If you adore the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but crave something a little easier to slice and share, you are going to fall head over heels for this Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe. Imagine the sweet richness of mashed bananas mingling with that classic cinnamon swirl and a luscious drizzle of icing on top—all baked into one irresistible cake. It’s a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or any time you want a cozy, homemade indulgence that feels like a big hug in dessert form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is in its simplicity and how thoughtfully each ingredient builds its tender texture and balanced sweetness. From the ripe bananas adding natural moisture and flavor to the cinnamon and brown sugar creating that iconic swirl, every element plays a vital role.
- 5 Tablespoons light brown sugar: Brings a subtle molasses flavor that deepens the sweetness of the cinnamon topping.
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that delivers the classic warm aroma and comforting taste.
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter (melted and cooled): Adds richness and helps create a moist cake as well as a decadent topping.
- 2 large bananas (mashed): Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and tender crumb.
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar: Sweetens the banana batter just right to balance the spice and fruitiness.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the ingredients and adds structure to keep the cake fluffy.
- 3/4 cup buttermilk: Brightens the flavor and guarantees a soft, tender crumb.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors with a touch of warmth and depth.
- 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, ensuring it’s just the right density—not too heavy or dry.
- 3 teaspoons baking powder: Provides lift so the cake rises beautifully.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Mixed into the batter itself for an extra cinnamon kick beyond the topping.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: The base of the icing that adds a sweet, delicate finish.
- 3 Tablespoons milk: Thins the icing just enough for a perfect drizzle.
How to Make Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Topping
Start by mixing the light brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl until everything is well combined. This simple mix is going to create those wonderfully sweet swirls that make this cake feel like a cinnamon roll in every bite. Set this aside while you move onto the batter.
Step 2: Preheat and Grease
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with baking spray. This ensures your cake won’t stick and will come out in perfect squares, ready to share or savor.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, light brown sugar, and cooled melted butter. Then, stir in the egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. This combination will create that moist, flavorful base that makes this Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe so special.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and the 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. This dry blend adds texture, lift, and the signature spice throughout the cake, complementing the cinnamon topping beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Carefully stir the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture just until combined. It’s important not to overmix here so the cake stays tender and light, with a perfect crumb. The batter should be well blended but still fluffy.
Step 6: Assemble and Swirl
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon topping all over the surface, then use a butter knife to gently swirl it into the top inch of the batter. This swirling is the magic that mimics the cinnamon rolls we all love in an easier cake form.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Pop your cake in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean. Let it cool in the pan for about 30 minutes—this helps the flavors set and makes it easier to cut neat squares.
Step 8: Drizzle the Icing
While the cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle this simple, sweet icing generously over the top. It’s the final touch that brings this Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe over the top delicious!
How to Serve Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top after icing. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream next to each slice can also elevate this humble cake into a show-stopping treat.
Side Dishes
Pair your cake with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or rich chai tea to complement the warm cinnamon notes. A simple fruit salad on the side can add a refreshing balance to the moist, sweet cake.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in rustic, cozy style on a wooden board with napkins for an inviting brunch vibe. Or stack squares with layers of whipped cream and banana slices between them for a fun, deconstructed banana cinnamon roll experience that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to two days without losing moisture. For longer storage, wrap tightly and place in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing
This Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe freezes beautifully—just wrap individual squares or the whole cake well in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months, and defrost overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Warm slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven wrapped loosely in foil to revive that freshly baked feel. Add an extra drizzle of icing or a pat of butter to mimic the just-out-of-the-oven warmth.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw and mash them well before mixing into the batter. Frozen bananas actually bring a great sweetness and extra moisture to the cake.
Is buttermilk necessary or can I substitute it?
Buttermilk adds tang and helps tenderize the cake, but you can substitute with regular milk plus a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar per cup for similar results.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
With a few swaps like a flax or chia egg, plant-based milk, and vegan butter, this cake can definitely be made vegan without sacrificing flavor or texture!
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
When a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked. Don’t wait for it to be completely dry or it can dry out the cake.
Can I double this recipe for a larger cake?
Yes, just double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, adjusting baking time slightly longer and checking for doneness with a toothpick.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is a winner for anyone who loves easy-to-make, deeply flavorful desserts that feel homemade and heartfelt. It’s perfect for sharing with friends or savoring with a quiet cup of tea. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again—it’s just that good. Give it a whirl and enjoy every delicious bite!
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake combines the comforting flavors of banana and cinnamon in a moist, tender cake with a swirled cinnamon topping and a sweet icing drizzle. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack, this cake bakes up fluffy and rich, with the warm spice of cinnamon complementing the natural sweetness of ripe bananas.
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
- Prepare the Cinnamon Topping: In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir well until the mixture is fully blended. Set this mixture aside to be swirled into the cake batter later.
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with baking spray or butter to prevent sticking. Set aside while you prepare the batter.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mash 2 large ripe bananas thoroughly. Add the light brown sugar and cooled melted butter, stirring until combined. Then, mix in the large egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until the wet mixture is smooth and incorporated.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender and light.
- Assemble Cake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the prepared cinnamon topping over the batter’s surface.
- Create Cinnamon Swirls: Using a butter knife, gently swirl the cinnamon topping into about an inch of the top layer of the batter, creating a marbled effect without fully mixing it in.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The cake should be done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 30 minutes to set properly before icing.
- Prepare and Add Icing: Whisk together the powdered sugar and milk in a bowl until smooth. Drizzle the icing evenly over the cooled cake using a spoon or fork.
- Serve: Once iced, cut the cake into nine squares and serve. Enjoy the soft, flavorful banana cake with cinnamon swirls and a sweet glaze!
Notes
- Ensure bananas are ripe and soft for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake texture.
- Use room temperature or cooled melted butter to prevent cooking the egg prematurely.
- The cinnamon topping can be adjusted to taste for more or less sweetness and spice.
- Allow the cake to cool before icing to prevent the icing from melting and running.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
