If you’re on the hunt for that warm, comforting treat that feels like a cozy hug from the inside, look no further than this Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe. It’s a beloved kitchen staple that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the irresistible warmth of cinnamon in a tender, moist loaf. Whether you’re making it for a lazy weekend breakfast or an afternoon snack, this bread’s swirl of cinnamon sugar throughout ensures every bite bursts with flavor. The recipe is simple enough for even novice bakers, but the result tastes like something straight from a favorite bakery. You’re about to make a banana bread that’s truly a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, pantry-friendly essentials that come together to create a symphony of flavor and texture in your loaf. Each one plays a key role—from the bananas adding moisture and sweetness, to the cinnamon sugar swirl layering in spice and richness.
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed: The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and a moist crumb.
- 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps keep the bread tender.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances the banana sweetness with a touch of sparkle.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: The leavening agent that helps the bread rise beautifully.
- Pinch of salt: Accentuates all the flavors and curbs any overly sweet edges.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation, providing structure to the bread.
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar: Mixed with cinnamon for the signature cinnamon swirl.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the bread with warm spice in that lovely cinnamon swirl.
How to Make Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your loaf pan by greasing and lightly flouring it, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. Getting this step right ensures your loaf bakes evenly and doesn’t stick to the pan.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas and Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth – this is where the moisture and sweetness begin. Stir in the melted butter right away to keep the batter rich and tender. Then add your granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined and silky smooth.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the baking soda and salt into your wet mixture for that classic rise and flavor balance. Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, being careful not to overmix; this helps keep your banana bread light instead of dense.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, blend together the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This mixture is the secret to that irresistible cinnamon swirl that gives this banana bread its unique twist.
Step 5: Layer and Swirl the Batter
Pour half of the banana batter into your prepared loaf pan, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top. Add the remaining batter, followed by the rest of the cinnamon sugar on top. Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter, creating those beautiful ribbons of cinnamon flavor without mixing it away.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your loaf for 50 to 60 minutes. To test doneness, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This resting time makes slicing easier and helps the moisture redistribute through the bread.
How to Serve Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple yet elegant presentation, dust the top of your banana bread with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving. If you want an extra touch of indulgence, a smear of softened butter or cream cheese on a warm slice makes all the difference.
Side Dishes
This banana bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a fantastic brunch centerpiece. You can also serve it alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt to balance the sweet and spicy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing your cinnamon swirl banana bread and toasting the pieces lightly for a crunchy texture contrast. Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup on top or spread some nut butter to take it to a new level of deliciousness. For a crowd, serve thin slices stacked like a mini cake, garnished with fresh berries and a sprig of mint.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe loaf will keep well stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. Wrapping it tightly helps retain moisture and keeps the bread from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy your banana bread later, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing will preserve its flavor and texture. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy your banana bread warm like it just came out of the oven, reheat slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or toast them lightly. This brings out the flavors and recreates that fresh-baked experience.
FAQs
Can I use less sugar in the Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! You can reduce the granulated sugar if you prefer a less sweet bread. Just be mindful that sugar also contributes to moisture and texture, so adjusting too much could affect these aspects.
What if I don’t have ripe bananas?
Ripe bananas are key to the best flavor and sweetness in this recipe. If yours aren’t ripe yet, you can speed up the process by placing them in a paper bag for a day or two. Alternatively, you can roast them in the oven for a few minutes to soften and sweeten.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips can add a delightful crunch or extra burst of flavor. Fold them in at the same time as the flour for even distribution.
How do I prevent the cinnamon swirl from sinking to the bottom?
Swirling the cinnamon sugar lightly just before baking helps keep it suspended throughout the batter rather than sinking. Also, make sure your batter’s consistency is thick enough to hold the swirl in place.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or animal-derived gelatin. It includes eggs and dairy but no other animal products.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about pulling a loaf of Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe from the oven—the aroma, the tender crumb, and that perfect cinnamon swirl make it hard to resist. Whether you bake it for yourself or to share, this recipe promises comfort and delight in every slice. So gather your ingredients and get ready to make a new favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Print
Classic Cinnamon Swirl 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, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf that combines ripe bananas with a rich cinnamon sugar swirl. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, this recipe is easy to make and yields a delightful balance of sweetness and spice.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mash bananas and add butter: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth, then stir in the melted butter until well combined.
- Add sugar, egg, and vanilla: Mix in the granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Add dry ingredients: Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the batter, then gently fold in the all-purpose flour until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Prepare cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly.
- Layer batter and cinnamon swirl: Pour half of the banana batter into the prepared loaf pan. Evenly sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Create the swirl: Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter to create a marbled effect without fully mixing it in.
- Bake the bread: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool the loaf: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For extra moisture, add 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter.
- You can add a handful of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the batter for variation.
