Easy Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread – This Easy Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread. Is the perfect blend of moist banana bread. With a decadent cinnamon swirl. Made with ripe bananas. With swirls of cinnamon sugar, and a hint of vanilla. This recipe brings a comforting sweetness. To any dessert. Or breakfast table. It’s perfect for anyone. Who loves a classic banana bread recipe. With an indulgent twist.
The first time I made this recipe. I was looking for something. A bit more exciting. Than your typical banana bread. My husband and child love cinnamon rolls. So I thought why not combine that flavor. With our favorite banana bread recipe? The result was magic! My kitchen filled with the most amazing smell. And when we finally sliced into it. The cinnamon swirl. Caught everyone’s eye. My husband said. It was his new favorite banana bread. And my child. Couldn’t stop asking for more.
What makes this Easy Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread truly special?
This banana bread isn’t your everyday loaf—it takes things up a notch. With its rich cinnamon sugar swirl. That bakes right into the bread. The gooey, flavorful streaks of cinnamon. Add a layer of indulgence. That makes it feel. Like you’re having dessert for breakfast. Plus, it’s easy to make. Using simple ingredients. You probably already have on hand. And let’s not forget. The banana slices on top. Which gives it a bakery-style look!
What You Need To Make This Easy Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe?
Bananas: The riper, the better! Spotty bananas will give you the sweetest flavor. And best texture. You can even freeze your bananas beforehand. Then thaw them. For even more flavor.
Cinnamon Sugar Swirl: This combination of melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Creates a sticky, sweet swirl. That melts into the batter. Dark brown sugar works best. Because it gives a deep, caramel-like flavor.
Butter: I like to use unsalted butter. In both the batter and the swirl. Which lets me control the saltiness. In the recipe.
Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract. Adds warmth. And depth. To the flavor of the bread.
Steps To Make Easy Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. And prepare your loaf pan. By greasing it with butter. And dusting it lightly with flour. You can also line. The bottom with parchment paper. For easy removal later.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl. Melt the butter. And allow it to cool. For a minute. Stir in the sugar. Until it’s well mixed. Then whisk in the eggs. And vanilla. The batter should be smooth. And creamy.
Step 3: Gently fold in. The mashed bananas. In a separate bowl. Whisk the flour. And baking soda together. Then gradually stir this. Into the banana mixture. Until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. You want a soft, tender crumb.
Step 4: For the cinnamon swirl. Mix the melted butter. With sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Until it forms a thick, sweet paste. If it’s too thick. Add a little more melted butter. Until you can swirl it easily.
Step 5: Pour 1/4 of the banana batter. Into the prepared loaf pan. Drop dollops of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. And swirl it through the batter. With a knife. Or the back of a spoon. Repeat this process. For three layers. Finishing with a final swirl on top.
Step 6: Add some flair. By placing a few banana slices on top. Right down the middle of the loaf.
Step 7: Bake on the center rack. For 60-70 minutes. Or until the top is golden brown. And a toothpick inserted in the middle. Comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly. Cover it loosely. With foil. Let the loaf cool. In the pan. For 30 minutes. Before transferring it. To a wire rack. To cool completely.
Tip:
To get the best swirl. In your banana bread. Make sure your cinnamon sugar mixture. Is the right consistency. If it’s too thick. You won’t be able to swirl it through the batter properly. And if it’s too thin. It’ll spread out. And get lost in the bread. Add melted butter a little at a time. Until the mixture is thick. But spreadable. For a little extra flavor. Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top before baking. Which gives the crust. An irresistible warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I freeze this banana bread?
Yes! Once fully cooled. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap. And store in the freezer. For up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge. Or at room temperature before serving.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! You can fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts. Or chocolate chips into the batter. For an extra layer of texture. And flavor.
What if I don’t have ripe bananas?
You can speed up the ripening process. By placing bananas in a paper bag. With an apple for 24-48 hours. Or you can microwave them for about 30 seconds. To soften them up.
< Remember it later >
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
< Remember it later >
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Easy Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Ingredients
Batter:
- 1 c 2 sticks unsalted butter, melted
- 1 c white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 c all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 c mashed ripe bananas about 4 bananas
Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
- 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp white sugar
- 3 tbsp dark brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 6 thin slices of ripe banana for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. And grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. With butter or oil. Then lightly flour it. Set it aside.
- In a large bowl. Melt the butter. And allow it to cool slightly. Whisk in the sugar. Followed by the eggs. And vanilla. Until smooth. Gently fold in the flour. And baking soda. Then stir in the mashed bananas. Until just mixed.
- In a separate small bowl. Combine the cinnamon sugar swirl ingredients. With a fork. Until thick. If it's too thick to swirl. Add a bit more melted butter. Be careful not to make it too thin. Or it won't hold the swirl. In the batter.
- Spread 1/4 of the batter (approximately 1 cup). Into the bottom of the loaf pan. Add 1/4 of the cinnamon sugar mix (approximately 1 tablespoon) on top. Then use a knife. Or spoon. To create a swirl pattern.
- Repeat this layering process. With 1/3 of the remaining batter. And another 1/3 of the cinnamon mixture. Swirling again.
- Do the same. With the final half of the batter. And the last of the cinnamon sugar. Making big swirls on top. Finish by placing. Six thin banana slices. Down the center of the batter.
- Put the loaf pan. On a baking sheet. And bake for 60-70 minutes. Or until the top is golden brown. And a toothpick inserted into the center. Comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly. Before the middle is cooked. Cover the loaf. With foil. And continue baking.
- Once done. Let the bread cool. In the pan. For 30 minutes. Before transferring it. To a wire rack. To cool completely.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
