If you’ve ever dreamed of a banana bread that’s moist, flavorful, and topped with a beautiful spiral of warm cinnamon sweetness, then you’re in for a real treat with this Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe. Combining the natural sweetness and creaminess of ripe bananas with a perfectly spiced cinnamon swirl, this bread feels like a cozy hug baked into every slice. It’s a delightful baking adventure that results in a loaf you’ll want to make again and again for breakfast, snack time, or whenever you need a bit of homemade comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet each plays a vital role in bringing this Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe to life. From the ripe bananas that add moisture and flavor, to the swirl’s cinnamon and brown sugar creating that signature sweet-spicy ribbon, every component is essential for that perfect loaf.
- 2 ripe bananas: The key to natural sweetness and a moist crumb, make sure they’re spotted for best flavor.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Adds sweetness that balances the banana’s earthiness without overpowering it.
- 1/4 cup butter, melted: Brings richness and a tender texture to your bread.
- 1 egg: Binds all the ingredients together and adds a bit of structure.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base for this bread, responsible for its classic shape and light bite.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bread rise nicely for a soft, fluffy loaf.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Provides a warm background spice throughout the batter.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: The secret to the luscious, caramel-like swirl.
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon (for swirl): Mixed with brown sugar to create that iconic cinnamon ribbon, instantly elevating the bread.
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) and greasing a loaf pan. This step is crucial—greasing ensures your bread won’t stick, allowing you to slice easily and keep the beautiful crust intact.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, and egg. Stir them together until everything is smoothly blended. This mixture forms the flavorful foundation, carrying the moistness and sweet base that will make your loaf irresistible.
Step 3: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk your flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This step ensures the leavening agent and spices are evenly distributed, which is key to getting consistent texture and flavor throughout your bread.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures Carefully
Add the dry ingredients to your wet mix and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine. Overmixing can make your bread dense and tough, but keeping it light and tender is the ultimate goal here.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture
Mix your brown sugar and the additional tablespoon of cinnamon in a small bowl. This sweet and spicy blend will create the signature swirl that sets this banana bread apart.
Step 6: Layer the Batter and Cinnamon Swirl
Pour half of your banana bread batter into the greased loaf pan. Then sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar evenly over the batter. This layering lays the groundwork for that gorgeous cinnamon spiral baked inside.
Step 7: Add Remaining Batter and Swirl
Carefully add the remaining batter on top, smoothing it gently. Use a knife or skewer to swirl through the batter, creating that beautiful cinnamon ribbon throughout the bread.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the loaf for 50 to 60 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell at this point is absolutely divine and will make your kitchen smell like heaven!
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the flavors settle and prevents the bread from breaking apart when sliced.
How to Serve Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A light spread of butter or a drizzle of honey is all you need to bring out the bread’s natural sweetness. For a festive touch, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top or add a dollop of whipped cream to really elevate the experience.
Side Dishes
This banana bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or chai tea for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. For heartier options, serve alongside fresh fruit or yogurt to balance the sweet with a touch of freshness and creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice thick and toast lightly, then add cream cheese and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a delightful spin. Another fun idea is to turn slices into mini sandwiches filled with nut butter for a delicious snack. You could even make French toast out of it for a weekend brunch twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It will stay moist and tasty at room temperature for about 2 to 3 days.
Freezing
If you want to save your loaf longer, slice it first and freeze the slices individually. This way, you can pull out exactly how many pieces you want without thawing the whole thing. Wrapped well, banana bread freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To enjoy your banana bread warm, simply toast a slice or microwave it for 15-20 seconds. This brings back the bread’s lovely softness and enhances the cinnamon aroma for an irresistible treat.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas are perfect for banana bread once thawed and mashed. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid so your batter doesn’t become too runny.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but make sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to keep the bread’s structure intact.
How can I tell when the banana bread is done baking?
The best method is to insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is perfectly baked.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?
Definitely! Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch, and chocolate chips bring extra sweetness. Fold them gently into the batter before layering to keep the texture light.
What causes the cinnamon swirl to sink to the bottom?
This can happen if the swirl mixture is too heavy or if the batter is very thin. To avoid this, swirl gently and avoid overmixing the batter, ensuring the cinnamon sugar layer stays nicely distributed.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe is one of those timeless treats that never fails to bring smiles around the table. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at something new, this recipe is forgiving, delicious, and absolutely worth every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved staple in your kitchen too!
Print
Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a moist and flavorful treat featuring ripe bananas with a delightful cinnamon sugar swirl throughout. Perfect for breakfast or a comforting snack, this easy-to-make bread combines sweet banana goodness with warm cinnamon spice, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Banana Bread Batter
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan to prepare it for baking, ensuring the bread doesn’t stick.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, and egg. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly blended.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, creating the flavorful cinnamon sugar swirl.
- Layer Batter: Pour half of the banana bread batter into the greased loaf pan. Evenly sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
- Create Cinnamon Swirl: Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer and gently swirl it with a knife to create a marbled cinnamon effect throughout the bread.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the banana bread to cool in the loaf pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, making it easier to slice.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- For an extra moist texture, you can add 1/4 cup of yogurt or sour cream to the batter.
- Use a serrated knife when slicing cooled banana bread to get clean cuts.
- Store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freeze sliced banana bread for longer storage, thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Optional: Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and flavor.
