Blueberry Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked banana bread wafting through the kitchen on a quiet weekend morning. And when you fold in juicy blueberries and swirl in sweet cinnamon, you elevate this humble loaf into a showstopper: Blueberry Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread.

I remember my grandmother making banana bread every Sunday afternoon, filling her small cottage with warmth, comfort, and the scent of ripe bananas and spices. But when summer rolled in and fresh blueberries overflowed the farmers’ markets, she’d fold them into her banana bread batter, creating little bursts of tart sweetness in every bite. She’d add a cinnamon sugar swirl, just like in her cinnamon rolls, making each slice taste like something between a dessert and a cozy breakfast treat.

This banana bread is more than just a quick loaf — it’s a celebration of seasonal fruit, warm spices, and the simple joy of homemade baking. Whether you enjoy it with your morning coffee, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or as a sweet addition to a brunch table, Blueberry Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread brings people together with its nostalgic charm and irresistible flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly moist texture thanks to ripe bananas.
• Pockets of juicy blueberries that burst with sweetness.
• Cinnamon sugar swirl for a cozy, spiced touch.
• Freezer-friendly — bake now, enjoy later.
• Beginner-friendly and forgiving, no fancy equipment required.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed
• ½ cup melted butter
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, tossed in flour)
• ⅓ cup sugar (for swirl)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for swirl)

HOW TO MAKE BLUEBERRY CINNAMON SWIRL BANANA BREAD

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by setting the scene: you, a cozy kitchen, and a bowl of speckled bananas begging to be transformed. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy lifting.

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This keeps your banana bread light and airy.

Step 2: Mash Bananas & Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth and creamy. Stir in the melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Imagine the sweet, nutty aroma of butter meeting banana — heavenly!

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing makes the loaf dense, and we’re aiming for tender and fluffy.

Step 4: Fold in Blueberries
Toss your blueberries in a little flour (this keeps them from sinking) and fold them gently into the batter.

Step 5: Prepare Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon. Pour half the batter into your loaf pan, sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar over it, then pour in the remaining batter. Top with the rest of the cinnamon sugar and use a knife to swirl it gently through the loaf.

Step 6: Bake
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden, with a cinnamon-crusted surface that makes you want to dig in right away.

Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Slice thick, generous pieces and enjoy — ideally while still warm.

Helpful Tips

• Use overripe bananas — the spottier, the better, for maximum sweetness and moisture.
• Fresh or frozen blueberries both work; just toss frozen ones in flour to prevent color bleeding.
• Swirl lightly — you want defined ribbons of cinnamon, not completely blended batter.
• Store properly to keep it moist — wrap in foil or plastic wrap once fully cooled.

DETAILS

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
Category: Breads, Breakfast, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Notes

• Feel free to swap blueberries with raspberries or blackberries.
• You can use whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
• If you want extra crunch, add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans.

Nutritional Information (per slice, approx.)

• Calories: 230
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 18g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Blueberry Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread?
Yes! Wrap slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I use frozen blueberries?
Absolutely. Toss them lightly in flour before adding to prevent them from sinking.

Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?
This can happen if it’s underbaked or if too much batter was mixed. Make sure to test with a toothpick before removing it from the oven.

Storage Instructions

Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For long-term storage, freeze slices and reheat gently in the toaster or microwave.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• Warm and Gooey Monkey Bread (No Alcohol, No Pork)
• Cream Cheese Strawberry Banana Bread
• Blueberry Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

Conclusion

Baking a loaf of Blueberry Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is like wrapping yourself in a warm hug. It’s a simple pleasure that brings back memories, fills your home with delicious aromas, and offers a sweet reward at the end. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

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