This Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread blends the comforting softness of banana bread with a warm, sweet cinnamon sugar swirl. Each slice reveals a delightful marbled pattern and offers the perfect balance of moist banana flavor with the added spice of cinnamon. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this bread brings the cozy essence of homemade baking to your kitchen.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• ¼ cup brown sugar

Directions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set it aside.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, melted butter, granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.

3. Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated.

4. Make Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon and brown sugar to create the cinnamon swirl mixture.

5. Layer the Batter: 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. Swirl the Cinnamon: Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter to create a marbled effect.

7. Bake: 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. Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Nutrients

• Calories: ~320 per slice

• Carbs: 50g

• Protein: 4g

• Fat: 14g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 28g

Why Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Works So Well

This recipe for Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread works so well because it takes the best of two beloved flavors—banana and cinnamon—and blends them seamlessly. The banana bread itself is soft and moist, with just the right amount of sweetness from ripe bananas. The cinnamon-sugar swirl adds a burst of spiced flavor, creating a contrast in both taste and texture that makes each bite a little more exciting.

The marbled cinnamon swirl gives the bread a beautiful look, elevating it from simple banana bread to something more special. It’s easy to make, yet the result is impressive enough to serve to guests or bring to gatherings. Whether you’re enjoying it in the morning with a cup of coffee or as a sweet snack in the afternoon, this banana bread is sure to please everyone.

The Bananas: Key to Moistness

The key ingredient in this banana bread is, of course, the bananas. Ripe bananas are essential to creating the moist, tender crumb that defines a great banana bread. Overripe bananas work best because they are softer and sweeter, contributing both to the flavor and texture of the bread. When mashed, they easily blend into the batter, ensuring that the banana flavor is evenly distributed throughout.

Bananas are not only the primary flavor in this bread but also provide natural moisture, reducing the need for additional fats. This makes the banana bread soft without being greasy, a perfect balance when paired with the cinnamon swirl.

The Cinnamon Swirl: Sweet and Spicy

The cinnamon swirl is what sets this banana bread apart. By combining ground cinnamon and brown sugar, you create a mixture that’s both sweet and spicy, with a rich, caramel-like flavor from the brown sugar. When layered into the banana bread batter and swirled through, it creates a marbled effect that enhances both the appearance and the taste.

The key to a great cinnamon swirl is ensuring that it’s well-distributed but not fully incorporated. The goal is to create beautiful streaks of cinnamon throughout the bread, so each bite has a sweet, spicy surprise. The swirling process is simple—just use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the batter, taking care not to overdo it.

The Batter: Simple and Quick to Make

Making the batter for this cinnamon swirl banana bread is incredibly easy. You start by mixing the wet ingredients, including mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. The bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, while the butter brings richness and flavor. The egg binds everything together, and the vanilla adds a lovely aromatic note.

Next, the dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, and salt—are mixed together and then incorporated into the wet mixture. The result is a thick, slightly sticky batter that’s perfect for holding the cinnamon swirl.

Baking: Perfectly Golden

Once the batter is prepared, it’s layered in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. The first half of the batter is spread in the pan, followed by a sprinkle of the cinnamon mixture. The second half of the batter is placed on top, and the remaining cinnamon swirl is sprinkled over it. After gently swirling with a knife, the bread is ready to bake.

The banana bread should bake for 60-70 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so it’s important to check the center with a toothpick. When it comes out clean, the bread is ready. If the top begins to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil to prevent over-browning.

Cooling and Serving

Once the bread is baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This cooling time helps the bread firm up slightly, making it easier to transfer to a wire rack. After the bread has completely cooled, slice it into thick pieces.

This bread is best enjoyed fresh, but it can also be stored at room temperature for a few days. It’s also perfect for freezing—just wrap it tightly and store it for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw and slice.

Nutritional Breakdown

Each slice of this Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread contains approximately 320 calories. The bread provides 50g of carbohydrates, making it a satisfying treat when you need an energy boost. With 4g of protein, it offers a moderate amount of protein, which is mainly from the flour and eggs.

The 14g of fat per slice come from the butter used in the batter. While this bread is not low in fat, the rich flavor from the butter and the moistness provided by the bananas make it well worth the indulgence. The bread contains 2g of fiber, mainly from the bananas and flour, and 28g of sugar, which comes primarily from the bananas, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.

Conclusion: A Cozy, Flavorful Treat

In conclusion, Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is the perfect balance of sweet banana flavor and warm cinnamon spice. The moist, tender bread is enhanced by a beautiful cinnamon-sugar swirl that adds depth and texture to each slice. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, this banana bread is an easy recipe that delivers impressive results. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert, it’s sure to become a beloved addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven, or store it for later—it’s a comforting, flavorful treat that’s always a hit!