Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a delightful upgrade to the classic banana bread we all know and love. With its soft, moist crumb and irresistible aroma, this bread is already a comfort food staple, but the addition of a sweet cinnamon sugar swirl takes it to the next level. The rich, buttery banana flavor pairs beautifully with the warmth of cinnamon, creating a treat that feels indulgent yet familiar. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert, this bread is as versatile as it is delicious. It is easy to prepare with simple pantry staples, and the swirl not only adds flavor but also creates a beautiful marbled effect that makes every slice visually appealing. This recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves banana bread with a touch of cozy spice.
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Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread: A Sweet Twist on a Classic
- Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
- Yield: 1 loaf (10 slices)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Moist and fluffy banana bread with a rich cinnamon sugar swirl running through the center and a crunchy cinnamon topping for extra sweetness.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (for swirl)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for swirl)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mix mashed bananas with melted butter until combined.
- Stir in granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Add baking soda, salt, and flour, mixing until just combined (do not overmix).
- In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup brown sugar and 1 tbsp cinnamon to create the swirl mixture.
- Pour half the banana batter into the loaf pan, sprinkle with half the swirl mixture, then add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the swirl mixture. Swirl lightly with a knife.
- Mix 2 tbsp sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over the top of the batter.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra moist bread, use very ripe bananas with brown spots.
- Can add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Bananas
Ripe bananas are the star of this recipe, providing natural sweetness, moisture, and a rich flavor base. The riper the bananas, the more flavorful your bread will be.
All-Purpose Flour
Flour forms the structure of the bread, creating a soft yet sturdy crumb that holds the swirl beautifully.
Granulated Sugar
Sugar sweetens the bread and balances the natural flavor of the bananas, while also contributing to a tender texture.
Brown Sugar
Used in the cinnamon swirl, brown sugar adds depth with its caramel-like notes and helps create a gooey, flavorful layer.
Ground Cinnamon
Cinnamon adds warmth and spice, infusing the bread with cozy flavor and creating the irresistible swirl.
Butter
Melted butter adds richness and a moist texture to the bread, enhancing the overall flavor.
Eggs
Eggs act as a binder and provide structure, ensuring the bread is light and fluffy yet stable.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda
These leavening agents work together to help the bread rise, giving it a soft, airy texture.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor, complementing both the bananas and cinnamon.
Salt
A small amount of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the bread.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Stir in the melted butter, followed by the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon to make the swirl mixture. Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Add the remaining batter and finish with the rest of the cinnamon sugar. Use a knife to gently swirl the layers together, creating a marbled effect.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 1 standard loaf, yielding about 8–10 slices. Preparation takes around 15 minutes, while baking requires 50–60 minutes, giving you a total time of just over 1 hour.
Storage/reheating
Store the bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Nutty Crunch
Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture.
Glazed Finish
Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness and visual appeal.
Chocolate Twist
Mix chocolate chips into the batter or swirl melted chocolate with the cinnamon mixture.
Cream Cheese Layer
Add a cream cheese filling for a rich, cheesecake-like variation.
Healthier Version
Use whole wheat flour, coconut sugar, or Greek yogurt to lighten the recipe without losing flavor.
Spiced Upgrade
Incorporate nutmeg or cloves along with the cinnamon for a more complex spice profile.
Mini Loaves
Bake the batter in mini loaf pans or muffin tins for portable, individual servings.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, thaw and drain them before mashing for best results.
Do I need an electric mixer?
No, a simple whisk or spoon works fine for this recipe.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can cut back on sugar without affecting the texture too much.
Why is my banana bread dry?
Overbaking or using too much flour can cause dryness.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free alternative.
How do I keep the swirl from sinking?
Make sure the batter is thick enough to support the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply divide the batter between two loaf pans.
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose?
It is not recommended, as bread flour makes the texture too dense.
How can I make it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Can I serve this warm?
Yes, it tastes wonderful slightly warm, especially with a pat of butter.
Conclusion
Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a delicious twist on a classic recipe, offering the perfect combination of sweetness, spice, and comfort. The moist banana base and the gooey cinnamon sugar swirl make every slice irresistible, whether enjoyed with coffee at breakfast or as a sweet treat later in the day. With its easy preparation and versatile customization options, this bread is a recipe you will return to again and again. It is a guaranteed favorite for both family and guests.
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