Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe

Introduction

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining moist banana bread with a warm cinnamon-sugar swirl. This recipe creates a beautiful marbled effect inside the loaf, offering both comforting flavors and a touch of indulgence perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, melted butter, granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon and brown sugar to create the cinnamon swirl mixture.
5. Step 5: Pour half of the banana bread batter into the loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon mixture evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon mixture.
6. Step 6: Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter to create a marbled effect.
7. Step 7: Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the bread starts to brown too quickly, tent with foil.
8. Step 8: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a nuttier flavor and a healthier option.
• Frozen bananas can be used if fresh ripe ones are unavailable; just thaw and mash them first.
• For extra texture, try adding chopped apples or walnuts to the batter.
• Avoid over-swizzling the cinnamon to maintain a distinct swirl pattern.
• Optionally, add a simple vanilla glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for an extra touch of sweetness.

Storage

Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. To reheat, warm slices gently in a microwave or oven until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sugar in the cinnamon swirl?

Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or raw sugar, though it may slightly alter the flavor and color.

What can I do if my bread is browning too fast on top?

If the bread browns too quickly, tent a piece of foil loosely over the top partway through baking to prevent over-browning while allowing the center to cook fully.

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 79 reviews

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a moist and tender loaf that elevates the classic banana bread with a delightful cinnamon-sugar swirl and optional vanilla icing. This recipe balances sweetness with warmth and spice, creating a visually stunning and flavorful treat perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 65 minutes
• Total Time: 80 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Banana Bread Batter

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cinnamon Swirl

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

Optional Vanilla Icing

• Powdered sugar (to taste)
• Milk or cream (to taste)
• Vanilla extract (a few drops)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set it aside to ensure the bread doesn’t stick during baking.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, melted butter, granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined for a smooth batter base.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated to avoid overmixing and a dense bread.
4. Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon and brown sugar to create the cinnamon swirl mixture that adds warmth and sweetness.
5. Layer Batter and Swirl: Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Evenly sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon mixture.
6. Create Swirl Effect: Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter to create a marbled, artisanal effect without overmixing.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the bread browns too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
8. Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing for the best texture and flavor.
9. Optional Vanilla Icing: Mix powdered sugar with a small amount of milk or cream and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread to enhance flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
• Do not over-swirl the cinnamon mixture to maintain the distinct ribbon effect.
• The vanilla icing is optional but highly recommended for added sweetness and contrast.
• You can substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream for part of the butter for a moister crumb.
• Whole wheat flour can replace all-purpose flour for a healthier version.
• Frozen bananas can be used if fresh ones are not available.
• Store leftovers wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze un-iced loaf for up to 3 months.
• Adding chopped apples or nuts can add texture and flavor variations.

Keywords: banana bread, cinnamon swirl, homemade banana bread, cinnamon sugar, loaf cake, breakfast bread, moist banana bread, easy banana bread recipe