Irresistible Vegan Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls: A Delightful Way to Transform Ripe Bananas

Discover the magic of vegan banana bread cinnamon rolls – a truly innovative and incredibly delicious method to repurpose those brown, over-ripe bananas! These plant-based cinnamon buns feature a soft, airy, and fluffy banana yeast bread, generously swirled with a sweet, aromatic cinnamon filling. Finished with a luscious vanilla glaze, they are an absolute dream for breakfast, a decadent addition to brunch, or a perfect treat for snacking anytime. Completely egg and dairy-free, these rolls prove that vegan baking can be utterly indulgent.

Do you often find yourself with a growing collection of over-ripe bananas in your fruit bowl? It’s a common dilemma – those bananas quickly turn brown, often surpassing the point where they’re appealing to eat on their own. While classic banana bread is a beloved solution, there’s only so much of it one can (or should!) consume. As a passionate baker, I’m constantly seeking creative and exciting new ways to give these speckled beauties a delicious second life.

A few years ago, I experimented with a Nutella swirled banana yeast bread that was an absolute revelation. The combination of moist banana with a rich, soft yeast dough was incredible. This success immediately sparked an idea: what if I could adapt that wonderful recipe to create a truly unique cinnamon roll? The thought of a fluffy, banana-infused dough embracing a sweet cinnamon swirl was too tempting to resist. And I’m thrilled to report, the experiment worked out perfectly, leading to these utterly irresistible vegan banana bread cinnamon rolls.

These vegan cinnamon rolls are a testament to how simple, plant-based ingredients can create something extraordinary. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of a subtly sweet banana flavor, a wonderfully soft and fluffy texture, a warm and spicy cinnamon sugar filling, all crowned with a delicate vanilla glaze. They are more than just a sweet treat; they’re an experience, perfect for elevating an indulgent breakfast or brunch, or simply satisfying that craving for a comforting, homemade snack.

Crafting Your Own Vegan Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls: A Step-by-Step Guide

(For detailed ingredients and complete instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card provided below.)

*To ensure you achieve the absolute best results, it’s crucial to follow this recipe with precision. I consistently recommend utilizing gram measurements with a digital kitchen scale over cup conversions. Cup measurements, due to their inherent variability, are often not accurate enough for baking, and I cannot guarantee the same outstanding results if they are used.*

For optimal flavor development and ease of handling, I personally prefer to spread the preparation of these delightful cinnamon rolls over two days. I typically prepare the dough in the evening and allow it to undergo its first slow rise overnight in the refrigerator. This cold-fermentation process not only makes the dough much easier to roll out evenly but also significantly deepens the flavors, resulting in a more nuanced and delicious final product. However, if your schedule calls for it, you can certainly make these all in one day; simply allow the dough to rise in a warm spot until doubled in size.

You’ll notice that this dough is quite soft and has a tendency to be a bit sticky, which is perfectly normal and contributes to the final fluffy texture. For this reason, if you have access to a stand mixer equipped with a dough hook, it will be your best friend for this recipe, making the kneading process effortless. If a stand mixer isn’t available, don’t despair! These rolls can absolutely be made by hand, just be prepared for a slightly messier, but equally rewarding, kneading experience. A bench scraper will prove invaluable for managing the sticky dough if kneading by hand.

Preparing the Fluffy Banana Yeast Dough

Begin by combining the dry ingredients for the dough. In the bowl of your stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl for hand kneading), add the white bread flour, sugar, salt, and instant or fast-action yeast. Bread flour is highly recommended here, as its higher protein content develops more gluten, which is key to achieving that signature soft, chewy, and stretchy cinnamon roll texture. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure they are well combined before proceeding.

Next, introduce the wet ingredients. Add the mashed ripe banana – the riper the better, as it contributes both moisture and a natural sweetness. Pour in the lukewarm non-dairy milk (soy milk is a great choice, but almond or oat milk work well too) and the melted vegan butter. Start mixing on a low speed until a shaggy, rough dough begins to form. Gradually increase the speed if using a stand mixer.

Continue to knead the dough with the stand mixer on a medium-high speed for approximately 5-10 minutes. The goal is to achieve a dough that is smooth, elastic, and stretchy. It’s important to resist the urge to add more flour, even if the dough appears soft and somewhat sticky. This stickiness is desirable and will ensure your cinnamon rolls remain wonderfully moist and fluffy after baking. Adding too much flour can lead to a dense, dry outcome. If kneading by hand, use a lightly oiled surface and a bench scraper to help incorporate the ingredients and develop the gluten. This process will take a bit longer and require more effort, but the results are worth it!

Once your dough has reached the desired smooth and elastic consistency, gently shape it into a ball. Place this ball into a lightly oiled bowl, ensuring all surfaces are lightly coated to prevent sticking. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. For the slow, flavor-developing rise, place the covered bowl in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, for a quicker rise, find a warm spot in your kitchen (around 70-75°F or 21-24°C) and allow it to rise until it has visibly doubled in size, which typically takes about 1-2 hours depending on the ambient temperature and yeast activity.

Preparing the Sweet Cinnamon Filling

While your dough is undergoing its first rise, you can prepare the simple yet essential cinnamon filling. In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together the light brown soft sugar and the ground cinnamon. The brown sugar not only provides sweetness but also a lovely caramel-like depth of flavor that complements the banana beautifully. Set this aromatic mixture aside.

Assembling Your Vegan Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Once your dough has risen beautifully – whether overnight in the fridge or for a few hours in a warm spot – it’s time for the next step. Gently punch down the dough to release the accumulated air. Give it a brief, quick knead for about thirty seconds; this helps to knock out any large air bubbles and prepare the dough for rolling.

Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out into an approximate 30×45 cm (12×18 inch) rectangle. Aim for an even thickness across the entire surface. Now, take your softened vegan butter and spread it evenly over the rolled-out dough, ensuring you reach almost all the way to the edges. This butter acts as the adhesive for the cinnamon sugar and contributes to the rich, moist interior of the rolls.

Generously scatter the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered surface. Once distributed, gently press the mixture down with your hands. This helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to the butter and prevents it from falling out when you roll the dough.

Now, carefully roll the dough up tightly from one of the long edges, forming a snug “sausage” shape. The tighter you roll it, the more beautiful and distinct your cinnamon spirals will be. Once rolled, use a sharp knife or even unflavored dental floss to slice the log into nine even pieces. You may choose to trim and discard the ends, as they often have less filling, or bake them as a little chef’s treat!

Arrange these sliced cinnamon rolls, cut-side down, in a 23cm (9-inch) square baking tin that has been lined with baking parchment. This ensures easy removal after baking. Cover the tin loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and set it aside to rise for a second time, for about 30-40 minutes, or until the rolls look visibly puffy and have expanded. To test for readiness, gently press one roll with a fingertip; if it springs back slowly, it’s ready. If it springs back quickly, it needs a little more time. While they are undergoing this crucial second rise, preheat your oven to the specified temperature.

Baking and Glazing Your Masterpiece

Once your buns have achieved that perfect puffy state, they are ready for the oven. Bake them for approximately 30-40 minutes. The most accurate way to determine if they are fully baked is to use a probe thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 94°C (201°F). This ensures the dough is cooked through without being overbaked. If you notice the tops of the rolls browning too quickly during baking, simply cover the tin loosely with a piece of aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.

After baking, remove the cinnamon rolls from the oven and allow them to cool in the baking tin for about half an hour. This cooling period helps them set and makes them easier to handle. Then, using the baking parchment as handles, carefully lift the entire batch of rolls out of the tin and transfer them to a wire rack to cool further.

For the luscious vanilla glaze, sift icing sugar (also known as powdered sugar) into a medium-sized bowl. Gradually stir in a small amount of non-dairy milk and the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until you achieve a thick, yet pourable, consistency. The key is to add the milk slowly, a little at a time, to reach the desired thickness. Drizzle this creamy glaze generously over the slightly warm or cooled buns. Serve them immediately for the ultimate treat. Any leftover cinnamon rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, though they are best enjoyed fresh!

Tips for Perfect Vegan Cinnamon Rolls:

• Banana Ripeness: Always use very ripe bananas (those with plenty of brown spots) for the best flavor and sweetness.
• Dough Consistency: Don’t be afraid if the dough is a bit sticky. This is normal and crucial for soft, moist rolls. Avoid adding too much extra flour.
• Even Rolling: Try to roll the dough into a consistent rectangle with even thickness to ensure uniform rolls.
• Tight Roll: Roll the dough as tightly as possible from the long edge to create beautiful, distinct swirls.
• Proofing: Give the rolls ample time to rise in both stages. A well-proofed dough leads to light and fluffy results.
• Internal Temperature: Using a thermometer for baking is the most reliable way to know when your rolls are perfectly cooked and not raw in the center.

Can I Freeze Them?

Absolutely! The baked vegan banana bread cinnamon rolls freeze wonderfully. Once they have cooled completely, wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. To enjoy, simply allow them to defrost at room temperature for a few hours, then refresh them in the microwave for 10-20 seconds, or in a preheated oven (around 175°C/350°F) for about 5-10 minutes, until warm and soft.

More Delicious Recipes to Use Up Ripe Bananas:

If you’ve mastered these incredible cinnamon rolls and still find yourself with a few brown bananas on hand, don’t worry! There are countless other delightful ways to transform them into scrumptious vegan treats. Explore some of these other fantastic recipes from our collection:

• Fluffy Vegan Banana Pancakes
• Vegan Chunky Monkey Ice Cream
• Banana Porridge with Blueberry Compote
• Vegan Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
• Vegan Biscoff Banana Bread
• Vegan Chocolate Banana Bread
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Breakfast Smoothie
• Vegan Banana Nut Muffins
• Vegan Roasted Banana Ice Cream
• Vegan Banana Cake with Peanut Butter Chocolate Frosting
• Nutella Swirled Banana Yeast Bread

We truly hope you enjoy baking and tasting these wonderful vegan banana bread cinnamon rolls! If you tried this recipe, we’d love to see your creations. Please tag @domestic_gothess on Instagram and use the hashtag #domesticgothess to share your culinary success!

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