Easy Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe
Introduction
This easy classic cinnamon swirl banana bread offers a delicious twist on traditional banana bread with a sweet cinnamon sugar swirl running through it. Its moist texture and warm flavors make it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a satisfying snack any time of day.
Ingredients
- 2–3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- For the cinnamon swirl: 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the 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 and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon to prepare the cinnamon swirl. Set aside.
- Step 3: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth using a fork. Stir in the melted butter until well combined.
- Step 4: Add the baking soda and salt to the banana mixture. Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Step 5: Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- 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. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Step 8: Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 9: Cool the banana bread in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon sugar swirl to suit your taste for a more or less pronounced cinnamon flavor.
- Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and taste.
- Use vegetable or melted coconut oil instead of butter for a different flavor and a moist crumb.
Storage
Store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to one week. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or toast lightly for a fresh-baked feel.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas in this recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas work well. Allow them to thaw fully before mashing. Because frozen bananas release more moisture, you may need to adjust the flour slightly to achieve the right batter consistency.
Can I substitute oil for butter in the recipe?
Absolutely. Use the same amount of vegetable oil or melted coconut oil instead of melted butter. This change can slightly alter the flavor and texture but will still yield delicious banana bread.
PrintEasy Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe
This Easy Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread recipe combines the moist sweetness of ripe bananas with a warm cinnamon sugar swirl, making it a delightful twist on traditional banana bread. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, this banana bread offers a comforting, flavorful treat that’s easy to prepare and baked to perfection. The recipe is simple enough for beginners, uses common pantry ingredients, and is versatile for customization.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Banana Bread Batter
- 2–3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon 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 the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make Cinnamon Swirl Mixture: In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Set aside for later layering.
- Prepare Banana Bread Batter: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in melted butter until fully incorporated. Add baking soda and a pinch of salt, mixing well. Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until combined. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, stirring just until the batter is mixed but still slightly lumpy; avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- 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. Then pour the remaining batter on top and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter to create a marbled effect.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully baked.
- Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Serve: Slice the cooled banana bread and serve as a delicious breakfast, brunch, or snack. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of cinnamon sugar swirl to your taste preference for a milder or stronger cinnamon flavor.
- Optional: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Frozen bananas can be used but should be fully defrosted and mashed; adjust flour as needed due to extra moisture.
- Butter can be substituted with an equal amount of vegetable or melted coconut oil, which will slightly alter texture and flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb.
Keywords: banana bread, cinnamon swirl, classic banana bread, easy banana bread recipe, cinnamon sugar, baked banana bread, homemade banana bread
