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When I make Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread, I focus on fresh, simple ingredients. Here’s what you need: - 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 - 1 tablespoon cinnamon - 2 tablespoons brown sugar The bananas should be very ripe. This gives the bread a sweet taste. The melted butter adds moisture. Baking soda helps the bread rise. A pinch of salt balances the flavors. I use sugar to sweeten the bread. The egg adds richness and helps bind the mix. Vanilla extract brings a warm, inviting scent. All-purpose flour gives the bread its structure. For the swirl, I mix cinnamon and brown sugar. This adds a nice touch of sweetness and spice. The combination creates a warm, comforting flavor. It’s a great way to elevate this classic recipe. Feel free to get creative with these ingredients. Use your favorite nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor. This recipe is flexible, so have fun with it! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat the oven and prepare the loaf pan. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan to keep the bread from sticking. 2. Combine bananas and melted butter. In a mixing bowl, mash three ripe bananas. Add 1/3 cup of melted butter. Stir until well mixed. 3. Mix in baking soda, salt, and sugar. Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda and a pinch of salt to the banana mixture. Then, mix in 3/4 cup of sugar until fully blended. 4. Add the egg and vanilla, followed by flour. Stir in 1 large beaten egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gradually fold in 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour. Be gentle; don’t overmix. 1. Prepare the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cinnamon with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. This will create the sweet swirl. 2. Add batter to the loaf pan and swirl the sugar mixture. Pour half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Add the rest of the batter and sprinkle the remaining sugar mix. Use a knife to gently swirl it together. 1. Bake the banana bread until done. Place the loaf pan in the oven. Bake for 60 to 65 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean. 2. Cooling instructions after baking. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the warm, sweet aroma in your kitchen! To get the best texture in your banana bread, avoid overmixing. Overmixing makes the bread tough. Mix just until combined for a soft loaf. Ripe bananas add moisture and natural sweetness. Look for bananas with brown spots for the best flavor. Fat content also plays a key role. The melted butter adds rich moisture. This keeps the bread soft and tender. Using the right fat helps create the perfect texture. You can enhance the flavor of your banana bread with nice additions. Chopped nuts add crunch and a lovely taste. Chocolate chips bring a sweet surprise to each bite. You might also try adding dried fruits for extra flavor. For serving, enjoy the bread warm with butter. It pairs well with cream cheese spread. A light dusting of cinnamon sugar boosts the cozy feel. To serve banana bread for maximum appeal, slice it neatly. Arrange the slices on a pretty plate. A light dusting of cinnamon sugar looks inviting. Garnish with a small sprig of mint for a pop of color. You can also serve it with a side of whipped cream. This makes the dish feel special and adds a lovely touch. Pro Tips Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots for optimal sweetness. Don't Overmix: When folding in the flour, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense bread instead of a light and fluffy texture. Cool Before Slicing: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This prevents it from becoming gummy and helps maintain its shape. Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to customize your banana bread with chocolate chips, walnuts, or dried fruits to add extra flavor and texture. {{image_2}} You can make tasty changes to the classic recipe. For sugar, try using honey or maple syrup. These sweeteners add flavor and are healthier. If you want to switch the flour, use whole wheat or almond flour for more nutrients. You can also mix in extra fruits. Chopped apples or berries add great taste and texture. Get creative with spices and extracts. Instead of just cinnamon, add nutmeg or ginger for a warm kick. You can also use vanilla bean paste for a deeper flavor. Want to change up the swirl? Try Nutella or peanut butter. These add a rich, creamy texture that makes each bite special. Think about how you want to serve your banana bread. You can make mini loaves for fun, easy snacks. They are perfect for lunchboxes or gifts. If you prefer standard loaves, slice them thick or thin, based on your mood. Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a touch of cream cheese for extra delight. A sprig of mint adds a nice touch to your plate. To keep your cinnamon swirl banana bread fresh, store it properly. For short-term storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap. Place it in an airtight container or a zip-top bag. This keeps it moist and tasty for about three days at room temperature. If you want to store it longer, freezing is the way to go. To freeze banana bread, slice it first. This makes it easy to grab a piece later. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place all slices in a freezer bag. You can enjoy the bread for up to three months. Just remember to label the bag with the date. When you want to enjoy some banana bread, you can warm it up easily. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread on a baking sheet. Heat it for about 10-15 minutes. This warms the bread and brings back its fresh taste. If you need a quicker option, use a microwave. Heat a slice for about 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the bread tough. For the best results, try to reheat it in the oven. It helps keep the texture and flavor just right. Can I use frozen bananas? Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just thaw them first. Make sure to drain any excess liquid. This helps keep your batter from being too wet. How can I tell when the bread is done? Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready. The top should be golden brown, too. What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe? You can use unsweetened applesauce or mashed flaxseeds. Both work well to bind the ingredients without eggs. Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Absolutely! Replace the melted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute. This keeps the bread tasty and light. Why is my banana bread too dense? Dense banana bread often happens from overmixing the batter. Mix just until combined for a light texture. Also, make sure your bananas are very ripe for best results. How to prevent a dry banana bread? To avoid dryness, don’t overbake your bread. Keep an eye on the time and check for doneness early. Adding a bit more mashed banana can also help. Why does my cinnamon swirl sink to the bottom? If the swirl sinks, your batter may be too thin. Try slightly thickening it by adding a bit more flour. Also, ensure to gently swirl; don’t mix it in completely. This blog covered a simple recipe for cinnamon swirl banana bread. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for perfecting texture and flavor. We explored fun variations and how to store your bread. Now, you can bake delicious banana bread that everyone will enjoy. Whatever your taste, there’s a way to make it your own. Dive in and enjoy this sweet treat today!

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

A deliciously moist banana bread with a cinnamon sugar swirl.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 none ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1.3 cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 0.75 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas with the melted butter, stirring until well blended.
  • Add the baking soda and salt to the banana mixture, and mix well.
  • Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until combined.
  • Gradually fold in the flour until just incorporated; do not overmix.
  • In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and brown sugar together for the swirl.
  • Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
  • Add the remaining batter and top with the remaining cinnamon sugar mix, swirling it gently with a knife to create a ribbon effect.
  • Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Slice the banana bread and serve with a light dusting of extra cinnamon sugar or a dollop of cream cheese spread for added richness. A small sprig of mint on the side makes for a lovely garnish.
Keyword banana bread, cinnamon, dessert