Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread recipe. This easy-to-make treat combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the warm flavor of cinnamon. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this bread brings comfort and joy to any occasion.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a must-try for several reasons. First, it’s simple and requires just a few ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Second, the combination of bananas and cinnamon creates a delicious flavor that is hard to resist. Lastly, baking this bread will fill your home with a warm, inviting aroma, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings or cozy afternoons.
How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set it aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, melted butter, granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated.
- In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon and brown sugar to create the cinnamon swirl mixture.
- Pour half of the banana bread batter into the loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon mixture evenly over the batter.
- Pour the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon mixture.
- Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter to create a marbled effect.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the bread starts to brown too quickly, tent with foil.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese for an extra special treat. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a great breakfast or afternoon snack. You can even enjoy it as a dessert topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How to Store Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
To store your Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the bread well and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.
Tips to Make Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
- Make sure your bananas are really ripe for the best flavor. The more brown spots, the sweeter the bread will be!
- Don’t overmix the batter; stir until just combined to keep the bread light and fluffy.
- Swirling the cinnamon mixture gently creates a nice marbled effect, so don’t go overboard!
Variation
If you want to experiment, you can add nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch. Chocolate chips also make a delightful addition for chocolate lovers.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
3. How do I know when the banana bread is done?
The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the banana bread is ready!
Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed Make sure your bananas are really ripe for the best flavor.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour Can be substituted with gluten-free flour.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Swirl
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup brown sugar
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set it aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, melted butter, granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated.
- In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon and brown sugar to create the cinnamon swirl mixture.
Baking
- Pour half of the banana bread batter into the loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon mixture evenly over the batter.
- Pour the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon mixture.
- Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter to create a marbled effect.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the bread starts to brown too quickly, tent with foil.
Cooling and Serving
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
