Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread. It combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. The aromatic scent that fills your kitchen while it bakes is just an added bonus!
Why Make This Recipe
You should try making Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread because it is easy and fun! It’s a great way to use over-ripe bananas that you might otherwise throw away. Plus, the cinnamon swirl adds a special touch that makes this bread extra delicious. It’s also great for sharing with family and friends or enjoying all by yourself!
How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups mashed over-ripe bananas (about 3 large bananas)
- ⅓ cup butter (melted)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch overhang on either side and spray with pan spray.
- In a large bowl, mix 1 ½ cups mashed over-ripe bananas, ⅓ cup melted butter, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 1 beaten egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Add 1 teaspoon baking soda, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix!
- Pour half of the batter into the greased pan.
- In a small bowl, combine ⅓ cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Spoon about ¾ of the cinnamon mixture evenly on top of the batter.
- Add the rest of the batter on top and sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture over it.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out mostly clean with minimal crumbs.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing.
How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is best served warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy it plain, spread with butter, or even with a drizzle of honey. It pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a great treat anytime!
How to Store Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
To store your Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in an airtight container. It will keep well at room temperature for about 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to slice it before freezing for easy serving later!
Tips to Make Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness. The more brown spots, the better!
- Avoid overmixing the batter. Mix just until you combine the dry and wet ingredients to keep the bread tender.
- Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
Variation
You can change up this recipe by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even chocolate chips for a sweeter version. You can also try substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just make sure to thaw and mash them before adding them to the batter.
2. How do I know when the bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out mostly clean with just a few crumbs, it’s done.
3. Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups mashed over-ripe bananas (about 3 large bananas) Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor.
- ⅓ cup butter (melted)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar Split into two portions for the batter and the cinnamon mixture.
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour Can be substituted with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon Combine with sugar for the swirl.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix 1.5 cups mashed bananas, ⅓ cup melted butter, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 1 beaten egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Add 1 teaspoon baking soda, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 1.5 cups all-purpose flour. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix!
- Pour half of the batter into the greased pan.
- In a small bowl, combine ⅓ cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Sprinkle about ¾ of this mixture over the batter.
- Add the remaining batter on top and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture over it.
Baking
- Bake for 50-60 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing.
