Cinnamon Swirl Banana Sheet Cake

This cinnamon swirl banana sheet cake is my all-in-one answer to overripe bananas and weekend baking cravings With plush banana crumb and ribbons of buttery cinnamon this cake instantly fills the whole kitchen with the aroma of nostalgia It is perfect for bake sales brunches potlucks or just a cozy treat any time

I started making this cake when my bananas outnumbered my morning smoothies The cinnamon swirl makes it look impressive but it is so easy my kids love helping swirl the batter

Ingredients

• Very ripe bananas mashed: Sweetness and intense banana flavor come from bananas with brown spots Choose fruit that yields easily when pressed
• Unsalted butter melted: Adds richness and ensures a tender cake Always use real butter for best results
• Brown sugar: Deepens the natural fruit flavor Choose dark brown for a more pronounced caramel note
• Granulated sugar: Balances flavor and gives the crumb a soft texture
• All purpose flour: The base of your cake Sift and spoon for accurate measuring to keep the crumb light
• Eggs: Room temperature eggs help the batter come together evenly Select eggs with firm shells for maximum freshness
• Greek yogurt or sour cream: Adds a touch of tang and makes the cake extra moist Full fat versions create the richest taste
• Baking powder and baking soda: Give the cake its lift always check freshness for best results
• Ground cinnamon: Warm and spicy for the swirl Opt for Ceylon if you want a subtle floral note
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors Try to use pure extract instead of imitation
• Salt: Just a pinch sharpens all the sweet flavors

Instructions

Prepare the Baking Pan:

Line a rectangular baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides to prevent sticking Ensure a snug fit so the cake can be easily lifted later

Mash the Bananas:

Place peeled ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl Using a fork or potato masher press bananas until mostly smooth with a few small lumps for extra texture

Mix Wet Ingredients:

Add melted butter both sugars eggs yogurt or sour cream and vanilla to the mashed bananas Stir with a sturdy whisk until fully combined the mixture should look pale and glossy at this point

Combine the Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl whisk flour baking powder baking soda and salt until evenly distributed This helps avoid pockets of leaveners in your cake

Bring Wet and Dry Together:

Gently fold the dry mixture into the banana mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon Stop as soon as you see the last streaks of flour for a tender crumb

Create the Cinnamon Swirl:

In a small bowl mix additional melted butter brown sugar and cinnamon Drizzle half of this swirl mixture over half the batter in the pan Use a butter knife to make deep swirling motions Pour remaining batter on top and repeat with the rest of the swirl Avoid overmixing for defined ribbons

Bake Until Golden:

Transfer to a preheated oven Bake at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit until set and golden brown on top about twenty five to thirty five minutes Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick which should come out clean or with a few crumbs

Cool and Slice:

Let the sheet cake cool in the pan for ten minutes before lifting out onto a wire rack to finish cooling Slice into generous squares and if desired dust with powdered sugar

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Cinnamon is my comfort spice and swirling it through banana cake always makes me think of rainy Saturday mornings at my grandma’s kitchen table Watching the cinnamon ribbons come to life as you swirl is a highlight every time I bake this

Making the Most of Storage

Allow the cake to cool completely before storing to avoid condensation Use an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to a week If you enjoy a warm slice reheat gently for ten seconds in the microwave which revives the tender texture

Best Substitutions

Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream to adjust tanginess or use a dairy free yogurt to make the cake lactose free Replace brown sugar in the swirl with coconut sugar for a deeper caramel note If you are out of cinnamon a blend of cardamom and nutmeg can create a new twist on the classic flavor

Serving Ideas Everyone Will Love

Serve cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert or topped with whipped cream for an afternoon treat For special brunches I like to pair leftovers with strong coffee and fresh berries You can even cube the cake for trifle or layer in a parfait

Cultural Roots and Home Traditions

Banana cake recipes are found in kitchens worldwide and everyone seems to have their own spin This version takes inspiration from classic American sheet cakes and the popular banana loaf merging both for ease and nostalgia Sheet cakes like this became my staple at potlucks because they traveled well and could feed a crowd

Seasonal Twists for Your Sheet Cake

Add chopped walnuts or pecans in fall for crunch Try swirling in a thin layer of apple butter for apple banana flavor Switch the brown sugar swirl for a dotted raspberry jam in spring for a fruity ribbon

Success Stories

One reader wrote in that this cake became their go to recipe for school bakes their kids asked for the cinnamon swirl every time Another friend baked it in muffin form for a baby shower and there was not a single crumb left Each time I bring this to gatherings I am asked for the recipe before dessert is even served

Freezer Meal Conversion

Let the cake cool completely Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap then in foil Freeze for up to two months Thaw at room temperature or microwave slices for about thirty seconds If you are making ahead for a special event freeze unglazed and dust with powdered sugar just before serving

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This cake is a nostalgic sheet cake for cozy weekends or gatherings One bite and you will be reaching for another square every time

Common Recipe Questions

→ What makes the cinnamon swirl stand out in this cake?

The cinnamon swirl adds a layer of aromatic sweetness, perfectly contrasting with the subtle banana flavor and making each bite unique.

→ Can I use overripe bananas?

Yes, overripe bananas work best as they add natural sweetness and a moist texture to the cake.

→ What is the best way to swirl the cinnamon into the batter?

Once the batter is spread in the pan, drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture and use a knife to gently swirl through for a marbled effect.

→ Is there a recommended topping for this cake?

A simple vanilla glaze or dusting of powdered sugar enhances the flavors without overpowering the spiced notes.

→ Can this cake be made ahead and stored?

Absolutely. Store in an airtight container for up to three days, or freeze slices for longer freshness and quick treats.