If you have a soft spot for the luscious flavors of banana bread and the cozy warmth of cinnamon rolls, then you are going to absolutely adore this Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe. It’s like the best of both worlds baked into one comforting, moist, and fragrant cake that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you want a little sweet pick-me-up. The rich banana flavor pairs beautifully with the cinnamon-sugar swirl and a smooth, sweet icing drizzle, making each bite a delightful experience you’ll find yourself craving again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe calls for a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a tender texture and richly spiced flavor. Each component plays its part in delivering the classic comfort you expect from cinnamon rolls, combined with the natural sweetness and moisture from ripe bananas.
- Light brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and moisture, essential for the cinnamon topping and cake batter.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic spice that defines the cinnamon roll flavor.
- Salted butter (melted and cooled): Infuses richness and helps create that tender crumb with a buttery finish.
- Large ripe bananas (mashed): Offer natural sweetness and a moist, velvety texture that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- Egg: Binds ingredients together and helps the cake rise beautifully.
- Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps tenderize the cake for an irresistibly soft bite.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a sweet, fragrant undertone.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for the cake’s structure and lightness.
- Baking powder: Leavens the cake, ensuring it is fluffy with a perfect crumb.
- Powdered sugar: Used to make a smooth glaze that adds a sweet, creamy finish.
- Milk: Thins the icing to just the right consistency for drizzling.
How to Make Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Topping
Start by combining the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl. Stir it together until it forms a luscious, sticky mixture. This topping is what will give the cake that iconic cinnamon swirl and gooey sweetness that pairs beautifully with ripe bananas.
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Set your oven to 350° F and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with baking spray to ensure easy release. The right pan and preparation help your cake bake evenly and come out effortlessly when it’s done.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, mash your ripe bananas to creamy perfection. Add in the light brown sugar and cooled melted butter, stirring until smooth. Then, whisk in the egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and beautifully blended. This mixture is the heart of your cake, making it moist and flavorful.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon. This blend introduces the necessary lift and spice that make this cake so irresistible. When you add these dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix just until combined – overmixing can make the cake tough, and we want tender!
Step 5: Assemble and Swirl the Cake
Spread the banana cake batter evenly into your prepared baking dish. Then sprinkle your cinnamon topping all over the surface. Using a butter knife, gently swirl the topping into the top inch of the batter to create that beautiful cinnamon roll effect baked right in.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, maybe with a few moist crumbs clinging on. Let it cool in the pan for about 30 minutes – patience here rewards you with the best texture.
Step 7: Finish with Icing
Whisk the powdered sugar and milk together until smooth and pourable. Drizzle this sweet glaze over the cooled cake, letting it flow into every swirl and corner. This finishing touch adds the perfect balance of sweetness and a shiny, irresistible look that makes this Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe truly shine.
How to Serve Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your serving by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or even some chopped toasted walnuts or pecans on top of the icing. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add that extra touch of charm and sweetness for a truly inviting presentation.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. In the breakfast or brunch setting, serve with a side of fresh fruit, like berries or sliced apples, to balance the richness and add a burst of freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your cake warm, with the icing slightly melted and luscious, or chilled for a firmer texture and easier slicing. Cut into small squares to serve as bite-sized treats for a party or casually stack slices with fresh banana slices layered in between for a fun cake-like presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe pieces can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to a week. Keeping the cake covered preserves its moist texture and prevents it from drying out.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.
Reheating
To enjoy warm cake, simply microwave an individual piece for 15 to 20 seconds or warm slices in a 350° F oven for about 10 minutes. The warming brings back that freshly baked softness and releases delightful banana and cinnamon aromas.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar for the buttermilk. This combination mimics the acidity of buttermilk, helping tenderize the cake and keeping it moist and fluffy.
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white granulated sugar with a teaspoon of molasses mixed in, or just white sugar alone. The flavor will be slightly different, but the cake will still be delicious and moist.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips make delightful additions to the batter for extra texture and flavor. Just fold them in after combining the wet and dry ingredients before baking.
Is this cake gluten-free?
Not as is, since it requires all-purpose flour. However, you can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking in a 1:1 ratio. Be sure to check the blend’s instructions for best results. The texture might vary slightly.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper, the better! Bananas with lots of brown spots or even fully brown skins provide the best sweetness and moisture. This really enhances the flavor and texture of your Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is your answer. The way the bananas and cinnamon swirl together, finished with a simple glaze, is pure magic that’s sure to become a new favorite. Trust me, once you bake this, you’ll want to keep this recipe close for all those moments when you need a little joy in cake form.
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 is a moist, flavorful dessert that combines the rich taste of ripe bananas with the warm spices of cinnamon and a sweet, swirled topping. Finished with a simple powdered sugar glaze, this cake offers the comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in an easy-to-make, baked cake form perfect for sharing.
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 Cinnamon Topping: In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until well mixed and set aside to use later.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the mashed bananas, light brown sugar, and cooled melted butter. Then add the egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract; stir until combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon until evenly blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Assemble the Cake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cinnamon topping evenly over the top. Using a butter knife, gently swirl the topping into about an inch of the surface of the batter to create a marbled effect.
- Bake: 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. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool for 30 minutes.
- Prepare Icing: Whisk the powdered sugar and milk together until smooth to create a simple glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the icing evenly over the cooled cake. Cut into squares and enjoy your delicious Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake!
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
- You can substitute buttermilk with plain yogurt or milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice if needed.
- The swirling technique for the topping gives the cake its signature cinnamon roll look and taste.
- Ensure the melted butter is cooled before mixing to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely.
- For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based milk and margarine alternatives.
