Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

This moist and chewy banana bread features a delicious cinnamon swirl that adds a sweet and autumnal twist. Perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, it’s a simple and flavorful treat.

That is easily one of my favorite banana breads I make it every now and then when I have bananas that are about to go bad. And cinnamon just takes it to the next level.

The best part is this is a perfect recipe for making ahead and freezing. It tastes like a cinnamon roll but is also the best banana bread ever. Later it saves me from cravings and makes a great last-minute dessert after weeknight dinner. With all that cinnamon flavor, it is definitely a keeper!

Ingredients Notes

To make my favorite banana bread we only need 11 pantry staples, and you most likely have 90% of all the needed ingredients in your kitchen already.

Bread

• All-purpose flour or gluten-free flour if you’re gluten-sensitive.
• Baking soda adds structure and helps the batter to rise. It also helps to get that crisp on the edges.
• Salt simply balances out all the flavors.
• Brown sugar is a secret ingredient in many baking recipes, It gives flavorful sweetness and a touch of caramel taste. Dark brown sugar will have a deeper flavor.
• Unsalted butter, room temperature. If using salted butter, do not add salt.

Banana Mixture

• Large eggs. Eggs keep the batter structured and fluffy.
• Ripe bananas, mashed. Our main ingredient is to give us the best banana flavor. Overripe bananas (almost brown bananas) will work too but you need to adjust the sugar in the recipe, as the riper bananas are, the sweeter they are. Frozen bananas work too, just let them thaw on the counter for at least 2 hours before baking.
• Vanilla extract. Pure vanilla extract is the best.
• Sour cream to make our bread soft and moist. Buttermilk or whole milk can also work! To make cinnamon swirl banana bread with no sour cream simply swap it with Greek yogurt orvegan yogurt.

Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon

You’ll Also Need

• 9×5 inch loaf pan
• Some mixing bowls to prep dry and wet ingredients.
• Fork or potato masher to mash bananas.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer.

How to make Cinnamon swirl banana bread

Amazing simple recipe with minimal effort and straightforward steps.

1. First, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the dry ingredients. Whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl.
3. Cream butter. Cream the brown sugar and butter together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. 
4. Mix wet ingredients. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
5. Combine the banana bread batter. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, mixing just until combined. 
6. Fold in the sour cream.
7. Make a cinnamon mixture. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
8. Spread half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan with a rubber spatula. 
9. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter in an even layer. 
10. Add the remaining banana bread batter on top and sprinkle with the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture.
11. Make swirls. Drag a butter knife through the batter to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar throughout.
12. Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. It should be golden brown but baking time can vary a little with each oven.
13. Cool the bread. Allow the cinnamon banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage

This cinnamon swirl banana bread can be stored wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days.

If you happen to have any leftovers, which is rare, store this banana bread in the fridge for 3-4 days.

To freeze, wrap it in two layers of foil and store it in a freezer-safe bag for 1 month.

To eat again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then let it thaw further on the counter for a couple of hours until it is room temperature.

Substitutions And Variations Of This Swirl Banana Bread Recipe

• Add more texture with chopped nuts, dried fruits, or raisins. Banana bread is a great recipe for add-ons, in general.
• Add chocolate chips, peanut butter, or caramel bits to the mix, they will melt inside the bread and it will taste delicious!
• To make a crunch topping in a separate bowl mix together cinnamon, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and butter. The mixture will resemble tiny crumbs. Cover the entire loaf with a generous amount of the cinnamon crunch. Thank me later!
• If you have any leftover cinnamon sugar sprinkle it over the top of the bread.
• Instead of crunchy topping, you can use any glaze you like: caramel, chocolate, peanut butter, or simple white sugar icing.
• A few banana slices can make a nice decoration or a surprise layer inside the banana bread.

Tips For Making The Best Cinnamon Banana Bread Recipe

• To measure the flour sift it and use the spoon and level method.
• If the bread batter is too thick when you mix it, you can add maple syrup or milk to thin it. But try not to overwork the batter. It will bake into a very dense bread.
• To make a big batch simply multiply the ingredients by two and make two loaves in two separate pans. You can eat one and freeze the second loaf.
• Vegetable oils, like coconut oil, melted butter, or ghee can really help keep the cake moist.
• Room-temperature ingredients are easier to mix well.
• A little squeeze of lemon juice into the batter highlights the fruity banana flavor.

Popular Questions

How To Make Bananas Ripe Faster?

Bake whole unpeeled bananas in the oven at 300 F for 15 minutes or until the skin turns brown. Cool completely and then mash and use in banana recipes.

Can I Make Banana Bread Recipes Vegan?

Yes! If the banana bread recipe calls for sour cream or milk you can use vegan yogurt and alternative milk. Replace regular butter with dairy-free or nut-based butter. Instead of eggs, you can use special egg replacement, applesauce, flaxseed eggs, or simply skip them. 

DON’T MISS THESE HOLIDAY E-BOOKS!

If you love this quick bread recipe, you’re going to love these other bread recipes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

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