If you have a soft spot for cozy, comforting desserts that fill your kitchen with the warm scent of cinnamon and ripe bananas, then you are going to adore this Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe. Imagine the tender, moist crumb of banana cake swirled with a gooey cinnamon topping, finished with a sweet, drizzly icing that perfectly balances fruity sweetness and spiced warmth. This recipe feels like a big, sweet hug on a plate and is perfect for breakfast treats, afternoon snacks, or a delightful dessert to share with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe starts with just a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role—from the lush bananas adding natural sweetness and moisture, to the cinnamon that brings that signature spicy kick. The combination of brown sugar and melted butter creates a luscious, swirled topping that contributes both flavor and a pleasantly gooey texture.
- Light brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and moisture throughout the cake and topping.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses the cake with its classic warm and fragrant spice.
- Salted butter (melted and cooled): Provides richness and helps bind the ingredients smoothly.
- Ripe bananas (mashed): Bring natural sweetness and a tender crumb that’s simply irresistible.
- Egg: Adds structure and helps the cake rise evenly.
- Buttermilk: Offers a subtle tang while making the cake wonderfully moist.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its sweet floral notes.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the cake, providing structure and a soft texture.
- Baking powder: Leavens the cake, ensuring a light and fluffy bite.
- Powdered sugar: Used in the icing to create a smooth and sweet finish.
- Milk: Thins the icing just right for that perfect drizzle effect.
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. Stir until everything is fully combined and set this mixture aside. This luscious topping is the heart of the swirl and what makes this cake so uniquely delightful.
Step 2: Preheat and Prep Your Pan
Turn your oven to 350° F and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish thoroughly with baking spray. This ensures your cake won’t stick and helps you get those lovely squares out easily once baked.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the mashed bananas, light brown sugar, and the cooled melted butter. Once mixed, add the egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract, stirring just until everything is blended. This step is where the cake’s tender, moist nature begins to form.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and the 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. This combination adds the structure and that essential warm spice to the batter.
Step 5: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet and fold gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and tender rather than dense.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cinnamon topping evenly across the top, then using a butter knife, gently swirl the topping into the upper inch of the batter to create that signature cinnamon roll look. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Let the cake cool for about 30 minutes before moving to the next step.
Step 7: Add the Icing
Whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth to make a simple glaze. Drizzle this icing generously over the top of the cooled cake, letting it cascade deliciously over the swirls. Now it’s ready to be sliced into squares and enjoyed!
How to Serve Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra ground cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving to amp up the visual appeal and spice aroma. If you want a fresh twist, add a few sliced bananas or a handful of chopped walnuts on top for crunch and texture contrast.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For breakfast or brunch, serve alongside a steaming cup of coffee or spiced chai tea to complement the warm cinnamon and banana flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, cut the cake into bite-sized squares and serve them on a tiered cake stand. Alternatively, layer into dessert jars with whipped cream or yogurt in between layers for a fun, grab-and-go treat. The swirls look stunning when cut, making this Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe as beautiful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Keeping it covered ensures it stays moist and flavorful without drying out.
Freezing
This cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will maintain its deliciousness for up to three months, ready for a quick thaw whenever a craving hits.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or reheat in a low oven (about 300° F) for 10 minutes for that just-baked feel. The icing will soften and the aromas will come alive, making every bite taste freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect because they’re sweeter and easier to mash, giving the Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe that natural banana flavor and moist texture we love.
What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand?
No worries. You can make a simple substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 3/4 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This mimics the tanginess of buttermilk quite well.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend should work. Just be sure to choose a blend that already includes xanthan gum or a similar binder for best texture results.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
To veganize this Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe, use a flax egg or chia egg substitute and swap the butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil. Use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk for the glaze as well.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is ready when a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with perhaps a few moist crumbs attached. It shouldn’t have wet batter on it, which means it needs more time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a sweet, incredibly satisfying treat that feels both special and simple to make, this Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is a must-try. It cleverly combines the best of two comforting classics—banana bread and cinnamon rolls—in one easy cake. Give it a go, and watch as your kitchen fills with heartwarming aromas that invite smiles with every 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
Description
This Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines the classic flavors of banana and cinnamon rolls into a deliciously easy-to-make cake. Topped with a cinnamon-sugar swirl and a simple powdered sugar glaze, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or 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 ⅔ 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 fully blended and set aside for later use.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare 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, mix together the mashed bananas, light brown sugar, and cooled melted butter. Add the egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract to the mixture and stir until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon until evenly mixed.
- Make the Batter: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture just until combined. Take care not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
- Assemble Cake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cinnamon topping evenly over the top of the batter. Using a butter knife, gently swirl the cinnamon topping into about an inch of the cake batter’s surface to create a marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 30 minutes.
- Prepare Icing: While the cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth to make the icing.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the icing over the top of the cooled cake. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to maintain a light and fluffy texture.
- The swirl effect can be intensified by using a knife or skewer in tighter circular motions but avoid mixing too deep.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before drizzling the icing to prevent it from melting off.
- This cake is best enjoyed within 2 days for maximum freshness but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and lemon juice or vinegar if needed (1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes).
