The Best of Both Worlds: Banana Cake with a Cinnamon Swirl

If you love banana bread, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Cinnamon Swirl Banana Cake. It’s the perfect combination of moist banana cake and a rich cinnamon swirl that brings warmth and spice to every bite. Topped with a luscious glaze, this cake is a perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or any time you’re craving something sweet and comforting. It’s a showstopper that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Ingredients

For the Banana Cake:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed (the riper, the better!)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

For the Glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper to make the cake easier to remove after baking.

Make the Banana Cake Batter:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this aside. In another large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined, but don’t overmix.

Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Add the melted butter and stir until it forms a smooth paste. This will be your cinnamon swirl mixture.

Layer the Cake & Cinnamon Swirl:

Pour half of the banana cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Drizzle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter. Add the rest of the banana cake batter on top, then swirl the remaining cinnamon mixture into the top layer using a knife or a toothpick to create that marbled effect.

Bake the Cake:

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Glaze:

While the cake is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.

Drizzle the Glaze:

Once the cake is fully cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it flow down the sides for a beautiful finish.

Serve & Enjoy:

Cut into squares and serve! The cake is perfectly sweet, with a warm cinnamon flavor that pairs wonderfully with the banana. This Cinnamon Swirl Banana Cake is perfect for any occasion and will surely become a family favorite.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Swirl Banana Cake is a warm, comforting treat that combines the best of banana bread and cake, with the added delight of cinnamon. The soft, moist banana cake layered with a rich cinnamon swirl and topped with a sweet glaze makes for a truly irresistible dessert. It’s a perfect dessert for a cozy afternoon or a special gathering, and it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the delicious blend of flavors with every bite!

Stick around—every visit tastes better than the last at The Buttered Bliss.