle the cinnamon cream cheese frosting over warm rolls and serve immediately. Yields 12 delicious vegan banana bread cinnamon rolls.

Notes

  • Use ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture in the dough and filling.
  • Warming the milk to the correct temperature is essential for activating the yeast without killing it.
  • Allowing the dough to rise fully during both rises ensures fluffy and light cinnamon rolls.
  • For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts.
  • Line the baking pan with parchment paper to catch any filling leaks for easier cleanup.
  • Underbaking slightly helps maintain soft, tender rolls rather than drying them out.
  • This recipe can be adapted to regular dairy butter and cream cheese for non-vegan versions.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan