If you’re a fan of both cinnamon rolls and banana bread, you’re in for a treat. This cinnamon roll banana bread recipe combines the best of both worlds into one moist, flavorful loaf that’s easy to make at home. Whether you’re looking for a special breakfast or a comforting snack, this recipe delivers that irresistible cinnamon-swirled goodness you crave.
Using ripe bananas adds natural sweetness and moisture, while the cinnamon swirl gives it that classic, comforting flavor twist. This cinnamon roll banana bread is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire, perfect for sharing with family or enjoying with a cup of coffee.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the flavors of cinnamon rolls and banana bread in one delicious loaf.
- Moist and tender crumb thanks to ripe bananas and buttermilk.
- Simple ingredients and easy steps make it perfect for beginner bakers.
- Great for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert.
- Swirled cinnamon sugar adds a beautiful and tasty twist.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to make your cinnamon roll banana bread come alive.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the cinnamon swirl:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 10 slices
- Calories: Approximately 280 per serving
How to Make How to Make Easy Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread: A Must-Try Recipe!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the mashed bananas, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter for the cinnamon swirl.
- Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared pan. Drizzle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter, then gently swirl it with a knife or skewer.
- Add the remaining banana bread batter on top and pour the remaining cinnamon swirl mixture over it. Swirl again to create a marbled effect.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Results
- Use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix just until the flour is incorporated to keep the bread tender.
- Swirl the cinnamon mixture gently to create a beautiful marbled effect without blending it completely.
- Test doneness with a toothpick starting at 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- For extra flavor, add chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover cinnamon roll banana bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze slices for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast lightly in a toaster oven. This will bring back the moisture and revive the cinnamon aroma beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar for 1/4 cup buttermilk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using to mimic the acidity and tenderizing effect of buttermilk.
What if I don’t have ripe bananas?
Ripe bananas are key to the flavor and moisture of this bread. If your bananas aren’t ripe, you can speed up ripening by placing them in a brown paper bag or bake them in the oven at 300°F for 15 minutes until soft.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure your baking blend contains xanthan gum for structure and texture.
How do I get a better cinnamon swirl effect?
Use a knife or skewer to gently drag through the cinnamon sugar mixture after layering it on the batter. Avoid mixing too much, as you want distinct swirls, not a blended cinnamon batter.
