Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Recipe

If you’re a fan of both cinnamon rolls and banana bread, why not enjoy the best of both worlds? This Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread is a heavenly combination of moist banana bread infused with swirls of cinnamon-sugar goodness. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat with coffee, this recipe is easy to make and packed with warm flavors. Get ready to indulge in a bakery-style loaf that tastes just like a cinnamon roll!

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

Understanding the ingredients helps you create the perfect Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread with the right balance of flavors and textures.

Bananas – The star ingredient that adds natural sweetness and moisture.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and ensures a soft yet firm texture.
Brown Sugar – Used for both the batter and cinnamon swirl, giving a deep caramel-like sweetness.
Granulated Sugar – Enhances overall sweetness and balances flavors.
Cinnamon – The key spice that delivers warm, aromatic flavors.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder – Helps the bread rise and keeps it light and fluffy.
Eggs – Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
Butter – Adds a rich, buttery flavor and helps with moisture.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall taste with a hint of warmth.
Milk – Keeps the batter smooth and moist.
Powdered Sugar – Used for the glaze to mimic a classic cinnamon roll topping.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8-10 slices

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread:

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

1/3 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 tablespoons melted butter

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-3 tablespoons milk

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread will be.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Add melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk to the mashed bananas. Whisk until well combined and smooth.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread soft.

Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. This will create a rich, gooey cinnamon swirl that enhances the banana bread.

Step 6: Assemble the Bread

Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Drizzle half of the cinnamon mixture over the batter and swirl gently with a knife. Repeat with the remaining batter and cinnamon mixture, swirling again for a marbled effect.

Step 7: Bake

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes.

Step 8: Cool the Bread

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before adding the glaze.

Step 9: Make and Drizzle the Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled banana bread for a cinnamon roll-inspired finish.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread

Use overripe bananas with brown spots for the best sweetness and moisture.
Don’t overmix the batter to prevent a dense loaf.
To create the perfect cinnamon swirl, use a skewer or knife to lightly mix the layers without fully blending them.
If your bread is browning too fast, tent it with foil halfway through baking.
Allow the bread to cool completely before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting too quickly.

Presentation Tips

Serve slices slightly warm with an extra drizzle of glaze for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Dust with cinnamon powder for a decorative touch.
Pair with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for the perfect treat.

Creative Twists

Nutty Variation: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch.
Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Fold in chocolate chips for a richer taste.
Cream Cheese Swirl: Mix softened cream cheese with sugar and swirl it in for a cheesecake-like effect.
Caramel Drizzle: Instead of the classic glaze, try drizzling homemade caramel over the bread.

Pro Tip for Customization

To make this recipe healthier, substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour and replace half of the sugar with honey or maple syrup. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of butter for a lower-fat version while maintaining moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes! Thaw frozen bananas and drain excess liquid before mashing them.

How do I store Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?

Yes! Divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes.

Can I make Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread dairy-free?

Yes! Use almond or oat milk and replace butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free alternative.

Why is my banana bread dense?

Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can make the bread dense. Be sure to mix gently and measure ingredients accurately.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread is the ultimate combination of two beloved treats. With its soft, moist texture and rich cinnamon flavor, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Whether enjoyed as a morning treat or a sweet dessert, this recipe is easy to make and full of comforting flavors. Try it today and enjoy the best of cinnamon rolls and banana bread in every bite!