Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of banana bread baking in the oven. It fills the house with warmth and nostalgia, bringing back memories of cozy mornings and lazy afternoons with a hot cup of tea or coffee. But this isn’t just any banana bread—this is a Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread, where moist, sweet banana bread meets a rich, cinnamon-sugar swirl that melts into every bite.

This recipe is perfect for using up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. Instead of letting them go to waste, turn them into a delightful homemade treat that’s soft, flavorful, and bursting with cinnamon goodness. Whether you’re making this for a weekend breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a simple dessert, this banana bread will quickly become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Warm and comforting flavors – The combination of bananas and cinnamon creates the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
• Super moist texture – Thanks to the ripe bananas and a few simple ingredients, this bread stays soft for days.
• Easy to make – No fancy equipment needed—just mix, layer, and bake.
• Perfect for any occasion – Enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert.
• Great for meal prep – Make a loaf at the beginning of the week and enjoy a slice whenever you need a quick bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Banana Bread:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

How to Make Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, then line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. The more ripe the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be!

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

To the mashed bananas, add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

Step 5: Mix the Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix—just mix until there are no visible streaks of flour. Overmixing can make the bread dense instead of soft and fluffy.

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together.

Step 7: Layer the Batter and Swirl

Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top. Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the cinnamon into the batter.

Step 8: Bake the Banana Bread

Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Helpful Tips

• Use very ripe bananas – The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots or even completely brown peels.
• Don’t overmix the batter – Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the bread light and fluffy.
• Add mix-ins if you like – Want to take it up a notch? Fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
• Test for doneness – Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready!
• Let it cool before slicing – This helps the banana bread set properly and makes slicing easier.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 8-10 slices)
• Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Notes

• Use Overripe Bananas for the Best Flavor – The darker and spottier the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. If your bananas aren’t ripe yet, you can speed up the process by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or baking them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until they soften.
• Make It Healthier – Swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for added fiber, or reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet version.
• For a Richer Swirl – Mix a tablespoon of melted butter into the cinnamon-sugar mixture before swirling it into the batter. This gives it a caramel-like texture inside the bread.
• Banana Bread Too Dry? – This could be due to overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off.
• For an Extra Moist Texture – Add ¼ cup of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the batter. This makes the bread even more tender and rich.
• Want a Crunchy Top? – Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top before baking to create a sweet, slightly crunchy crust.
• Check Your Baking Soda – If your banana bread isn’t rising properly, your baking soda might be old. Test it by mixing a little with vinegar—if it fizzes, it’s still good!

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature:

Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.

Refrigerator:

For longer storage, wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Freezer:

To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw slices at room temperature or microwave for 20-30 seconds before enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this banana bread without eggs?

Yes! You can replace each egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water).

What can I use instead of butter?

You can use coconut oil or vegetable oil instead of butter for a slightly different texture but still a delicious taste.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! If you want to make two loaves, simply double all the ingredients and bake them in two separate pans.

Why did my banana bread turn out dense?

Dense banana bread is usually caused by overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Be sure to measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off instead of scooping directly from the bag.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread, you might also enjoy:

• Salted Caramel Banana Bread – Moist, Sweet & Irresistibly Gooey!
• Banana Cinnamon Rolls: A Sweet Start to Your Day
• Salted Caramel Banana Bread
• Snickerdoodle Banana Bread: A Nostalgic Twist on a Timeless Classic

Conclusion

This Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a delightful twist on traditional banana bread, with a rich swirl of cinnamon-sugar goodness in every slice. It’s moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make—perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Plus, it’s a great way to use up ripe bananas and fill your home with the irresistible aroma of baked cinnamon goodness.

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