Cinnamon Banana Yogurt Breakfast Cake

Name: Cinnamon Banana Yogurt Breakfast Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup brown sugar; 2 ripe bananas, mashed; 1 cup plain yogurt; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Modern Planning

I love starting my mornings with something that feels special yet is easy to whip up. This Cinnamon Banana Yogurt Breakfast Cake is a delightful way to enjoy classic flavors while benefiting from the moistness that yogurt brings. The cinnamon aroma fills my kitchen, and each bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, making it the ideal breakfast treat. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and you’ll see why it quickly became my family’s favorite morning indulgence!

Created by

Briar Kensington

Last updated on 2026-01-19T23:09:35.494Z

Baking is a joy for me, especially when it involves simple ingredients that create something extraordinary. I experimented with this breakfast cake to incorporate yogurt, which not only makes it moist but adds a tangy depth to the sweetness of the bananas. It was a huge hit at breakfast this past Sunday!

My family devoured it in minutes, and I loved how the cinnamon flavor mingled perfectly with the bananas. A quick tip I found is to mash the bananas until smooth for a more uniform texture. I promise, once you try it, this cake will become a staple in your morning routine!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Moist and tender crumb from yogurt
Delicious cinnamon aroma that fills your kitchen
Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy mornings

      

The Importance of Ingredients

The use of ripe bananas is crucial in this recipe; they not only contribute natural sweetness but also enhance the cake's moisture and flavor. Look for bananas that are heavily speckled or even slightly overripe for the best results. If you're short on ripe bananas, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag at room temperature for a day or two.

Choosing plain yogurt is essential for achieving the right texture. Greek yogurt can also be used for a thicker cake, imparting a richer flavor, while low-fat or dairy-free yogurt can substitute if you're looking for healthier alternatives. Keep in mind that the consistency of the yogurt will impact the cake's moisture, so adjust cooking times as needed.

Baking Techniques to Ensure Success

When incorporating the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, remember to do this gradually. This step prevents clumping and ensures even distribution of ingredients. A gentle folding motion, rather than vigorous stirring, will maintain the airy texture of the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so mix until just combined with a few visible flour streaks remaining.

For optimal baking results, placing your oven rack in the center of the oven guarantees even cooking. This prevents the cake from baking too quickly on the outside while remaining raw in the center. Check the cake at around 25 minutes, but don't hesitate to extend the baking time in small increments if it hasn't reached a golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out wet.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup plain yogurt
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Now that you have your ingredients, let’s move on to the steps.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to bake your breakfast cake:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking dish.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy.

Mix in Bananas and Yogurt

Add the mashed bananas, yogurt, eggs, and vanilla to the butter mixture and mix well.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Enjoy your delicious breakfast cake!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider mixing in chopped walnuts or a handful of chocolate chips!

Serving Suggestions

Serving this Cinnamon Banana Yogurt Breakfast Cake warm elevates the experience, enhancing its comforting aroma and texture. You might consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a spread of cream cheese frosting to add an extra layer of flavor. For a heartier breakfast, serve it alongside a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh berries, which will provide a lovely contrast to the cake's sweetness.

If you're planning to serve this cake later in the day, let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. This will help retain its moisture. It can stay fresh at room temperature for two to three days, or you can refrigerate it to extend its life for up to a week. Just reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving to regain some of that fresh-baked warmth.

Variations and Add-Ins

To customize your breakfast cake, consider adding mix-ins like chopped nuts or chocolate chips. About half a cup of walnuts or pecans can add a satisfying crunch, while chocolate chips can provide a sweet treat for chocolate lovers. Just remember to adjust the mixing time if you add heavy ingredients, as this could affect the texture.

For a spiced-up version, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or swapping out some of the flour for whole wheat flour. This not only increases the nutritional value but also gives it a slightly nuttier flavor. You can even experiment with extracts—almond or maple extracts can be used instead of vanilla for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use Greek yogurt?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be used and will provide an even thicker texture.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use flax eggs or unsweetened applesauce as replacements.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Certainly! You can bake it the night before and enjoy it the next morning.