Description
Get ready to fall in love with this cozy twist on classic banana bread! Moist, cinnamon-swirled banana batter is layered and baked to golden perfection, then topped with a rich maple vanilla glaze that mimics the best part of a cinnamon roll. Naturally sweetened and gluten-free + vegan friendly, this is the perfect bake for crisp mornings, weekend brunches, or gifting during the holidays. Your kitchen will smell amazing and your tastebuds will thank you!
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread:
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• ¼ cup melted coconut oil or neutral oil
• ½ cup maple syrup or agave
• ¼ cup almond milk (or other plant-based milk)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1½ cups oat flour (or GF 1:1 baking flour)
• ½ cup almond flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
• 2 tbsp coconut sugar or brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp melted coconut oil
For the Cream Cheese-Style Glaze (Vegan):
• ½ cup vegan cream cheese (or regular)
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2–3 tbsp plant milk (to thin)
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Batter:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment.
In a large bowl, mash bananas until smooth. Stir in melted oil, maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla.
Mix in oat flour, almond flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until just combined.
2️⃣ Make the Swirl:
Combine coconut sugar, cinnamon, and melted oil.
Pour half the batter into loaf pan, swirl in half the cinnamon mix.
Top with remaining batter and swirl in the rest.
3️⃣ Bake:
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
4️⃣ Make the Glaze:
Whisk cream cheese, maple syrup, vanilla, and plant milk until smooth.
Spread generously over cooled banana bread.
Notes
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Banana Ripeness Tip: For best flavor and sweetness, use bananas that are heavily speckled or mostly brown.
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Gluten-Free Flour Options: You can substitute oat flour with a certified gluten-free 1:1 baking blend if preferred.
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Nut-Free Option: Replace almond flour with sunflower seed flour or additional oat flour.
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Vegan Glaze: This recipe includes a vegan maple cream cheese-style glaze, but you can use regular cream cheese if not vegan.
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Sweetener Swaps: Maple syrup can be swapped for agave or date syrup. Avoid granulated sugar, which alters the texture.
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Storage Tip: Store tightly wrapped at room temp for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5. Freeze individual slices for longer storage.
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Serving Suggestion: Warm slices slightly before serving and top with extra glaze for a bakery-fresh experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert-Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 85g)
- Calories: ~240 kcal
- Sugar: ~12g
- Sodium: ~180mg
- Fat: ~10g
- Saturated Fat: ~3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~32g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Protein: ~3.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg (vegan glaze)
Keywords: Banana Bread Recipes, Cinnamon Roll Desserts, Gluten-Free Baking, Vegan Sweet Treats, Fall Breakfast Ideas, Cozy Desserts, Swirl Loaf Recipes, Cream Cheese Glaze Ideas, Holiday Brunch Treats