If you’re searching for a recipe that is both cozy and irresistibly delicious, look no further than Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread. Moist, fragrant, and crowned with a gorgeous cinnamon ribbon, this treat is a match made in heaven for breakfast, snack time, or any moment when pure comfort is called for. The aroma alone will win over your whole kitchen, while the contrasting layers of plush banana bread and warm cinnamon sugar keep every bite interesting. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this homey loaf is about to become your next go-to recipe.

Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, everyday ingredients are the backbone of Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread, but each one plays a crucial role in making the final result ultra-flavorful, moist, and beautifully marbled. Here’s the lineup and why you want them at their best:

Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better—speckled bananas guarantee natural sweetness and tender crumb.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter gives the bread its rich flavor and lovely, soft texture.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter and is essential for the cinnamon swirl’s crunch.
Large Eggs: Bind everything together and lend that classic, satisfying banana bread structure.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out all the flavors and adds a warm, fragrant note.
All-Purpose Flour: The perfect base for a tender loaf that holds together beautifully without being dense.
Baking Soda: Helps the bread rise to those perfect golden-brown domes.
Salt: Don’t skip it—a pinch sharpens all the other flavors.
Ground Cinnamon: The star of the swirl, bringing that nostalgic aroma and warmth.

How to Make Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Set yourself up for baking success by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or make things extra easy with a parchment paper liner. This step ensures your Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread slides out effortlessly and has gorgeously crisp edges.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed ripe bananas, melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Take your time to blend everything until it’s creamy and smooth—this is the foundation of that moist, flavorful crumb.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, gently whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt. Even blending here means the bread rises evenly and you won’t find any sneaky pockets of dry flour in your loaf later.

Step 4: Bring the Batter Together

Fold the dry mix into the banana mixture, stirring just until incorporated. The key to a tender Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread is not to overmix; stopping when you see the last streak of flour disappear is just right.

Step 5: Create the Cinnamon Swirl

Combine the remaining sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Pour half the batter into your prepared pan, then sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar over the top. Layer on the remaining batter, top with the last of the cinnamon sugar, and use a knife to gently swirl the layers together for that lovely marbled look.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake for 55 to 65 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the loaf is deeply golden, the kitchen smells incredible, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely—this helps set the crumb and makes slicing easier.

How to Serve Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread

Garnishes

This loaf shines on its own, but a pat of creamy butter or a dusting of powdered sugar takes things up a notch. For more decadence, try a drizzle of cinnamon glaze or even a swipe of cream cheese frosting. Chopped toasted nuts sprinkled on top add wonderful crunch and a bakery-worthy finish.

Side Dishes

Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or a cup of chai tea. If you’re making this for brunch, serve with a side of Greek yogurt and fresh fruit, or slice it thick for a slightly sweet after-dinner treat next to a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your loaf and arrange on a rustic cutting board, or cube it for brunch platters. For a fun twist, cut the cooled bread into thick fingers and serve with a cream cheese dip. If you’re gifting, wrap individual slices in parchment, tie with twine, and tuck into a charming bread basket.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cool, wrap your Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will taste fresh for up to three days, but if you can resist the aroma that long, you’re a superhero!

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole loaf (or individual slices) in two layers of plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. It will stay tender and delicious for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature overnight, or warm individual slices as needed for a quick treat.

Reheating

To recapture that freshly-baked warmth, pop a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or toast it lightly in a skillet. This brings out the aromas of banana and cinnamon, making your breakfast (or snack) feel freshly made every time.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread?

Absolutely! Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas catch extra sweetness, making your loaf even more flavorful.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

You can swap the eggs for flax eggs and use melted coconut oil or vegan butter in place of regular butter. The bread stays tender and keeps that wonderful banana-cinnamon vibe.

Why is my banana bread sometimes dry?

Most often, overmixing or overbaking is the culprit. Mix the batter just until combined and watch your bread near the end of baking—remove it when a toothpick comes out clean.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?

Yes! Fold in up to ½ cup walnuts, pecans, or semisweet chocolate chips just before pouring the batter into the pan. These extras make every slice a little more exciting.

Is it normal for the cinnamon swirl to create a darker line in the loaf?

It certainly is, and it’s a signature of Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread! That bold, caramel-hued stripe means your swirl worked perfectly, delivering bursts of cinnamon flavor in every bite.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to bake your very own Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread! This recipe is pure joy, from the first dreamy scent in the oven to the last crumb. If you give it a try, don’t be surprised if it disappears faster than you expect—enjoy every tender, cinnamon-laced slice!

Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this delightful Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread that’s perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat. The moist banana bread with a cinnamon sugar swirl is a comforting favorite that’s easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Bread:

3 ripe bananas (mashed)
½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

Cinnamon Swirl:

¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: Mix cinnamon and sugar in a bowl.
Layer Batter: Pour half of the banana batter into the pan, sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar, add the rest of the batter, and top with the remaining cinnamon sugar. Swirl gently.
Bake: Bake for 55–65 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before serving.