If you adore the warm comfort of cinnamon rolls but crave a simpler, sliceable treat, this Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is sure to become your new go-to dessert. Imagine the tender sweetness of ripe bananas mingled with aromatic cinnamon swirls baked into a moist cake that’s topped with a luscious drizzle. It’s like your favorite cinnamon roll transformed into an easy-to-make cake that’s perfect for brunch, dessert, or any time a sweet craving strikes. Every bite delivers a buttery, cinnamon-infused hug that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s lending moisture, sweetness, or that signature cinnamon warmth. Gather just a handful of pantry staples and fresh bananas to get started on your baking journey.
- Light brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and natural sweetness, essential for the cinnamon topping and batter.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings that unmistakable warm spice that’s the heart of this recipe’s flavor.
- Salted butter (melted and cooled): Provides rich moisture and a smooth texture, boosting the cake’s tenderness.
- Ripe bananas (mashed): Offers natural sweetness and moisture, giving the cake its signature banana flavor and softness.
- Large egg: Helps bind ingredients together while adding structure for a perfect crumb.
- Buttermilk: Introduces a slight tang and helps keep the cake moist and tender.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and complements the banana and cinnamon beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the cake’s sturdy base while providing the right balance of chewiness and fluffiness.
- Baking powder: Ensures the cake rises perfectly, creating a light and airy texture.
- Powdered sugar: Used for a delicate icing that adds a touch of sweetness and smooth finish.
- Milk: Thins the icing for easy drizzling over the cake.
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 in a small bowl until everything is beautifully combined. This mixture will create those irresistible cinnamon swirls on top of your cake, infusing it with deep, sweet-spicy layers of flavor as it bakes.
Step 2: Preheat and Prep Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350° F and generously grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with your preferred baking spray. This little step prevents the cake from sticking and ensures clean edges, helping your final presentation shine.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, light brown sugar, and cooled melted butter until smooth. Then add the egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract, stirring gently until everything is combined. This wet mixture delivers the moist, flavorful base that makes the Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe so delightful.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spice. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture just until combined — be careful not to overmix, as that can make the cake tough instead of tender.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top. Then sprinkle the cinnamon topping over the batter. Don’t just dump it on — use a butter knife to swirl the topping gently into the top inch of the batter. This technique creates those beautiful cinnamon-roll style ribbons baked right into the cake.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. Allow the cake to cool for 30 minutes, which helps it firm up and makes it easier to drizzle with icing.
Step 7: Add the Icing
Whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until the glaze is smooth and pourable. Drizzle it generously over the top of your cooled cake for that classic cinnamon roll finishing touch. Then cut into squares and get ready to indulge.
How to Serve Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe, try garnishing with a sprinkle of toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch. A dusting of cinnamon powder or a few banana slices on top can also brighten the presentation and hint at the cake’s flavors.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. For a cozy breakfast, serve alongside a cup of rich coffee or creamy chai tea to complement the warm cinnamon notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this cake in individual ramekins topped with the cinnamon icing for a charming single-serving dessert. Or try layering it in a trifle with whipped cream and banana slices for a stunning, crowd-pleasing centerpiece. No matter how you present it, this cake is guaranteed to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep it moist and fresh. If your kitchen is warm, the fridge works too, just bring slices back to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead option. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter before enjoying.
Reheating
Warm slices in a microwave for about 20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300° F for 10 minutes to revive that fresh-baked aroma and softness. Adding a little extra drizzle of icing after reheating will make it taste as if you just pulled it from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually best for this recipe because they’re extra sweet and soft, which enhances the cake’s natural banana flavor and moist texture.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s meant for baking. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the cake’s structure intact.
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
You can, but to mimic buttermilk’s tang, add one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This helps with the cake’s tenderness and flavor.
What if I don’t have salted butter?
No worries! Just use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt to the recipe. Salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness, so it’s a simple fix.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
The best test is to insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready to come out of the oven.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe, it will quickly become a favorite for moments when you want comfort and sweetness without the fuss of traditional cinnamon rolls. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and wonderfully versatile — perfect for sharing with friends, family, or simply treating yourself. So go ahead, bake a pan of this cake and savor every warm, cinnamon-spiked bite!
Print
Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake combines the cozy flavors of cinnamon rolls with the moist sweetness of ripe bananas. Featuring a rich brown sugar and cinnamon swirl, topped with a simple powdered sugar glaze, this cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. It’s easy to prepare and bakes into a tender, flavorful treat that serves nine.
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 Cinnamon Topping: In a small bowl, stir together the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until the mixture is well combined. Set this cinnamon topping aside for later use.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish: Heat 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, combine the mashed bananas, 1/3 cup light brown sugar, and melted butter. Add the egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract, stirring well until the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon until thoroughly mixed.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture just until combined. Be careful 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 batter. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the topping into about an inch of the top layer of batter creating a cinnamon swirl effect.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool for 30 minutes.
- Prepare Icing: Whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth and pourable.
- Finish the Cake: Drizzle the icing evenly over the cooled cake. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain a light and fluffy texture.
- The swirling step is key to create the signature cinnamon roll look and flavor.
- Letting the cake cool before icing helps the glaze set better.
- You can substitute buttermilk with milk plus 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice if needed.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
