Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Oh, how I adore the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the house! It always brings me back to my childhood kitchen, where my mother would whip up delightful treats to share with family and friends. On chilly afternoons, we’d peek into the oven, eagerly awaiting that golden loaf of Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread, its tender crumbs hiding swirls of sweet cinnamon and sugar.
There’s something magical about banana bread that makes it the quintessential cozy treat of the season. With its creamy, warm slices, this Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is the perfect companion for your morning coffee or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. What makes this recipe even better? It’s quick to make—perfect for busy weeknights and lazy weekends alike. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A deliciously moist and tender loaf that brings back all the nostalgic feels.
- Easy, step-by-step instructions make it a wonderful choice for both beginner and seasoned bakers.
- The delightful aroma of cinnamon and bananas fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around.
- It’s easily customizable, so you can add various mix-ins to suit your taste.
- Perfect for sharing! This recipe makes enough to delight friends and family at gatherings or cozy evenings at home.
Gather These Simple Ingredients
To create your own Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread, you will need the following simple ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Let’s Make It Together
Now that we have our cozy ingredients lined up, let’s dive into the baking process! Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan generously with butter or non-stick spray to ensure a beautiful release.
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In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. The sweeter, the riper, the better!
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Stir in the melted butter until well combined, allowing it to mix beautifully with the bananas.
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Mix in the baking soda and a pinch of salt. This will help your bread rise and give it that tender crumb.
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Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until well combined, creating a lovely creamy mixture.
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Gradually stir in the flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this helps keep the bread tender.
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In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and brown sugar, creating a delightful swirl flavor.
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Pour half of the banana batter into the loaf pan, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over it.
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Layer the remaining banana batter on top, then finish with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
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Use a knife or a toothpick to swirl the mixture through the batter for those irresistible cinnamon ribbons.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Allow the loaf to cool before transferring it to a wire rack. This will help maintain its wonderful texture.
Delicious Variations to Try
Who doesn’t love a little twist on a classic? Here are some fun ways to customize your Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread:
- Add in some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for a crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with the soft bread.
- Toss in a handful of chocolate chips for a deliciously indulgent treat that adds richness to each slice.
- Experiment with citrus by adding a pinch of orange or lemon zest for a zesty brightness that brightens up the flavors.
- Consider a creamy swirl of peanut butter or Nutella for an indulgent twist that will make every bite extra decadent.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
To help ensure your baking experience is a success, here are some of my best kitchen secrets:
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness. The blacker the skin, the better!
- If you’re short on time, this bread can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- To make slicing easier, try using a serrated knife, which will help preserve the loaf’s beautiful texture without crumbling.
- If you have leftover banana bread (which is rare!), store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer preservation.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
Here’s a quick look at the nutrition information for one slice of Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread (approximately 1/12 of the loaf):
- Serving size: 1 slice (about 1 oz)
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 14g
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
Reader FAQs About Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! You can make this banana bread a day in advance and let it sit overnight for the best flavor.
Can I use different ingredients?
Of course! Feel free to swap out the sugar for coconut sugar or try whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
How do I store leftovers?
To keep your banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3 days.
How long does it last?
Frozen banana bread can last for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil!
Wrapping It Up
There you have it—an unforgettable recipe for cozy Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread! This is more than just a treat; it’s a hug in loaf form that brings warmth to your heart and home. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or shared around the dinner table, this recipe is a delightful reminder of the simple joys in life. Save this Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread to your cozy treat board so it’s ready when you need a little sweetness in your life! Happy baking!

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 pieces ripe bananas The riper, the better for sweetness.
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 pinch salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan generously with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Stir in the melted butter until combined.
- Mix in the baking soda and a pinch of salt.
- Add sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract; stir until well combined.
- Gradually stir in the flour until just combined.
- In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and brown sugar.
Baking
- Pour half of the banana batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter.
- Layer the remaining banana batter on top and finish with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the mixture through the batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the loaf to cool before transferring it to a wire rack.


