Perfect Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread – Easy Recipe
Indulge in the comforting delight of Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread, where the sweetness of ripe bananas meets a rich cinnamon sugar swirl. This easy recipe guarantees a moist, flavorful loaf perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack any time of day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10-12 slices)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Banana Bread Batter
- 3 very ripe bananas
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk or buttermilk
Cinnamon Swirl Mixture
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons softened unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the very ripe bananas until mostly smooth with a few small lumps remaining for texture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk (or buttermilk) to the mashed bananas. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to combine and remove any lumps.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually pour the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture and gently mix until just combined, taking care not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter. Mix until it forms a thick, crumbly paste ready for swirling.
- Assemble the Loaf: Spoon half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Crumble or dollop half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter surface.
- Layer and Swirl Again: Spoon the remaining banana bread batter over the cinnamon layer. Top with the remaining cinnamon swirl mixture and gently swirl through the batter using a knife or skewer to create the signature cinnamon pattern.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-70 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a skewer into the center; it should come out clean or with just moist crumbs attached.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your classic cinnamon swirl banana bread.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense loaf.
- The cinnamon swirl adds a deliciously sweet and spicy contrast—feel free to adjust the cinnamon quantity to your taste.
- Ensure the loaf cools completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- You can substitute the milk with buttermilk for a richer flavor and more tender crumb.
