Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread, a delightful treat that combines sweet ripe bananas and aromatic cinnamon. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. With its moist texture and irresistible cinnamon swirl, each bite evokes nostalgia and warmth, making it a cherished favorite for family gatherings or quiet moments at home.
- Author: lea
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Main Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (unbleached preferred)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl Mix
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mash the Bananas: In a mixing bowl, mash the 3 ripe bananas until smooth, releasing their natural sweetness and aroma.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add sugar, eggs, vegetable oil or melted butter, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk the mixture until it becomes creamy and well combined.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt to ensure a light and fluffy batter.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, being careful not to overmix; some lumps are okay to maintain a tender crumb.
- Create Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter, then add the remaining batter on top. Using a knife, gently swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture through the batter to create a beautiful cinnamon swirl effect.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bread will have a golden crust and an intoxicating cinnamon aroma.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moistness.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread light and fluffy.
- Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Swap some bananas for applesauce to lighten the bread, or add nuts/chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Store cooled banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Freeze tightly wrapped banana bread for up to 3 months.
- Reheat slices in the microwave for a warm treat.
Keywords: banana bread, cinnamon swirl, cinnamon banana bread recipe, moist banana bread, baked banana bread, easy banana bread, homemade banana bread, breakfast bread