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Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe

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Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 111 reviews

If you’re a fan of banana bread and love a little extra flavor in every bite, then you absolutely have to try this Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe. It’s not just your regular banana bread—this one has that irresistible cinnamon sugar swirl, which gives it a lovely warmth and a beautiful marbled look that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the taste buds. I’m excited to share this recipe with you because it’s become a staple in my kitchen, especially when I have ripe bananas begging to be used. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • A Perfect Balance of Flavors: The cinnamon sugar swirl adds just the right touch of spice and sweetness that complements the banana beautifully.
  • Moist and Tender Texture: Loads of ripe bananas and melted butter keep this bread moist and soft every time.
  • Impressive Yet Easy: Despite the stunning swirl effect, the steps are straightforward and beginner-friendly.
  • Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy breakfast, afternoon snack, or a potluck treat, this bread always wins hearts.
A thick loaf of banana bread is shown close-up on a smooth white marbled surface. The bread has two main layers: a light golden brown base with a moist, dense texture and darker brown swirls of cinnamon or chocolate running through it. The top crust is darker brown, slightly crumbly, and uneven with a few cracks and a lighter slice of banana on top, adding texture. Small crumbs scatter around the loaf’s base. The background is softly blurred white tiles, giving a clean, simple feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread, banana bread with cinnamon swirl, easy banana bread recipe, moist banana bread, flavorful cinnamon banana bread this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe lies in using simple, quality ingredients that complement each other. Ripe bananas give sweetness and moisture, while the cinnamon sugar blend adds that cozy flavor twist that feels like a warm hug.

Flat lay of a few sticks of unsalted butter, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, a small mound of all-purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl of baking soda, three ripe whole bananas with a peeled half showing soft flesh, a small white bowl with a mixture of dark brown sugar and ground cinnamon, six thin slices of ripe banana arranged neatly on a white ceramic plate, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread, banana bread with cinnamon swirl, easy banana bread recipe, moist banana bread, flavorful cinnamon banana bread
  • Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness and moisture—remember to let it cool slightly before mixing in so you don’t cook the eggs.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Eggs: Bind your ingredients together and add structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors, especially the cinnamon and banana.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The base of the bread—make sure it’s well measured by spooning and leveling for accuracy.
  • Baking Soda: The leavening agent that helps the bread rise beautifully.
  • Ripe Bananas: Use those bananas that have plenty of brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness.
  • Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon for that signature warm spice scent.
  • Dark Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a hint of molasses to the cinnamon swirl.
  • Banana Slices: Thinly sliced ripe bananas for garnishing, which gives a lovely look and a bit of extra banana flavor on top.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe depending on the season or what’s on hand. It’s such a forgiving recipe that welcomes your tweaks. Feel free to swap in nuts, add a splash of something boozy, or even make it gluten-free—there’s room to make it your own.

  • Nutty Twist: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter gives a lovely crunch and extra flavor that my family can’t get enough of.
  • Gluten-Free Variation: I’ve used a gluten-free baking flour blend with great success—just make sure your blend has xanthan gum included for structure.
  • Spiced Up: For a cozy fall vibe, I stirred in some ground nutmeg and a pinch of cloves along with the cinnamon in the swirl.
  • Chocolate Lover’s Version: Adding mini chocolate chips to the batter makes this banana bread dangerously addictive — a total crowd-pleaser!

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan, then dust it with flour to keep the bread from sticking. While it warms, melt your butter and let it cool just a bit—this helps prevent scrambling your eggs when you mix everything together. I always like to mash my bananas with a fork until nicely smooth but still a little chunky; this makes for the best texture.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk that melted butter with sugar until combined, then beat in eggs and vanilla until smooth. Stir in flour and baking soda just until you don’t see any flour patches—don’t overmix! Finally, fold in your mashed bananas gently so the batter stays light and airy.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

In a small bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until thick and spreadable. If it feels too stiff to swirl, add a tablespoon more melted butter to loosen it up—but be careful not to thin it too much, or it won’t hold that pretty swirl in the loaf.

Step 4: Layer and Swirl Your Batter

This part is where the magic happens! Spread about a quarter of your batter evenly into the pan, then dollop a quarter of the cinnamon sugar on top. Use a table knife or the back of a wooden spoon to swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter. Repeat layering and swirling two more times, saving half your remaining batter and cinnamon sugar for the final layers. Once you’ve spread the last batter on top, generously dollop the rest of the cinnamon sugar and swirl it through the entire loaf. Then place six thin slices of banana down the center for a beautiful finishing touch.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop the loaf pan onto a baking sheet (this helps catch any drips) and bake in the center of your preheated oven for about 60 to 70 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, tent the loaf loosely with foil to prevent burning while the middle continues to bake through. Patience here truly pays off!

Step 6: Cool Before Slicing

Let your banana bread cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes—this helps it set so it won’t crumble when you slice. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting in. I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but trust me, waiting means the slices will hold together perfectly and every bite will be just right.

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Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe

  • Use Very Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better! Overripe bananas bring sweetness and moisture that really elevate the bread.
  • Don’t Overmix the Batter: To keep your bread tender, fold ingredients gently—overmixing activates gluten and can make the bread tough.
  • Swirl with Care: Use a gentle swirling motion to create an even marbled effect without blending the cinnamon sugar into the batter completely.
  • Check Oven Temperature: Invest in an oven thermometer to ensure your oven runs true—oven temps vary and can affect baking time and results.

How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe

Two slices of cinnamon swirl banana bread with brown and light beige swirls lie on a white plate with a leaf pattern, placed on a white marbled surface. Behind, a loaf of the same bread with visible banana slices on top sits on a white marble board, showing layers of dark cinnamon and light bread. To the left, there is a glass of milk with a striped straw, a glass salt shaker, and a small bowl containing butter cubes. Two silver forks rest beside the plate, and three cinnamon sticks are arranged on the marble surface to the right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread, banana bread with cinnamon swirl, easy banana bread recipe, moist banana bread, flavorful cinnamon banana bread

Garnishes

I love topping slices with a thin spread of butter or a smear of cream cheese for a tangy contrast. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra ground cinnamon or chopped nuts on top for that finishing touch. When serving to guests, a drizzle of honey or a dollop of Greek yogurt brings a fresh flavor that’s simply wonderful.

Side Dishes

This cinnamon swirl banana bread pairs beautifully with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea. I also enjoy serving it alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad for a well-rounded brunch spread. It’s surprisingly versatile—think breakfast, snack time, or even dessert!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve sliced this bread into small cubes and threaded them on skewers with berries for a fun kabob-style presentation. Another favorite is layering slices with cream cheese and fresh banana for mini banana cinnamon bread sandwiches—perfect for kids’ parties or casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the bread has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. I usually store mine in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness, which works like a charm.

Freezing

When I make a big batch, I slice the banana bread and freeze portions individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil. It freezes beautifully for up to three months, making a wonderful treat that’s easy to pull out anytime. Just thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, I reheat slices in the toaster oven or microwave for 15-20 seconds. If you want that gorgeous texture, warming them in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 5-7 minutes works miracles, keeping the bread soft but slightly crisp on top.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen bananas for this Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe?

    Absolutely! Frozen bananas work perfectly, just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing. This helps prevent the batter from getting too wet and ensures your bread retains a good texture.

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

    You can substitute light brown sugar or even use all granulated sugar—though dark brown sugar adds a richer, deeper flavor thanks to its molasses content. If using granulated sugar, the swirl will be slightly less moist and flavorful but still delicious.

  3. How do I know when the banana bread is done baking?

    The best way is to insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. Also, the top should be golden brown and spring back lightly when pressed.

  4. Can I make this Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe dairy-free?

    Yes! Swap the butter for a dairy-free substitute like coconut oil or a plant-based margarine. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still tasty. Just be sure to use melted oil-based replacements to keep the batter consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe has truly become my go-to whenever I have bananas on the brink of becoming too ripe. I love how the cinnamon swirl adds a little surprise in every bite and makes the bread feel a little more special than your average banana loaf. It’s easy, comforting, and always welcomed by everyone I share it with. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—once you do, I bet it’ll be a regular in your kitchen too!

Print
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Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 111 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 70 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 mins
  • Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

This Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread is a moist and flavorful treat featuring ripe bananas combined with a rich cinnamon sugar swirl layered throughout the loaf. Perfectly spiced and beautifully marbled, this bread is ideal for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, delivering warm cinnamon notes paired with natural banana sweetness in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Batter:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 and 1/2 cups mashed ripe banana (about 4 bananas)

Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 6 thin slices of ripe banana, for garnishing

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure the bread doesn’t stick, then set it aside.
  2. Mix Batter: In a large bowl, melt the butter and allow it to cool slightly. Whisk in the granulated sugar until combined, then add the eggs and vanilla extract. Stir in the all-purpose flour and baking soda until just mixed, and gently fold in the mashed ripe bananas, taking care not to overmix.
  3. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, and ground cinnamon using a fork until thick and fully blended. If the mixture is too thick to swirl easily, add an extra tablespoon of melted butter to loosen it slightly without making it too runny.
  4. Layer Batter and Swirl: Spread 1/4 of the batter (approximately 1 cup) evenly into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan. Dollop 1/4 of the cinnamon sugar mixture (about 1 tablespoon) over the batter and swirl it through with a table knife or the bottom of a wooden spoon.
  5. Add Second Layer: Spoon 1/3 of the remaining batter (around 1 cup) evenly over the first layer and swirl with 1/3 of the remaining cinnamon sugar (about 1 tablespoon) in the same way.
  6. Add Third Layer: Spread half of the remaining batter (about 1 cup) evenly on top of the previous layer and swirl with half of the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture (approximately 1 tablespoon).
  7. Finish Layering and Garnish: Spread the remaining batter evenly across the top of the loaf, then dollop the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture and create large swirls throughout the batter for a beautiful marbled effect. Arrange six thin slices of banana down the center of the loaf as garnish.
  8. Bake: Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet on the middle rack of your oven. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly before the center cooks through, loosely cover it with foil and continue baking until done.
  9. Cool: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice.

Notes

  • Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
  • Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense bread texture.
  • If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, you can increase the cinnamon in the swirl to 3 tablespoons.
  • Ensure the swirl mixture is thick enough to hold shape; too thin and it will spread rather than swirl beautifully.
  • Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean slices and better texture.
  • Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/10th of loaf)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

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