If you have a soft spot for banana bread that tastes like a warm hug, you are going to adore this Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe. This recipe marries the sweet, mellow flavor of ripe bananas with a sinfully decadent cinnamon swirl that weaves its way through the loaf, giving every bite a perfect spice kick. You’ll find it’s a delightful mix of moist crumb and a cinnamon-sugary swirl that elevates the humble banana bread to a showstopper breakfast treat or an anytime snack that feels like a celebration of comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple and essential ingredients is the first step to baking the perfect Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe. Each ingredient plays a key role — from the ripe bananas that keep it moist and naturally sweet, to the cinnamon that adds warmth and spice, right down to the baking soda that gives the bread its light, tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure and tenderness to the cinnamon swirl topping.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar: Adds rich molasses notes and moisture to the swirl.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Infuses the swirl with its signature warm, aromatic spice.
- 1/4 cup butter: Melts into the swirl, adding a sumptuous, buttery flavor.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base flour for the banana bread batter creating a soft, tender crumb.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps tenderize the texture for the perfect bite.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: The leavening agent that gets your bread rising just right.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds subtle warmth woven throughout the batter.
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg: A hint of cozy spice complementing the cinnamon beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- 1.5 cups mashed bananas (about 4 ripe medium ones): The star ingredient delivering moisture and natural sweetness.
- 1/3 cup melted butter or oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
- 1/3 cup sugar: Sweetens the bread perfectly without overpowering the bananas.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings depth and enhances the banana flavor.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Used for the cinnamon swirl topping to create a sweet crust.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Sprinkled into the swirl to amplify the cinnamon goodness.
How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 360°F (182°C). Line a 4×8 inch loaf pan with baking parchment to ensure your banana bread pops out easily after baking. This little prep step makes cleanup a breeze and keeps your loaf intact, so no crumbly edges to worry about.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl Topping
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup butter. Then stir in 1/3 cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon until everything is smooth and bubbly. Remove from heat and whisk in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour. This creates a thick, luscious topping that will swirl beautifully through the banana bread batter, delivering that irresistible cinnamon crunch in every bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Banana Bread Batter
In a large bowl, sift together 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 pinch nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. These dry ingredients form the backbone of your batter and give it the perfect balance of flavor and rise.
In another bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth, then mix in 1/3 cup melted butter or oil, 1/3 cup sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Combine the wet ingredients thoroughly before folding them gently into the dry mixture, creating a batter that promises moist and tender results.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour half of the banana bread batter into your prepared pan. Dollop spoonfuls of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter, then spread the remaining batter on top. With a butter knife, swirl gently to create beautiful ribbons of cinnamon magic throughout the loaf. Sprinkle the top with a mixture of 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon for a sweet, crunchy finish once baked.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will fill with the warm, comforting scent that makes this Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe so unforgettable.
How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, slice your banana bread and top each piece with a pat of butter or a smear of cream cheese. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey also complements the cinnamon’s warmth beautifully, making each bite even more indulgent.
Side Dishes
Serve your Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe alongside a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy morning treat. It also pairs deliciously with fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait for a balanced brunch spread that will impress guests or satisfy your own cravings.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to turn this banana bread into a dessert? Toast thick slices and top with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce for a sweet twist. Alternatively, cube the bread and use it in a bread pudding to stretch your Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe into an elegant, comforting dessert that wows at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps maintain its moist texture and keeps that cinnamon swirl just as vibrant as the day it was baked.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this treat later, slice the banana bread and freeze the slices individually in freezer bags. This way, you can pop out just what you need and keep the rest fresh for up to three months without losing any of the delicious flavor or texture.
Reheating
When you’re ready to dig in, warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave. This revives the bread’s softness and brings back the aroma of cinnamon that makes every single bite a joy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work perfectly once thawed and mashed. They actually make the banana bread moist and sweet, just like fresh ripe ones. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid before mixing.
Is it necessary to use both brown sugar and granulated sugar?
The use of brown sugar in the cinnamon swirl adds a rich molasses flavor and moisture, while granulated sugar sprinkled on top creates a nice crunchy crust. Together, they give the bread its wonderful contrast and depth.
What can I substitute for cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch on hand, you can use an equal amount of arrowroot powder or potato starch. These alternatives help keep the bread tender without affecting the flavor.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and make sure any additions, like cream cheese if used as a garnish, are dairy-free. You’ll still get amazing flavor and a lovely texture.
How long does this banana bread keep fresh?
Properly stored at room temperature in an airtight container, this banana bread stays fresh for up to three days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet, preserving both flavor and texture for several months.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe is one of those rare comfort foods that feels like a warm embrace with every bite. Whether you’re baking it for a weekend breakfast, a snack to share, or a sweet ending to the day, it never fails to bring joy and that irresistible cinnamon-laced flavor we all crave. Give it a try—you’ll find it quickly becomes a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.
Print
Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a deliciously moist and flavorful treat combining the rich sweetness of ripe bananas with a warm cinnamon swirl. Perfect for breakfast, tea time, or a cozy snack, this bread features a tender crumb enhanced by a cinnamon-sugar topping that creates a delightful swirl and a subtle crunch on top.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Swirl Mix
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter
Bread Batter
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 cups mashed bananas (about 4 ripe medium-sized ones)
- 1/3 cup melted butter (or oil)
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 360°F (182°C). Line a 4×8 inch loaf pan with baking parchment paper, ensuring there’s some overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bread after baking.
- Make the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 1/4 cup butter. Stir in 1/2 cup flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon until the mixture forms a smooth paste. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Banana Bread Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, a pinch of ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. In another bowl, combine the mashed bananas, 1/3 cup melted butter (or oil), 1/3 cup sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined; do not overmix.
- Assemble the Loaf for Swirling: Pour about half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Dollop spoonfuls of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top of the batter, then top with the remaining batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture throughout the batter to create a marbled effect. Finally, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping (1/4 cup sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon) evenly over the loaf.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the banana bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 20 minutes. Then, use the parchment overhang to lift the loaf out of the pan and cool completely before slicing into 10 slices and serving.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for the best sweetness and moisture.
- Use parchment paper with overhang for easy removal of the loaf.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and moist.
- Swirling the cinnamon mixture gently avoids overmixing and keeps the marbled design distinct.
- Store leftover banana bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
