This Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread is everything you love about a cozy fall morning soft banana bread, a buttery cinnamon swirl, and a sweet drizzle on top. It feels like the perfect cross between a cinnamon roll and a classic loaf, but comes together with simple ingredients and an easy method.
Ingredients
For the banana bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the cinnamon swirl:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted butter
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Steps
- Mix the dry ingredients. Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon together in a bowl.
- Combine the wet ingredients. In another bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla until smooth.
- Make the batter. Add dry ingredients to the wet and stir gently thick batter is perfect here.
- Prepare the swirl. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until sandy and fragrant.
- Layer the loaf. Pour half the batter into a greased loaf pan, sprinkle half the cinnamon mix, then repeat. Use a knife to gently swirl.
- Bake at 350°F for 55–65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Glaze generously. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, then drizzle over the cooled loaf.
Chef’s Tips
- Use very ripe bananas: The darker the peel, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread.
- Don’t overswirl: Light streaks of cinnamon keep the loaf tender and beautiful.
- Let it cool before glazing: A slightly warm loaf gives the prettiest drizzle without melting it away.
Variations
- Pecan cinnamon roll loaf: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans to the swirl mixture.
- Cream cheese glaze: Replace the milk with 2 tbsp softened cream cheese for richness.
- Maple twist: Add 1 tbsp maple syrup to the batter for deeper fall flavor.