Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

This Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining the sweetness of ripe bananas with the warm, cozy flavor of cinnamon. The marbled cinnamon swirl throughout adds a touch of spice to every bite, making this banana bread extra special. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This banana bread is incredibly moist and flavorful, with the rich taste of banana complemented by the aromatic cinnamon swirl. The optional topping adds an extra crunch and flavor that makes every slice irresistible. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for using up overripe bananas. Whether you enjoy it warm out of the oven or at room temperature, this cinnamon swirl banana bread will quickly become a favorite in your home!

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread Batter:

• 2 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for a dairy-free option)

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• ¼ cup milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon

For the Topping (Optional):

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat & Prepare the Loaf Pan
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mash the Bananas & Mix Wet Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

3. Add the Dry Ingredients
   Add the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to the banana mixture. Pour in the milk and stir gently until the batter is smooth—do not overmix!

4. Make the Cinnamon Swirl
   In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.

5. Layer the Batter & Cinnamon Swirl
   Pour half of the banana batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining banana batter on top, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture over it.
   Use a butter knife or toothpick to gently swirl the cinnamon into the batter, creating a marbled effect.

6. Add the Topping (Optional)
   For extra cinnamon flavor, mix 1 tablespoon of brown sugar with ½ teaspoon cinnamon and sprinkle it over the top of the batter before baking.

7. Bake the Banana Bread
   Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover the loaf with foil after 30 minutes.

8. Cool & Serve
   Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10 slices

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 50-55 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Add Nuts – Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and flavor.

• Make it Vegan – Use a plant-based butter substitute and almond milk to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

• Add Chocolate Chips – For a decadent twist, fold in some chocolate chips into the batter before baking.

Storage

• Storing Leftovers – Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

• Reheating – If stored in the fridge or freezer, reheat banana bread slices in the microwave or oven for a few seconds to enjoy warm.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw the bananas and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe.

Can I make this recipe without cinnamon?

If you prefer a different flavor, you can leave out the cinnamon and try a dash of nutmeg or allspice instead.

Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can use self-rising flour, but omit the baking soda and salt in the recipe, as they are already included in self-rising flour.

Can I make this bread in a different-sized pan?

Yes, if using a different pan size, you may need to adjust the baking time. Keep an eye on it, and check for doneness with a toothpick.

Can I freeze the batter before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked batter. Pour it into a lined loaf pan, cover it with plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready to bake, bake directly from frozen, adding extra time as needed.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is everything you love about banana bread, with an extra layer of warmth and sweetness from the cinnamon swirl. The optional topping adds a beautiful sugary crunch, making every slice irresistible. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this banana bread is a perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack!

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