There’s just something magical about Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread: the way your whole kitchen fills with a sweet, spicy aroma as it bakes, and those gorgeous streaks of cinnamon running through every soft, moist slice. This is the banana bread to end all banana breads—tender, comforting, and with a gooey swirl that turns your favorite humble loaf into a bakery-worthy treat you’ll want to share with everyone (or keep all to yourself!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread is how it transforms a handful of simple ingredients into something unforgettable. Every item on this list plays a role in building the bread’s signature flavor, texture, and that show-stealing swirl.
- Bananas: The riper, the better—spotted bananas add natural sweetness and keep your bread ultra moist.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter brings rich flavor and lovely tenderness to every bite.
- Granulated sugar: This gives the bread its classic sweetness and soft crumb.
- Eggs: Eggs help everything bind together and add structure for perfect slicing.
- Vanilla extract: Vanilla rounds out the flavors and pairs beautifully with both banana and cinnamon.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone of your loaf—be sure to measure carefully for best results.
- Baking soda: Just the right amount to help the bread rise and become beautifully fluffy.
- Salt: A small but essential pinch that balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: The spice of the hour, giving both bread and swirl their comforting warmth.
- Brown sugar (for the swirl): Adds a caramel-like depth to the cinnamon swirl, making every bite extra indulgent.
How to Make Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
First things first, get your oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). While it comes to temperature, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a little butter or nonstick spray. This will keep your Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread from sticking and help you get those perfect slices after baking.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas and Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mash your bananas until smooth—lumps are totally fine, but aim for a mostly uniform texture. Pour in the melted butter, then stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything’s just creamy and combined.
Step 3: Whisk and Fold in the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This helps evenly distribute the leavening and spices. Gently fold the dry mixture into the banana mixture, being careful not to overmix. A few streaks of flour are okay; overmixing can make the loaf tough instead of tender.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
Now for the pièce de résistance: the cinnamon swirl! In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon until there are no lumps. This magic combo is what creates those gooey ribbons you’ll see in every slice.
Step 5: Layer and Swirl
Pour half of the banana bread batter into your prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over this first layer. Next, add the rest of the batter, and top with the remaining cinnamon swirl mixture. Take a butter knife and gently swirl it through the batter, creating artful swirls (but don’t overdo it—you want distinct ribbons).
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few damp crumbs are fine, but no wet batter). If the top browns a bit too quickly, you can tent it with foil after the 40-minute mark. Let your Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely (if you can possibly wait!).
How to Serve Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread
Garnishes
Dress up your banana bread with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a handful of toasted walnuts, or a drizzling of warm maple syrup. A little pat of butter melting into a fresh slice doesn’t hurt either.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread is right at home alongside your morning coffee, a tall glass of cold milk, or even a creamy Greek yogurt. For a brunch spread, slices pair beautifully with fresh berries or a fruit salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing and toasting your banana bread, then serving it with a dollop of mascarpone or whipped cream for dessert. For a party platter, cut thick cubes and skewer with fresh fruit for an irresistible snack. Little ones love it as a lunchbox treat, too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread is completely cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps keep it moist and tender.
Freezing
This banana bread freezes like a dream! Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When craving strikes, just thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, microwave a slice for 10–15 seconds or toast gently in a skillet. The cinnamon swirl becomes gooey and the crumb fluffs up beautifully—almost like fresh from the oven!
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread?
Yes! Let frozen bananas thaw completely, drain off excess liquid, and mash as usual. Frozen bananas can make your bread even more tender and sweet.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely—swap melted coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute for the unsalted butter, use flax eggs in place of regular eggs, and double-check that your sugar is vegan-friendly.
What mix-ins work well with this banana bread?
Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips are delicious additions. Fold them in with the batter before you do the cinnamon swirl for extra crunch or richness.
Why is my banana bread dry?
Overbaking or too much flour are the usual culprits. Be sure to measure flour by spooning it into your measuring cup, and don’t bake past when a toothpick comes out just clean.
Can I double the recipe?
You sure can! Simply use two loaf pans and bake both at the same time, keeping an eye on the bake time. This way, you’ll have extra Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread to share (or freeze for later).
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to bake a treat that’s welcoming, crave-worthy, and downright comforting, give this Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread a try. It’s one of those recipes that becomes a tradition—you’ll be amazed how quickly it disappears from your kitchen counter!
Print
Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 slices)
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread is a delicious twist on classic banana bread. With a sweet cinnamon swirl running through a moist banana bread, this recipe is perfect for breakfast or as a snack with a cup of coffee.
Ingredients
Main Bread:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter. Stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined—do not overmix.
- Make cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon to make the swirl.
- Layer batter: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter. Pour in the remaining batter and top with the rest of the cinnamon mixture. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the cinnamon through the batter.
- Bake: Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For added texture, fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
- This bread freezes well—wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
