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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/cinnamon-swirl-banana-bread-recipe-2/