Banana Bread with Cinnamon Swirl
Hola! I’m Emma, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned from my family’s kitchen, it’s that even the simplest recipes can hold the most magic. Growing up in sunny Orlando, my abuela taught me to bake with love, and my mama always found ways to turn humble ingredients into something unforgettable. This cinnamon swirl banana bread does just that. The ripe bananas bring natural sweetness, while the cinnamon sugar ribbon running through the loaf adds warmth and comfort in every slice. Whether you’re making banana bread to use up overripe fruit or craving something special, this recipe guarantees cozy goodness.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty | Cuisine | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 65 mins | 80 mins | 10 | Easy | American Comfort Baking | All Year |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Warm cinnamon flavor – The sweet swirl adds a coffee-cake style touch that makes every slice feel indulgent.
- Moist banana base – Mashed ripe bananas keep the bread soft and flavorful without needing excess butter.
- Beautiful marbled look – Each slice reveals a bakery-worthy swirl that impresses at brunch or gatherings.
- Versatile treat – Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a light dessert with a drizzle of icing.
- Easy to make – Simple pantry ingredients and just a few steps mean anyone can bake this successfully.
Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread: A Cozy Twist on a Classic
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
This Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is irresistibly moist and filled with a warm, sweet cinnamon sugar swirl in every bite. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat!
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix mashed bananas, melted butter, granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually stir into the wet mixture until just incorporated.
4. Mix cinnamon and brown sugar in a small bowl to create the swirl mixture.
5. Pour half the batter into the loaf pan and sprinkle half the cinnamon mixture.
6. Add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the cinnamon mix.
7. Gently swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect.
8. Bake for 60–70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Tent with foil if browning too fast.
9. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Use very ripe bananas for best flavor and natural sweetness.
To freeze, wrap slices individually and store up to 3 months.
Add a vanilla icing drizzle for extra dessert-style flair.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Comfort Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Bananas | Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness. |
| Butter | Melt and slightly cool before mixing to avoid scrambling the egg. |
| Sugar | You can reduce sugar slightly if your bananas are extra sweet. |
| Vanilla | Real vanilla extract deepens the flavor; avoid imitation if possible. |
| Flour | Spoon and level to avoid adding too much and making the bread dense. |
| Cinnamon | Freshly ground cinnamon has a stronger, warmer aroma than old spice jars. |
| Brown Sugar | Light brown sugar works best for the swirl, but dark can add richer caramel notes. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the oven and pan – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix wet ingredients – In a large bowl, mash bananas. Add melted butter, granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla. Stir until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients – In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold into the wet mixture until just combined (don’t overmix).
- Make cinnamon swirl – In a small bowl, mix cinnamon and brown sugar.
- Layer batter – Pour half the batter into the loaf pan. Sprinkle half the cinnamon mixture. Add remaining batter, then top with the rest of the cinnamon mixture.
- Swirl it – Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl through the batter for a marbled effect.
- Bake – Bake 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. If browning too quickly, tent with foil.
- Cool & slice – Let cool 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling before slicing.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t overmix the batter, or the bread can turn dense.
- Tent with foil in the last 15 minutes if the loaf darkens too fast.
- Let the loaf cool completely before slicing for the neatest swirl lines.
- Use parchment paper in the pan for easier removal.
Expert Tips for Best Results
- Banana ripeness matters – The darker the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the loaf.
- Swirl gently – Too much swirling blends the layers; just a few figure-eight motions create the best ribbon.
- Check for doneness – Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs, not wet batter.
- Rest before slicing – Cooling allows the loaf to firm up, so each slice holds its swirl.
Recipe Variations
- Churro Banana Bread – Add a cinnamon-sugar topping before baking for extra crunch.
- With Icing – Drizzle with a quick vanilla glaze for dessert-style banana bread.
- Nutty Swirl – Mix chopped walnuts or pecans into the cinnamon sugar for texture.
- Mini Loaves or Muffins – Bake in smaller pans or muffin tins for faster cooking and portion control.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
This bread keeps well! Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze slices or the whole loaf (without icing) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a pat of butter, or at room temperature with a dusting of powdered sugar. Pair with coffee, hot cocoa, or spiced chai for a cozy treat. For dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
Pairing Ideas
- Drinks: Hot coffee, chai latte, or cold brew balance the sweetness.
- Sides: Fresh berries or yogurt complement the loaf nicely.
- Wine: A sweet Moscato or dessert wine pairs beautifully with the cinnamon notes.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Reheat slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm gently in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas? Yes, just thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
Can I make this with two bananas instead of three? Yes, but the bread will be less moist. You can add 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt to help.
Can I reduce the sugar? Absolutely, reduce by 1/4 cup if desired. The bananas and cinnamon swirl still add sweetness.
What if I don’t have brown sugar? Substitute with white sugar and a teaspoon of molasses, or just use white sugar.
Can I add chocolate chips? Definitely! Stir in 1/2 cup for a banana-chocolate twist.
Does this bread need icing? Not at all—it’s delicious as-is, but a drizzle of vanilla glaze makes it extra special.
Why is my bread sinking in the middle? This usually means it wasn’t fully baked. Be sure to check doneness with a toothpick.
Nutrition (per slice)
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 slice | 320 | 4g | 50g | 11g | 2g | 28g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
This cinnamon swirl banana bread is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. With its cozy aroma, moist texture, and stunning marbled swirl, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Bake it once, and I promise—it’ll become your go-to banana bread!
