Imagine biting into a warm, moist slice of sweet delight that combines the best of cinnamon rolls and banana bread in one heavenly treat. This Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Recipe is exactly that – a scrumptious loaf featuring swirls of cinnamon and sugar baked right into the tender banana bread, crowned with a luscious vanilla glaze. It’s a perfect companion for your morning coffee or an indulgent afternoon snack that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Once you try this recipe, it quickly becomes a go-to favorite to satisfy those comforting cravings with a twist.

Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe works harmoniously to ensure your bread comes out tender, flavorful, and beautifully swirled with cinnamon goodness. The ingredients are straightforward, but each plays an essential role in the texture, taste, and aroma that make this loaf irresistible.

3 ripe bananas (mashed): Using overripe bananas gives the bread its natural sweetness and moist texture.
2 large eggs: These add structure and richness to the batter.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Helps balance the sweetness while keeping the crumb light.
1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds a deep caramel flavor and enhances moistness.
1/3 cup melted butter: For that decadent, tender crumb every good banana bread needs.
1/4 cup sour cream: Introduces a slight tang and extra moisture for softness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the bread, providing structure.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise light and fluffy.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
Cinnamon Swirl: 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons melted butter – the magic trio that creates the iconic cinnamon roll swirls.
Glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1–2 tablespoons milk, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract – a sweet finish that’s perfectly smooth and glossy.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly. This ensures your banana bread bakes evenly and doesn’t stick, giving you those clean slices everyone loves.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together your mashed bananas, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, sour cream, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This blend delivers the perfect balance of sweetness, moisture, and rich flavor essential to the bread’s charm.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix provides the backbone of your banana bread and ensures it rises just right, with a tender crumb that’s not too dense.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together

Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until everything comes together. Be careful not to overmix; you want the batter to remain light to keep the bread soft and fluffy.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

Mix the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl. This cinnamon swirl will create those delightful ribbons of flavor that turn ordinary banana bread into an extraordinary treat.

Step 6: Assemble the Batter and Cinnamon Swirls

Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared pan. Spoon half of the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter, then gently swirl it into the batter with a knife to create a marbled effect. Repeat this layering with the remaining batter and cinnamon mixture to build beautiful swirls throughout the loaf.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake your creation for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures your loaf finishes firm and cuts cleanly without crumbling.

Step 8: Drizzle with Glaze

Combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle this sweet topping over the cooled bread for a glossy finish that takes the Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Recipe over the top.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before glazing adds a lovely crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft bread. For an extra indulgent touch, dust with a pinch of cinnamon powder or a few stray banana chips for texture and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This bread stands perfectly on its own but also pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of black coffee or chai tea to complement its warm cinnamon notes. For brunch gatherings, serve alongside fresh fruit or a creamy yogurt parfait to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the loaf thickly and toast it lightly for a slightly crisp exterior, then spread with cream cheese or a honey butter glaze for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience. You can also cut into small cubes and serve as a sweet bread pudding base or skewer with fruit for a fun and shareable breakfast treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover banana bread covered in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps maintain its moistness while protecting those delicious cinnamon swirls.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap then aluminum foil and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy your banana bread warm, reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F for 8 to 10 minutes. This refreshes the texture and shines the glaze back to its glazed glory. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that crumbly texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use less sugar in the Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! You can reduce the granulated and brown sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet bread, but keep in mind the cinnamon swirl and glaze add extra sweetness, so don’t cut too much or it might affect the balance.

What if I don’t have sour cream on hand?

You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk. These alternatives maintain the moisture and subtle tang that sour cream provides, keeping your banana bread wonderfully tender.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?

Yes! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips make fantastic additions for extra texture and flavor. Simply fold them gently into the batter before layering and swirling.

How ripe should the bananas be for the best results?

Use bananas that are very ripe, with lots of brown spots or even mostly brown skins. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will turn out.

Is this Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Recipe suitable for freezing?

Definitely. This bread freezes beautifully and tastes just as good after thawing. Just make sure to wrap it well to avoid freezer burn and preserve its fresh-baked flavor.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend this Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread Recipe enough for anyone looking to elevate their banana bread game. It has that perfect blend of cinnamon sweetness and satisfying banana flavor that feels both familiar and exciting. Baking this loaf means filling your home with that cozy, comforting aroma that instantly lifts your spirits. Give it a try — I promise, your taste buds will thank you for it!