If you love the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but want something easier and with a fruity twist, this cinnamon roll banana bread recipe is just for you. The rich banana flavor pairs perfectly with the classic cinnamon sugar swirl, creating a breakfast treat that feels indulgent but is incredibly simple to make.
You’ll enjoy a moist, tender bread studded with cinnamon-spiced goodness in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch or a weekday snack, this cinnamon roll banana bread will quickly become a favorite go-to recipe in your kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Combines the best of cinnamon rolls and banana bread in one easy loaf.
- Uses ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moist texture.
- Simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
- Easy to customize with nuts or chocolate chips if desired.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients before you start baking your cinnamon roll banana bread:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed (for cinnamon swirl)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for cinnamon swirl)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for cinnamon swirl)
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 10 slices
- Calories: Approximately 250 per slice
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 9x5-inch loaf pan. Line with parchment paper if you prefer easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, melted butter, granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter to create the cinnamon swirl mixture.
- Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared pan. Dollop half of the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter.
- Add the remaining banana bread batter on top, then dollop the rest of the cinnamon swirl mixture over it. Swirl again gently for a marbled effect.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and fluffy.
- Swirl the cinnamon mixture gently to create distinct layers without blending it fully.
- Check the bread at 55 minutes and cover loosely with foil if it’s browning too fast.
- For extra flavor, add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
Storage and Reheating
Store your cinnamon roll banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast lightly to bring back that fresh-baked flavor and soften the cinnamon sugar swirl.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas work great as long as they are fully thawed and mashed before mixing. They add the same moisture and sweetness as fresh ripe bananas.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute a gluten-free baking blend 1:1. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to achieve the right texture.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Adding ½ cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking enhances texture and flavor without changing the recipe much.
How do I know when the banana bread is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out wet with batter, bake a few minutes longer and check again.