If you adore the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but want something a little easier to make and perfect for sharing, you are going to fall head over heels for this Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe. It combines the moist, tender texture of banana cake with a rich swirl of cinnamon sugar, topped off with a sweet glaze that brings everything together just like your favorite bakery treat. This cake is versatile enough for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert, and its inviting aroma alone will make your kitchen feel like the coziest spot in town.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients are pantry staples that come together to create a deliciously moist banana cake with that irresistible cinnamon swirl. Each one plays a special role — from the buttery richness to the fruity sweetness and the subtle spice, all culminating in a perfectly balanced treat.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements banana and cinnamon beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon: Provides the warm, aromatic spice that makes this cake feel like a hug in dessert form.
- Salted butter (melted and cooled): Infuses the cake with richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- Ripe bananas (mashed): The star ingredient that keeps the cake moist and adds natural sweetness and flavor.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients and gives the cake its structure.
- Buttermilk: Adds a slight tang and enhances the cake’s tender texture.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the overall flavor with its sweet, floral notes.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the cake’s structure.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise for a light and fluffy texture.
- Powdered sugar: Used for the sweet glaze that finishes the cake.
- Milk: Blends with the powdered sugar to make a smooth icing drizzle.
How to Make Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Topping
Start by mixing the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter together in a small bowl until smooth and combined. This mixture is the magic swirl that will create those mouthwatering cinnamon pockets in the cake.
Step 2: Get Ready
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with baking spray. This ensures the cake doesn’t stick and comes out easily, keeping its beautiful shape intact for serving.
Step 3: Make the Banana Cake Batter
In a medium bowl, stir together the mashed bananas, light brown sugar, and cooled melted butter until well combined. Beat in the egg, followed by the buttermilk and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet just until combined — overmixing can make the cake tough, so a light touch here is key.
Step 4: Combine and Swirl
Spread the banana batter evenly into your prepared pan. Then sprinkle the cinnamon topping generously all over the surface. Using a butter knife, carefully swirl the topping into about an inch of the batter for beautiful marbled pockets of cinnamon goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. This ensures your cake stays tender and moist. Once done, let it cool for 30 minutes in the pan before moving on to the finishing touch.
Step 6: Add the Icing
Whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth and drizzle generously over the cooled cake. This sweet glaze brings an irresistible shine and final layer of sweetness that makes this Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For an added touch of elegance and flavor, top your cake with chopped toasted pecans or walnuts, a light sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a dollop of whipped cream. These simple additions complement the warm spices beautifully and make the cake look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a cold glass of milk. If you’re serving it as a brunch item, fresh fruit or a scoop of yogurt on the side can balance out the sweetness and add freshness to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the cake into bite-sized squares and serving them on a decorative platter for a casual gathering, or add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for a decadent dessert variation. You could even layer it with cream cheese frosting and banana slices for an indulgent banana cinnamon roll cake trifle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep it moist and fresh. If you want it to last longer, refrigeration will extend its life but might slightly firm up the texture.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven for 10 minutes to revive that fresh-baked softness and bring back the wonderful aroma.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually perfect here because they’re sweeter and mash easily, which enhances the cake’s flavor and texture.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, just mix 3/4 cup milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This mimics the acidity and tang of buttermilk perfectly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can! Swap the butter for a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and use a dairy-free milk alternative like almond or oat milk mixed with an acid to replace buttermilk.
Can this batter be used to make muffins?
Definitely. Just pour the batter into a lined muffin tin, swirl the cinnamon topping in, and bake for about 18-22 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
How do I prevent the cinnamon swirl from sinking?
Make sure to carefully swirl the topping just into the top inch of the batter rather than mixing it completely in. This helps keep those gorgeous cinnamon ribbons intact while baking.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is one of those delightful surprises that tastes like a special treat but is so quick and easy to make. Whether you’re new to baking or looking for a crowd-pleaser to impress family and friends, this cake delivers comfort and joy in every bite. You really can’t go wrong giving this recipe a try—your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake is a moist and delicious twist on the classic cinnamon roll, combining mashed bananas with a cinnamon-spiced batter topped with a buttery cinnamon swirl and finished with a sweet glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dessert.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Topping
- 5 Tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter (melted and cooled)
Banana Cake
- 2 large bananas (mashed)
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter (melted and cooled)
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 â…” cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Icing
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 3 Tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Make the Cinnamon Topping: In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until all the ingredients are well mixed. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with baking spray to prevent sticking, and set it aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly. Add the light brown sugar and cooled melted butter to the bananas and mix well. Then, stir in the egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is uniform.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon until evenly blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients bowl. Stir gently just until combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
- Assemble the Cake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cinnamon topping evenly over the surface of the batter. Using a butter knife, gently swirl the cinnamon topping about an inch into the batter to create a marbled effect.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Icing: Whisk together the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the icing evenly over the cooled cake. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious banana cinnamon roll cake!
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to ensure the cake stays tender and fluffy.
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- The cinnamon swirl can be adjusted to taste; add more or less cinnamon as desired.
- If you prefer a thicker icing, reduce the amount of milk slightly.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
