Easy Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe
Introduction
This easy classic cinnamon swirl banana bread combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with a warm cinnamon sugar swirl for a moist, flavorful treat. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, it’s simple to make and sure to please everyone at your table.
Ingredients
- 2–3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- For the cinnamon swirl:
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Set aside for the cinnamon swirl.
- Step 3: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter until combined.
- Step 4: Add the salt and baking soda, then mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well blended.
- Step 5: Gradually add the flour and gently stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Step 6: Pour half of the banana batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
- Step 7: Add the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar over it. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter for a marbled effect.
- Step 8: Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 9: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- You can adjust the amount of cinnamon swirl to your taste for a stronger or milder cinnamon flavor.
- Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Use frozen bananas after thawing them completely for an even sweeter bread.
Storage
Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or foil for up to 2–3 months. Reheat slices gently in a toaster or microwave before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Is it okay to use frozen bananas in this recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas work well. Make sure to defrost them fully before mashing. Because frozen bananas can add extra moisture, you may need to adjust the flour slightly to achieve the right batter consistency.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute melted vegetable oil or coconut oil in the same amount as butter. This may alter the flavor and texture slightly but will still yield delicious banana bread.
PrintEasy Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe
This Easy Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a moist and flavorful treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack. It features ripe mashed bananas mixed with melted butter, sugar, and vanilla, with a beautiful cinnamon sugar swirl baked inside for an irresistible marbled effect. Simple to prepare and customizable with optional nuts or chocolate chips, this homemade banana bread offers a delicious twist on a beloved classic.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Banana Bread Batter
- 2–3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Set aside for layering.
- Prepare banana bread batter: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter until well combined. Add salt and baking soda, then mix in sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract thoroughly. Gradually add the flour, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Layer batter and cinnamon swirl: Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar over it. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter, creating a marbled pattern.
- Bake the bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool before slicing: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice and serve this delicious banana bread as a warm breakfast, brunch addition, or any time snack. Optionally, you can add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking for extra texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of cinnamon sugar to suit your taste preference for a stronger or milder swirl flavor.
- Frozen bananas can be used but should be thawed first; keep in mind extra flour may be needed due to added moisture.
- Butter can be substituted with equal amounts of vegetable oil or melted coconut oil, which may slightly change texture and taste.
- Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Banana bread can also be frozen wrapped tightly for 2–3 months.
- This recipe can easily be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and confirming other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans, or chocolate chips to the batter just before pouring it into the pan for extra flavor.
- Ensure the banana bread is fully baked before removing by checking that a toothpick comes out clean.
Keywords: banana bread, cinnamon swirl, easy banana bread, classic banana bread, breakfast bread, cinnamon sugar swirl, homemade banana bread, sweet bread, quick bread
