Cinnamon roll banana bread recipe with a cinnamon swirl and cream cheese frosting

Cinnamon roll banana bread combines the familiar texture of banana bread with the delightful swirl of cinnamon and the richness of cream cheese frosting. To create this special loaf, commence by preheating the oven to 190°C and lining a loaf pan with baking paper. Begin preparing the browned butter by melting it in a saucepan, allowing it to foam, and forming golden-brown milk solids. Transfer this mixture to a heatproof bowl for later use.

Combine the browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl, followed by mashed bananas, egg, Greek yoghurt, and vanilla paste. Mix until the batter is smooth. Gradually incorporate flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, salt, and cinnamon, folding gently to combine without overmixing. For the cinnamon filling, combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour to form a thick paste.

Spoon a portion of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, then add dollops of the cinnamon filling before covering it with additional batter. Alternate between batter and cinnamon filling until the loaf pan is full, ending with a layer of banana bread batter to encase the cinnamon filling. Bake at 190°C for 5 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 180°C and continue baking for 55 to 65 minutes. The loaf is done when a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.

Allow the banana bread to cool completely before spreading the cream cheese frosting over the top. Finish with a light dusting of cinnamon. The browned butter in this recipe lends a deeper, toasted flavor due to the caramelization of milk solids. It is crucial to monitor the butter closely during the browning process – if the milk solids become overly dark or black, the butter may taste bitter. After cooling, spread the frosting and enjoy the unique blend of banana bread and cinnamon roll flavors in one delicious treat.