Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

When it comes to comforting baked goods, nothing warms my heart quite like a luscious loaf of Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread. Nostalgic afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen echo in my mind, the smell of cinnamon and ripe bananas filling the air, as if to say, “Come on in, you’re home.” This recipe is all about creating memories, one slice at a time. You’ve got to embrace this warm hug of a treat; it’s simple yet special, and perfect for sharing with loved ones or sneaking bites all to yourself!

Why make this recipe

Now, let me tell you why you absolutely need to make this cinnamon-kissed banana bread today! First off, the flavor is simply divine. You’ve got that sweet, rich banana base paired with a warm cinnamon swirl—it’s like a dance party in your mouth! The contrast between the tender crumb of the bread and the sugary, spiced joy of the cinnamon topping is just heavenly. Each bite is reminiscent of childhood, with a hint of nostalgia for cozy days spent with family.

What’s more? It’s not just delicious; it’s also a great way to use up those overly ripe bananas lingering in your fruit bowl. You know, the ones you keep telling yourself you’ll eat? Instead of tossing them, transform them into a fragrant loaf. Plus, with ingredients that are staples in most kitchens, you can whip it up any day of the week without a last-minute grocery run.

Oh, did I mention how incredible it tastes fresh out of the oven? Slather a slice with butter and enjoy the melty goodness—it’ll elevate your breakfast, snack time, or even dessert!

Gather these ingredients

Ripe Bananas: You’ll need three ripe bananas, mashed to perfection. The riper, the better! They should be speckled with brown for maximum sweetness. If they’re still a bit green, just let them hang out on the counter a day or two until they reach full banana glory.

Melted Butter: A generous 1/3 cup of melted butter adds richness and moisture. If you happen to be dairy-free, feel free to swap with coconut oil or a plant-based butter.

Baking Soda & Pinch of Salt: The 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda will give the bread a nice lift while the pinch of salt enhances all those sweet flavors.

Sugar & Brown Sugar: You’ll need 3/4 cup of granulated sugar along with 1/4 cup of brown sugar for that lovely caramelized flavor that only brown sugar can provide. If you want a less sweet loaf, reduce the sugar by a couple of tablespoons.

Egg: One large egg, beaten, brings everything together with the perfect binding agent. If you’re looking for a vegan option, you can use flaxseed meal or applesauce!

Vanilla Extract: Just a teaspoon elevates the flavor profile dramatically, so don’t skimp on it!

Baking Powder & All-purpose Flour: A teaspoon of baking powder along with 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour create that perfect tender crumb we all crave.

Cinnamon: Oh, glorious cinnamon! One tablespoon in the batter and some more in the swirl will infuse the loaf with warm, comforting notes that make your heart feel fuzzy.

Preparing Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×5 inch loaf pan and grease it well—you don’t want your masterpiece to stick!

2. Mash those Bananas: In a mixing bowl, use your trusty fork to mash those ripe bananas until smooth and creamy. This is where the magic starts; just imagine that luscious goodness!

3. Mix in the Butter: Pour in the melted butter and give it a good stir. We want everything to be beautifully combined, like old pals catching up.

4. Add the Goodies: Stir in the baking soda and salt, then add in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well. It’s going to smell divine!

5. Flour Power: Gently sprinkle the baking powder and flour over the banana mixture. Fold everything together carefully, like you’re cradling a precious treasure. We want to avoid over-mixing here; a few lumps are okay!

6. Create the Cinnamon Magic: In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. This is the pivotal moment—trust me, it’s worth it!

7. Layer it Up: Pour half of the banana batter into your greased loaf pan. Then sprinkle half of that glorious cinnamon sugar mixture over the top. Pour in the remaining batter, followed by the rest of the cinnamon sugar blend.

8. Swirl Away!: Grab a knife and gently swirl through the batter to create beautiful spirals of sweetness. Don’t overdo it—leave some swirls intact!

9. Bake to Perfection: Place your loaf in the oven for 60-65 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it’s done when it comes out clean but maybe with a crumb or two clinging to it.

10. Cool Down Time: Let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely, if you can resist!

Best way to enjoy it

Now that you’ve baked the most delicious banana bread, how will you enjoy it? The possibilities are endless! For breakfast, serve it warm with a pat of butter melting into the still-warm loaf, or toast it lightly for a crispy exterior with a soft center. Pairing it with a hot cup of coffee or tea? Absolutely blissful!

For a delightful dessert twist, drizzle on a rich cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. You can also top it with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for that extra indulgence. If you’re feeling extra, why not sprinkle in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips before baking for a crunchy twist?

Keeping leftovers fresh

Wondering how to keep this delicious treat fresh? If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), it’s best to store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days. After that, refrigerating it can help extend its shelf life, but it might dry out a bit. For longer storage, slice and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then pop them into a zip-top bag and freeze. Thaw servings as needed and toast them for a lovely, warm bite every time!

Pro chef tips

As you dive into this recipe, keep these pro tips handy for a successful bake:

• Perfectly Ripe Bananas: The darker the bananas, the sweeter your bread will be. Aim for those that are heavily speckled or even blackened.
• Don’t Over Mix: Mixing too much will activate the gluten in the flour, leading to dense bread. Embrace the lumps!
• Swirling Technique: Be gentle when swirling the cinnamon sugar—it’s about creating a pretty design, not mixing it all in.
• Check Your Oven: Baking times can vary, so peek at it around the 55-minute mark. Every oven behaves differently, and you know your own best!

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun variations to switch things up a bit:

• Nutty Intention: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and crunch.
• Chocolate Lover’s Delight: Fold in chocolate chips for an indulgent sweet treat. It’s a marriage made in heaven, trust me.
• Tropical Vibes: Swap out some of the bananas for crushed pineapple for a delightful tropical twist—just remember to drain it well!
• Spiced Up: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of flavor. Spices don’t just warm your dish but create warm memories.

Ingredients List

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/4 cup brown sugar

Directions to follow

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. Mash ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Mix in melted butter.
3. Stir in baking soda and salt. Add sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla; mix well.
4. Sprinkle baking powder and flour over the banana mixture; mix until just combined.
5. In a separate bowl, combine cinnamon and brown sugar.
6. Pour half of the banana batter into the loaf pan, sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture, then layer remaining batter and cinnamon sugar on top.
7. Use a knife to swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter gently.
8. Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow to cool in the pan for a few minutes then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Your questions answered

• Can I use frozen bananas? Absolutely! Just thaw them and use them as you would fresh ones.
• How do I know when the banana bread is done? Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached, but not wet batter.
• Can I adjust the sweetness? Of course! Try using a bit less sugar if you prefer a subtler sweetness.
• How long will it last? It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. Freezing extends its life significantly.
• What can I pair it with? Coffee, tea, or a glass of milk are all fantastic choices!

As you set out to bake this Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread, I hope it brings a little warmth to your kitchen and a lot of joy to those who share in it. The love you pour into your baking is what truly makes it special. So gather your ingredients, unleash your inner chef, and don’t hesitate to customize it to your heart’s content! I’d love to hear how yours turns out—are there any special twists you added? Community feedback makes everything sweeter! Happy baking!

Use Your Leftovers

Reduce food waste by making these recipes with your leftover ingredients:

Perfect Moist Banana Bread

♻️ Uses leftover egg96%

Moist Banana Bread Recipe with 3 Ripe Bananas

♻️ Uses leftover ripe bananas74%

Print Recipe

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Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

Cooking Method: Baking

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 65 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr 30 mins

Cooking Temp: 350  F Servings: 8 Estimated Cost: $ 5 Calories: 200

Best Season: Year-round

Description

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread that fills your home with the warm aroma of ripe bananas and cinnamon. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Batter

• 3 pieces ripe bananas, mashed (The riper, the better! Should be speckled with brown.)
• ¹⁄₃ cup melted butter (Can substitute with coconut oil for dairy-free version.)
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon baking soda (Provides lift to the bread.)
• Pinch salt (Enhances sweetness.)
• ³⁄₄ cup granulated sugar (Use less for a less sweet loaf.)
• 1 large egg, beaten (Can substitute with flaxseed meal or applesauce for vegan option.)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Enhances overall flavor.)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder (Helps with the bread's texture.)
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups all-purpose flour (Primary structure ingredient.)
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon (Adds warmth flavor.)
• ¹⁄₄ cup brown sugar (Adds caramel flavor.)

Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat the Oven

   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
   Mark as complete

2. Mash Bananas

   In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
   Mark as complete

3. Mix in Butter

   Add melted butter and stir until well combined.
   Mark as complete

4. Combine Dry Ingredients

   Stir in the baking soda and salt. Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla; mix well.
   Mark as complete

5. Add Flour

   Sprinkle baking powder and flour over the mixture; fold until just combined.
   Avoid over-mixing.
   Mark as complete

6. Cinnamon Sugar Mix

   In a separate bowl, combine cinnamon and brown sugar.
   Mark as complete

7. Layer the Batter

   Pour half of the banana batter into the loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over. Pour in remaining batter and finish with the rest of the cinnamon sugar.
   Mark as complete

8. Swirl

   Gently swirl through the batter with a knife for a marbled effect.
   Don't over-swish.
   Mark as complete

9. Bake

   Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
   Start checking at around 55 minutes.
   Mark as complete

10. Cool

    Allow to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
    Let it cool completely for best texture.
    Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 200kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 10g16%

Saturated Fat 4g20%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 40mg14%

Sodium 200mg9%

Potassium 150mg5%

Total Carbohydrate 28g10%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 12g

Protein 2g4%

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Vitamin A 200 IU

Vitamin C 5 mg

Calcium 15 mg

Iron 1 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For a richer flavor, let the bread rest before slicing.

Keywords: banana bread, cinnamon, baked goods, comfort food