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 promises a moist, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for any time of day, especially breakfast or a cozy snack.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 70 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 mins
- 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 for easy removal.
- Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the very ripe bananas until mostly smooth with a few small lumps for texture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk (or buttermilk) to the mashed bananas. Whisk thoroughly 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, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter until a thick, crumbly paste forms.
- Assemble the Loaf: Spoon half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Evenly crumble or dollop half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter.
- Layer and Swirl Again: Spoon the remaining batter over the cinnamon layer. Top with the remaining cinnamon swirl mixture, then gently swirl the two layers together using a knife or skewer for a beautiful marbled effect.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-70 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve once cooled.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best natural sweetness and moist texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to prevent the bread from becoming dense.
- Swirling the cinnamon mixture lightly but visibly enhances both flavor and appearance.
- Store leftover banana bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and butter with coconut oil.
