Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread Recipe

If you love the cozy, comforting flavors of banana bread with a little extra sparkle, this Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread is an absolute must-try. It’s moist, packed with ripe bananas, and generously layered with a cinnamon-sugar swirl that creates a beautiful marbled effect and an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweet banana and warm cinnamon spice, making it the ideal treat for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are charmingly simple but indispensable, working together to create the moist texture, rich flavor, and aromatic warmth that defines this Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup or 2 sticks), melted: Adds richness and moisture for tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and helps create a good structure.
• Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients while adding fluffiness.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavors beautifully.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): The backbone of the bread, giving it structure.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): A leavening agent that helps the bread rise.
• Mashed ripe bananas (1 1/2 cups, about 4 bananas): The star ingredient providing sweetness and moisture.
• Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons), melted (for swirl): Joins the cinnamon and sugars smoothly for swirling.
• Granulated sugar (3 tablespoons, for swirl): Adds a crunchy sweetness to the swirl.
• Dark brown sugar (3 tablespoons, for swirl): Contributes a deep, molasses-like richness.
• Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons, for swirl): Provides the signature warm and spicy flavor swirl.
• Thin slices of ripe banana (6 pieces, for garnish): Adds visual appeal and extra fruitiness on top.

How to Make Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease and flour a 9 by 5-inch loaf pan. This will ensure your bread doesn’t stick and bakes evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Start by melting the butter in a large bowl, then let it cool slightly so it doesn’t cook your eggs. Whisk in the sugar, followed by the eggs and vanilla extract. This mixture will lay down a rich and flavorful base for your bread.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients and Bananas

Stir the flour and baking soda into the wet mixture just until everything is incorporated. Then, gently fold in your mashed ripe bananas to keep the batter moist and tender without overmixing.

Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture

In a smaller bowl, use a fork to combine the melted butter with the granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until thick and well mixed. If the mixture feels too thick to swirl easily, add a tablespoon more of melted butter — it should be thick enough to hold its shape without spreading too thin.

Step 5: Layer the Batter and Swirl

Spread about a quarter of your batter evenly into the pan. Spoon a quarter of the cinnamon sugar mixture over this layer, then swirl with a knife or the back of a wooden spoon to create a pretty marbled effect. Repeat this layering process twice more with the remaining batter and cinnamon sugar mixture.

Step 6: Add Final Batter and Swirl Layer

Spread the remaining batter in the pan and dollop the last cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Make generous swirls across the entire surface to ensure cinnamon flavor throughout the loaf.

Step 7: Garnish and Bake

Arrange six thin slices of banana down the center of the batter for a stunning visual touch, then place the loaf pan on a baking sheet in the oven’s middle rack. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes until the bread turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent it with foil and continue baking until fully cooked.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling helps the flavors to set and makes slicing easier.

How to Serve Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread

Garnishes

A pat of butter or a drizzle of honey on a warm slice brings out the sweet, buttery notes perfectly. For an extra special touch, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon sugar on top when serving.

Side Dishes

This delightful bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy chai latte. For a balanced breakfast, serve alongside Greek yogurt topped with honey and fresh berries.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread thickly and toast it lightly, then serve it topped with a dollop of mascarpone or cream cheese and a sprinkle of toasted nuts. It’s a charming way to elevate this humble bread into a dessert that everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature, and it will stay perfectly moist and flavorful for up to three days. Avoid refrigerating as it can dry out the loaf.

Freezing

Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze it for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before slicing.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the toaster oven or microwave for 20 to 30 seconds to revive that freshly-baked softness and aroma. This will make your Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread taste just like it’s coming out of the oven all over again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and mash well. Frozen bananas often become even sweeter, enhancing the flavor of your Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread.

What if I don’t have dark brown sugar for the swirl?

You can substitute with light brown sugar or even more granulated sugar, but dark brown sugar adds a richer, molasses flavor that complements the cinnamon perfectly.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum to help mimic the texture of regular flour.

Why does the cinnamon swirl sometimes spread too much?

If the swirl mixture is too thin, it will spread without holding its pattern. Adjust by adding a teaspoon more melted butter or a bit more sugar until it’s thick enough to hold swirls.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The riper, the better! Look for bananas with lots of brown spots and a soft texture, as they are sweeter and more flavorful, resulting in a moist and delicious Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread.

Final Thoughts

Baking this Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread is like wrapping yourself in a warm, fragrant hug. It’s a fantastic way to use ripe bananas, impress family and friends, or simply treat yourself to something special. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen. Grab those bananas and get ready to swirl your way to deliciousness!

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