If you love the soft sweetness of banana bread and the warm, spiced indulgence of cinnamon rolls, this Cinnamon Roll Banana Cake is your dream come true. Moist, flavorful, and swirled with gooey cinnamon sugar, this cake combines two beloved classics into one irresistible dessert.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, this cake delivers bakery-style flavor right from your kitchen. The creamy glaze on top adds the perfect finishing touch — making every bite melt in your mouth.
Ingredients
Serves 10–12
For the Banana Cake:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
- ½ cup (120ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Baking time: 35–40 minutes
- Cooling and glazing time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and both sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined — do not overmix.
Step 2: Add the Cinnamon Swirl
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan.
- Drizzle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over it.
- Pour the remaining batter on top and swirl the rest of the cinnamon mixture using a knife or skewer to create a marbled effect.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle over the warm cake for a glossy finish and let set before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or cinnamon chai for the ultimate cozy pairing.
- For an extra indulgence, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 |
| Protein | 5 grams |
| Total Fat | 14 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 8 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 43 grams |
| Sugars | 27 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sodium | 190 milligrams |
Nutritional Notes:
- Bananas add natural sweetness, potassium, and moisture, reducing the need for excess oil.
- Cinnamon helps balance blood sugar and adds warm spice depth.
- Greek yogurt or sour cream keeps the cake soft while adding protein and calcium.
- Can be made lower in sugar by reducing glaze or substituting natural sweeteners.
Tips for Best Results
- Use extra ripe bananas for maximum flavor and natural sweetness.
- Don’t overmix the batter — it ensures a soft, tender crumb.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting too quickly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Variations to Try
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture.
- Use cream cheese frosting instead of glaze for a richer dessert version.
- Turn it into cupcakes by dividing the batter into muffin tins and reducing baking time to 20–25 minutes.
- Make it vegan by substituting eggs with flax eggs and dairy with plant-based alternatives.
The Cinnamon Roll Banana Cake is a cozy, flavor-packed dessert that perfectly balances the sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich warmth of cinnamon. Whether served as a breakfast treat or a weekend dessert, it’s sure to win hearts with every slice.
Moist, aromatic, and easy to prepare, this cake is proof that comfort and indulgence can exist in a single bite.