If you’re in the mood for a bakery-worthy treat that’s as easy as it is impressive, you’re truly in for something special with this Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread. Picture supremely moist banana bread ribboned with sweet, spicy cinnamon sugar — each slice looks like a piece of edible art, and the aroma that fills your kitchen is downright heavenly. This loaf isn’t just breakfast or dessert; it’s a cozy hug on a plate, the sort of recipe you’ll want to make again and again for family, friends, or the simple joy of having a little something sweet to start your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best thing about this recipe is the short and familiar ingredient list. Every item plays a role, building layers of flavor and creating that perfect crumb and irresistible swirl that makes this bread unforgettable.
- Ripe Bananas: Choose bananas with plenty of brown spots for the richest flavor and natural sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter (melted): Melted butter makes the bread incredibly moist and gives it a rich, homemade texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds pure sweetness and helps with the bread’s golden crust.
- Brown Sugar (packed): Used in both the batter and the swirl for a deep, caramel-like flavor.
- Large Egg: Binds everything together and adds a little lift.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors with its warm, inviting aroma.
- Baking Soda: Gives your banana bread the perfect rise and tender crumb.
- Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure without making things dense—don’t skip the gentle mix!
- Brown Sugar & Cinnamon (for the swirl): The magical duo responsible for those gorgeous, spice-laced ribbons in every slice.
How to Make Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan, grease it generously (or line it with parchment paper if you prefer easy removal later), and set it aside. This bit of prep ensures your cinnamon-swirled banana bread pops out looking picture-perfect.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas and Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mash your bananas until mostly smooth (a few small lumps are fine — they lend bite and flavor). Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture comes together in a creamy, fragrant pool. Next, add granulated sugar, brown sugar, your egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until just combined — you want everything beautifully blended but not overworked.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over your wet mixture to make sure they spread evenly. Gently stir them in, then pour in the flour. Now’s the moment for restraint: fold it all together just until those powdery streaks disappear. Overmixing is the enemy of tender banana bread, so keep things gentle here!
Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon for your swirl. It may seem like a modest amount, but this mixture transforms every bite into a cinnamon-lover’s dream. Keep it nearby — you’ll be swirling it in just a second.
Step 5: Layer and Swirl the Batter
Pour half of your banana bread batter into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle half of your cinnamon-sugar swirl mixture over the batter. Add the remaining banana batter, smoothing the top gently, then finish by sprinkling the rest of the cinnamon mixture over everything. Take a butter knife and gently swirl through the batter — aim for a few figure-eights or swirls to marble, but don’t overdo it for the best visual effect.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Set your loaf pan on the center oven rack and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Check with a toothpick at the 50-minute mark; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the flavor settle and makes for easy slicing. Get ready to slice into warm, cinnamon-swirled banana bread bliss!
How to Serve Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread
Garnishes
Even the simplest garnish can make your banana bread feel extra special! My favorite is a pat of salted butter that melts into every warm slice, but a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a handful of toasted nuts, or a glossy drizzle of honey also add a beautiful touch. If you’re celebrating, go wild with whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Side Dishes
This cinnamon-swirled banana bread pairs beautifully with a cup of rich, dark coffee or a tall glass of cold milk. For brunch, it’s lovely served with fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, or even scrambled eggs for a little protein boost. The sweet and spicy flavors also play nicely alongside sharp cheeses or nutty spreads.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting your loaf into thick slices and layering them into a rustic bread basket lined with a linen napkin for family-style sharing. You can also cube leftover slices and toast them for banana bread “croutons” over breakfast bowls, or warm thick slices on a skillet for a golden, toasty twist. Guests always love it when you serve this cinnamon-swirled banana bread as dessert with caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your bread is fully cooled, keep it tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to three days. Plastic wrap or an airtight container works best to lock in that dreamy moisture and keep each slice tasting freshly baked.
Freezing
Cinnamon-swirled banana bread freezes beautifully for up to three months. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or pop them in a zip-top freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy a taste of homemade comfort.
Reheating
If you like your banana bread warm, simply microwave individual slices for 15 to 20 seconds, or pop them in a toaster oven until heated through. Warmth revives the cinnamon aroma and makes the crumb extra tender — perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack.
FAQs
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?
Absolutely! Stir in up to 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips after adding the flour for extra crunch and flavor. Both options work beautifully with the cinnamon swirl.
Why is my banana bread dense or gummy in the middle?
This usually happens if you overmix the batter or if the loaf is underbaked. Make sure to gently fold in the flour and always test for doneness with a toothpick in the center of the loaf before removing from the oven.
Can I use frozen bananas?
Frozen bananas are perfect for this recipe! Just thaw them completely, drain any excess liquid, and mash as usual. They bring extra sweetness and keep the Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread moist and flavorful.
What’s the best way to get a dramatic cinnamon swirl?
Try using a wide, thin knife or even a skewer to make big, looping curves through the batter. Less swirling actually shows off more of that gorgeous cinnamon ribbon in every slice!
Can I make this Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the melted butter with an equal amount of melted coconut oil or a favorite dairy-free margarine for delicious results — the bread will still turn out moist and full of flavor.
Final Thoughts
There you have it: a cozy, crowd-pleasing Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread recipe that’s sure to earn a permanent spot in your baking rotation. Don’t wait for your bananas to over-ripen — make this loaf once, and I promise you’ll hope for leftovers every time. Give it a try and share the joy!
Print
Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread that is moist, fragrant, and perfect for any time of the day.
Ingredients
Main Bread:
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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 mashed bananas and melted butter. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla. Sprinkle baking soda and salt, then mix in the flour until just combined.
- Prepare the swirl: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Layer and bake: Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle half the cinnamon mix, add the rest of the batter, top with remaining cinnamon, and swirl. Bake for 50–60 minutes.
- Cool and serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra texture, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
- This bread keeps well at room temperature for 3 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Delicious when served warm with butter or honey.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
