Cinnamon Scroll Banana Bread

Growing up, my grandmother used to make the most amazing banana bread. It was the kind of comfort food that warmed you up from the inside out and made your whole house smell like a cozy bakery.

As I got older, I realized I wanted to recreate that feeling, but with a healthier twist. That’s how this recipe came to life.

By adding a hit of protein and swapping out some ingredients, I was able to create a banana bread that not only tastes delicious but also feels good to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread

This isn’t just any banana bread—this is a one-bowl wonder that combines the nostalgic flavor of ripe bananas with the rich taste of cinnamon and vanilla.

It’s simple to make, easy to clean up, and packed with a protein punch. Perfect for a breakfast on the go, a mid-day snack, or a post-workout treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3 medium very ripe bananas, mashed
• 3 tbsp (45g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp baking soda (not baking powder)
• 1 pinch salt
• 1/2 cup (100g) sugar
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup almond milk
• 155g plain/all-purpose flour
• 50g vanilla protein powder (I like using vanilla buttercream flavor)
• 1 tsp cinnamon

For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:

• 25g unsalted butter, melted
• 25g brown sugar
• 1-2 tsp cinnamon

For the Icing:

• 50g light cream cheese
• 30g coconut yogurt
• Icing sugar or sweetener to taste

How to Make the Best Banana Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a loaf tin well to ensure the banana bread doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Mash and Mix

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter and mix well. Next, add the baking soda and salt, giving it another good stir. Then, mix in the sugar, beaten egg, almond milk, and vanilla extract until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Now, it’s time to add the dry ingredients. Gently fold in the flour, protein powder, and cinnamon until you have a smooth batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.

Step 4: Create the Cinnamon Swirl

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf tin. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to make the cinnamon sugar mixture. Drizzle this mixture over the top of the batter and use a knife to swirl it through, creating a marbled effect.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the loaf tin in the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. The banana bread is done when a toothpick or skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. Let the bread cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Icing

While the bread is cooling, prepare the icing. In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, coconut yogurt, and enough icing sugar or sweetener to reach your desired sweetness. If the icing is too thick, you can add a splash of almond milk to thin it out.

Directions for Perfect Banana Bread Every Time

1. Use ripe bananas: The riper, the better. They’re sweeter and mash more easily, giving your bread the best flavor and texture.
2. Don’t overmix: When adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture.
3. Check for doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your bread. It’s better to check a little early than to overbake.

Variations to Try

• Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Fold in a handful of chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent treat.
• Nutty Banana Bread: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Cinnamon Scroll Banana Bread

This top-notch Banana Bread is packed with flavor and an extra hit of protein. Whether you enjoy it with or without the icing, it's sure to be a winner! Made in just one bowl, this recipe is quick, easy, and low on cleanup. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or a sweet treat any time of the day.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 10 slices

Ingredients

  

Banana Bread:

• 3 medium very ripe bananas mashed
• 3 tbsp 45g unsalted butter, melted
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 pinch salt
• ½ cup 100g sugar
• 1 egg beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup almond milk
• 155 g plain/all-purpose flour
• 50 g vanilla protein powder e.g., vanilla buttercream
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Cinnamon Sugar:

• 25 g unsalted butter melted
• 25 g brown sugar
• 1-2 tsp cinnamon

Icing:

• 50 g light cream cheese
• 30 g coconut yoghurt
• Icing sugar/sweetener to taste

Instructions

 

Preheat and Prepare:

• Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a loaf tin and set it aside.

Mix the Wet Ingredients:

• In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork. Stir in the melted butter until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

• Add the baking soda, salt, sugar, beaten egg, almond milk, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Stir until combined.

Incorporate Flour and Protein Powder:

• Gradually mix in the protein powder and flour until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain.

Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar:

• In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour this mixture over the batter in the loaf tin, then swirl it through the batter with a knife or spoon.

Bake:

• Bake the banana bread for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with a few dry crumbs.

Cool and Ice:

• Allow the banana bread to cool completely. Meanwhile, prepare the icing by mixing together the cream cheese, coconut yoghurt, and icing sugar until smooth. Thin with a little almond milk if needed.

Serve and Store:

• Spread the icing over the cooled banana bread, or serve it on the side. Store the banana bread tightly wrapped to keep it fresh.

Notes

• The bread is delicious even without the icing, so feel free to skip it if you prefer.
• You can adjust the sweetness of the icing by adding more or less icing sugar.

Keyword Banana bread, Protein, Cinnamon sugar, Icing

Chef’s Note

This banana bread is best enjoyed fresh but will keep well if stored tightly wrapped. The addition of protein powder not only enhances the nutritional value but also gives the bread a slightly denser texture.

Whether you choose to enjoy it plain or with the creamy icing, this recipe is a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth while still staying on track with your fitness goals.

So, next time you have some overripe bananas sitting on your counter, give this recipe a try. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic favorite with a modern twist. Happy baking!