There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked banana bread filling the kitchen. It brings back childhood memories of cozy weekend mornings, when a loaf would be cooling on the counter, just waiting to be sliced and enjoyed with a warm cup of tea or milk. This Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the traditional recipe, combining the sweetness of ripe bananas with a rich, cinnamon-infused swirl that adds warmth and depth to every bite.
This recipe is perfect for using up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter, turning them into a moist and flavorful treat that pairs beautifully with breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert. The cinnamon swirl not only adds a touch of sweetness but also creates a gorgeous marbled effect, making each slice as beautiful as it is delicious.
Whether you’re baking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or looking for a homemade gift to share, this banana bread is sure to become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Moist & Soft: The combination of mashed bananas and the perfect balance of ingredients creates a tender, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Cinnamon Swirl Goodness: The ribbon of cinnamon sugar running through the bread adds a delightful contrast of sweetness and spice.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, a midday snack, or a sweet treat after dinner, this banana bread is always a hit.
- Great Way to Use Overripe Bananas: No more wasting bananas! This recipe gives them new life in the most delicious way.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly and hassle-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Banana Bread:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
How to Make Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
This banana bread comes together in just a few easy steps. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be!
Next, stir in the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix—this helps keep the bread light and tender.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon to create the cinnamon swirl mixture.
Pour half of the banana bread batter into the greased loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Then, pour the remaining batter on top and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over it.
Using a butter knife, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter, creating a beautiful marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix—you want to see distinct swirls.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the bread with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Once done, remove the banana bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Step 4: Slice and Enjoy!
Once cooled, slice into thick, beautiful pieces and enjoy! This banana bread is amazing on its own, but you can also spread a little butter or cream cheese on top for an extra indulgent treat.
Helpful Tips for the Best Banana Bread
- Use Overripe Bananas: The darker and spottier the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Avoid using green or just-ripe bananas, as they won’t provide the same level of sweetness.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir just until combined to keep the bread soft and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a denser loaf.
- Swirl, Don’t Stir: When making the cinnamon swirl, gently swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the batter with a knife instead of fully mixing it in. This will give you beautiful streaks rather than blending it completely.
- Let It Cool Before Slicing: It’s tempting to cut into warm banana bread, but letting it cool fully helps it set and makes slicing easier.
- Store Properly for Freshness: Keep banana bread wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
- Banana Ripeness Matters: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Dark, speckled bananas work best.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and butter helps create a smoother batter and even baking.
- Swirling Technique: For a perfect cinnamon swirl, use a butter knife or skewer to gently drag through the batter in a zigzag motion. Avoid overmixing to maintain distinct swirls.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce the sugar in the batter by ¼ cup. The natural sweetness from the bananas will still shine through.
- Enhancing Flavor: A pinch of nutmeg or a teaspoon of cinnamon in the batter can add extra warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
- Glazing Option: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled loaf.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy this banana bread warm with butter, cream cheese, or even a drizzle of honey for added sweetness.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with melted coconut oil or a dairy-free alternative.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
Storage Instructions
To keep your banana bread fresh and delicious:
- At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container or wrap in plastic wrap for up to 3 days.
- In the Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
- In the Freezer: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a quick treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but it may result in a denser loaf. If using whole wheat flour, consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a balance of texture and flavor.
How do I know when my banana bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), your banana bread is ready!
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips make delicious additions. Stir in about ½ cup of your chosen mix-ins for extra texture and flavor.
Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
Yes! Simply divide the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Conclusion
This Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is the perfect combination of sweet, moist banana bread and warm, aromatic cinnamon. It’s easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and fills your home with the most inviting scent. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert, this banana bread is guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends.
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Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Description
There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked banana bread filling the kitchen. It brings back childhood memories of cozy weekend mornings, when a loaf would be cooling on the counter, just waiting to be sliced and enjoyed with a warm cup of tea or milk. This Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the traditional recipe, combining the sweetness of ripe bananas with a rich, cinnamon-infused swirl that adds warmth and depth to every bite.
This recipe is perfect for using up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter, turning them into a moist and flavorful treat that pairs beautifully with breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert. The cinnamon swirl not only adds a touch of sweetness but also creates a gorgeous marbled effect, making each slice as beautiful as it is delicious.
Whether you’re baking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or looking for a homemade gift to share, this banana bread is sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be!
Next, stir in the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix—this helps keep the bread light and tender.
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon to create the cinnamon swirl mixture.
Pour half of the banana bread batter into the greased loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Then, pour the remaining batter on top and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over it.
Using a butter knife, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter, creating a beautiful marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix—you want to see distinct swirls.
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the bread with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Once done, remove the banana bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Once cooled, slice into thick, beautiful pieces and enjoy! This banana bread is amazing on its own, but you can also spread a little butter or cream cheese on top for an extra indulgent treat.
Notes
- Banana Ripeness Matters: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Dark, speckled bananas work best.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and butter helps create a smoother batter and even baking.
- Swirling Technique: For a perfect cinnamon swirl, use a butter knife or skewer to gently drag through the batter in a zigzag motion. Avoid overmixing to maintain distinct swirls.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce the sugar in the batter by ¼ cup. The natural sweetness from the bananas will still shine through.
- Enhancing Flavor: A pinch of nutmeg or a teaspoon of cinnamon in the batter can add extra warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
- Glazing Option: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled loaf.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy this banana bread warm with butter, cream cheese, or even a drizzle of honey for added sweetness.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with melted coconut oil or a dairy-free alternative.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.