Greek Yogurt Banana Cinnamon Roll Muffins
If cinnamon rolls and banana muffins had a baby, these Greek Yogurt Banana Cinnamon Roll Muffins would be it. They're incredibly soft, fluffy, and packed with sweet banana flavor, with a gooey cinnamon sugar center that tastes just like the inside of a warm cinnamon roll. Finish them with a swirl of cream cheese frosting and a drizzle of caramel, and you've got a bakery-worthy treat that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Thanks to Greek yogurt and ripe bananas, these muffins stay moist for days while offering a boost of protein compared to traditional bakery muffins.
Whether you're using up overripe bananas or craving something cozy, these muffins are guaranteed to become a new favorite.
Why You'll Love These Banana Cinnamon Roll Muffins
Super soft and fluffy
Naturally moist from bananas and Greek yogurt
Easy one-bowl recipe
Gooey cinnamon sugar center
Bakery-style domed muffin tops
Perfect for breakfast or dessert
Ready in under an hour
Freezer-friendly
What Makes These Muffins Taste Like Cinnamon Rolls?
Unlike regular banana muffins, these are layered with a cinnamon sugar filling that melts into the center while baking, creating ribbons of sweet cinnamon throughout each bite.
The cream cheese frosting and caramel drizzle mimic everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls—but with a lot less work.
Kitchen Equipment
Muffin pan
12 cupcake liners
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Rubber spatula
Ice cream scoop or cookie scoop
Tips for Bakery-Style Muffins
Use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots.
Let the batter rest for 15 minutes before baking.
Start baking at 425°F to create tall muffin tops.
Don't overmix the batter.
Fill liners about ¾ full for the perfect rise.
Variations
Add Chopped Pecans
Mix in ½ cup chopped pecans for extra crunch.
Chocolate Chip Banana Cinnamon Roll Muffins
Fold in ½ cup mini chocolate chips.
Walnut Banana Muffins
Add chopped walnuts to the batter or sprinkle on top before frosting.
Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
Replace the vanilla with 1 teaspoon maple extract for a fall-inspired flavor.
Storage
Store frosted muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Bring to room temperature before serving.
Can You Freeze Them?
Yes!
Freeze the muffins without frosting for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight and frost just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip the sweetener?
Absolutely! The bananas provide plenty of natural sweetness, especially if they're very ripe. The frosting and caramel also add sweetness, so the liquid sweetener is completely optional.
Why rest the batter?
Resting the batter allows the flour to fully hydrate, creating taller, fluffier muffins with a softer crumb.
Can I make mini muffins?
Yes! Bake mini muffins for about 10–12 minutes.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, though the muffins will be slightly denser.
Can I make these without frosting?
Definitely. They're delicious on their own or with a simple glaze.
Expert Tips
Weigh your bananas for the most consistent results.
Use room-temperature Greek yogurt for easier mixing.
Allow the muffins to cool completely before frosting so it doesn't melt.
Warm the caramel slightly before drizzling for the prettiest finish.
Ingredients
Muffins
2 large ripe bananas (about 214 grams)
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
⅓ cup liquid sweetener (maple syrup or honey, optional)
3 tablespoons melted butter
3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1¼ cups all-purpose flour
Cinnamon Sugar Filling
¼ cup granulated sugar (I used monk fruit sweetener, but regular sugar works perfectly)
2–3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Frosting
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 teaspoons milk, if needed for consistency
Topping
Caramel sauce for drizzling
How to Make Greek Yogurt Banana Cinnamon Roll Muffins
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F.
Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.
Step 2: Make the Batter
Mash the bananas until smooth.
Whisk together:
Mashed bananas
Greek yogurt
Melted butter
Milk
Vanilla
Liquid sweetener (if using)
until fully combined.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Mix in:
Cinnamon
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Fold in the flour until just combined.
Do not overmix.
Step 4: Let the Batter Rest
Let the batter sit in the bowl for 15 minutes before filling the muffin pan.
Don't skip this step! Resting the batter hydrates the flour, thickens the mixture, and helps create those beautiful bakery-style domed muffin tops.
Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Sugar
Mix together:
¼ cup granulated sugar (or monk fruit sweetener)
2–3 teaspoons cinnamon
Step 6: Fill the Muffins
Add about half of the batter to each muffin liner.
Sprinkle a generous layer of cinnamon sugar over the batter.
Top with the remaining batter until each liner is about ¾ full.
Step 7: Bake
Bake at 425°F for 7 minutes.
Without opening the oven, reduce the temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the cinnamon center) comes out clean.
Allow the muffins to cool completely.
Step 8: Frost & Drizzle
Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla. Add milk as needed until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
Spread or pipe the frosting onto the cooled muffins.
Finish with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce.
Greek Yogurt Banana Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes (includes batter rest)
Bake Time: 19–22 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes
Yield: 6-8 muffins
Ingredients
Muffins
2 large bananas (214g), mashed
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
⅓ cup maple syrup or honey (optional)
3 tablespoons melted butter
3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1¼ cups all-purpose flour
Cinnamon Sugar Filling
¼ cup granulated sugar (or monk fruit sweetener)
2–3 teaspoons cinnamon
Cream Cheese Frosting
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla
1–2 teaspoons milk
Topping
Caramel sauce
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425°F and line a muffin pan.
Mash bananas and whisk with Greek yogurt, butter, milk, vanilla, and optional sweetener.
Stir in cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Fold in flour until just combined.
Let batter rest for 15 minutes.
Mix together the cinnamon sugar filling.
Fill each liner halfway with batter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and top with remaining batter.
Bake at 425°F for 7 minutes, then reduce the oven to 350°F and bake another 12–15 minutes.
Cool completely.
Beat together frosting ingredients until smooth, then frost the muffins.
Finish with a drizzle of caramel.
Estimated Nutrition (Per Muffin, Without Frosting & Caramel)
Calories: ~175
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Nutrition will vary depending on whether you use the optional liquid sweetener and how much frosting and caramel are added.