Cinnamon Banana Yogurt Breakfast Cake

Name: Cinnamon Banana Yogurt Breakfast Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas, mashed; 1 cup plain yogurt; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup melted butter; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Cozy Ideas

I love starting my day with something wholesome and delicious, and this Cinnamon Banana Yogurt Breakfast Cake fits the bill perfectly. The combination of ripe bananas, creamy yogurt, and a hint of cinnamon creates a moist and flavorful cake that's not too sweet. I often make this as a weekend treat, and it fills my home with the warm aroma of baking. Plus, it's super easy to whip up, making it a delightful addition to our breakfast table or as an afternoon snack with coffee.

Created by

Marnie Calder

Last updated on 2026-01-21T19:49:34.297Z

When I first stumbled upon the idea of adding yogurt to a breakfast cake, I was intrigued. I decided to experiment with my favorite flavors, and using bananas and cinnamon was a no-brainer. The result was an incredibly moist and fluffy cake that made my mornings feel special. The yogurt not only enhances the texture but also adds a lovely tang that balances the sweetness.

One key tip I discovered is to use very ripe bananas; they release their natural sweetness and help keep the cake tender. Remember to fold the batter gently to preserve the airiness, resulting in the perfect breakfast indulgence!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Deliciously moist and fluffy texture from yogurt and ripe bananas
Warm cinnamon aroma that fills your kitchen
Healthy way to satisfy your sweet breakfast cravings

      

The Role of Bananas and Yogurt

Ripe bananas add not only natural sweetness to the Cinnamon Banana Yogurt Breakfast Cake but also contribute to a moist texture. When bananas are mashed, they create a dense, luscious base that helps bind the cake together. Look for bananas that have numerous brown spots on the peel, as this indicates they are at their ripest and will impart the best flavor.

Plain yogurt serves a dual purpose in this recipe: it adds moisture and a slight tanginess that balances out the sweetness of the bananas. The acidic nature of yogurt also reacts with baking soda, helping the cake rise beautifully. If you're in a pinch, you can substitute Greek yogurt for regular yogurt, but note that Greek yogurt will yield a slightly thicker texture.

Baking Techniques for Success

When combining your wet and dry ingredients, it's crucial to fold them gently but thoroughly to avoid overmixing. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of the light fluffy texture we desire. I recommend using a rubber spatula for this step, as it effectively incorporates without overworking the batter. Aim for a mixture that is just combined with no large flour pockets remaining.

Keep an eye on the oven while baking. Ovens can vary in temperature; thus, start checking for doneness at the 25-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is ready to come out. If it's still wet, give it an additional 2-3 minutes, but avoid leaving it in too long to prevent drying out.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Cinnamon Banana Yogurt Breakfast Cake:

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup melted butter
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature before you start for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious cake:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, yogurt, sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well blended.

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently until just incorporated. Do not overmix.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Feel free to dust the top with powdered sugar for a decorative touch!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips to the batter before baking.

Serving Suggestions

This Cinnamon Banana Yogurt Breakfast Cake is delightful on its own but can be enhanced with various toppings. For a warm serving, consider a drizzle of honey or a dollop of whipped cream for a little indulgence. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts or chocolate chips on top just before baking for an added crunch and flavor.

If you're looking to serve this cake for brunch or a gathering, slice it into squares and serve alongside a fresh fruit platter. The bright flavors of fruits like berries or citrus will complement the cake's sweetness without overpowering it. Pairing it with coffee or tea creates a perfect afternoon pick-me-up!

Storing and Make-Ahead Tips

After baking, allow the cake to cool completely before storing. If you have leftovers, wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices wrapped in aluminum foil or freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Just make sure to defrost it at room temperature or in the microwave when you're ready to enjoy it again.

This recipe is fantastic for meal prep! You can bake the cake over the weekend and enjoy it for breakfast throughout the week. Just be sure to slice it before storing for easy access with your morning coffee. For a quicker breakfast option, try toasting individual slices in a pan for a few minutes before serving—this enhances the cake's flavor and adds a nice crisp edge.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use Greek yogurt?

Yes, Greek yogurt will work well and will add even more creaminess to the cake.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ Can I substitute the sugar?

Yes, you can use brown sugar or a sugar substitute if you prefer a healthier option.